The location of the bed to the recliner to the commode are all within less than 2 feet of each other.
I don't need to transport him far at all, simply lift, turn, and set down.
I been practicing at home with whatever I can find to fill the sling with to weigh up to 150 pounds.
I think the hardest part will be making sure I keep his head and feet clear when highering and lowering him.
I believe with a bit more time spent on physical therapy and working on his leg muscles, he may be able to stand at some point.
He wants to keep working out but they are only allocated 30 minutes 3 times a week. He is looking forward to coming home and doing his own therapy.
I have one of these that he was using every morning.
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He would go a mile everyday. He can kick his legs, lift his knees. He just can't put weight on them yet.
And after almost 6 weeks in rehab, that's not even 6 hours total of exercising those muscles.
He's been bed ridden since he entered the hospital back in December.
After the first two UTI's the hospital had him up and moving around. But after the stroke that hit him on the right side, they haven't done much at all. I watch them when he is in therapy. They are more concerned with his hand coordination than they are with him standing.
He has really bad arthritis in both his hands, so it's hard for him to grasp anything. That's not new, it's been that way for years.
But that's where their concentration was.
He would tell them he wanted to go to the parralel bars and try to stand and they would say, not today, next time.
Like they didn't want to even make an effort.
They are all young. Most of them still in their 20's. They don't have a clue what age feels like yet. They got books.
The other residents complain about the same thing.
I've gotten to know quite a few of them. I visit with everyone in the dining room during the day.
Some anticipating going home, others there for long term. Most of them don't seem to have family, or visitors.
That's hard.
Some have outlived their children and have no one.
I'm a fairly solitary person. I don't go out more than once a month to the local store to pick up a few items.
I don't hang out with anyone. Only calls I get is from my daughter once a week and the lawn guy looking for work.
I'm not much of a people person.
But since December I haven't hardly been home at all. I been spending most the daylight hours in the hospital or rehab.
I've met a lot of people. Heard a lot of stories. Prayed a lot of prayers, and even cried some tears.
I wish I had a magic wand..
But we all get old.
I just turned 59 on Friday. My mind thinks I'm still 20 but my body says forget that.
And I know a lot of these people have young minds too. But their bodies just won't do what they want them to do anymore.
It's been an experience. And I think when I can't take care of dad anymore, I will become a wandering visitor, just to check on people from time to time to see how they are doing. I know that opens the heart up to a lot of pain, I think that's why I naturally shy away from people.
It's hard losing people. Even when you know their in a better place, it doesn't make it any easier being the one left behind.
My daughter just lost her mother in law a week ago. And she is working on all the finalities. The legal issues, financial, burial.
And she's worried about grandpa, and I keep her updated.
It may not end up being easy. I can't see how it will be easy. But I have to try.
We had the talk some months before he went into the hospital about what happens if you get real sick dad?
He said he wanted to die at home. I said I would do the best I could to make that happen.
So whatever comfort I can provide I will.
I'm tired though, even thinking about it.
Thank you Rita,
I'm just glad he's coming home. And when the time comes, we both know he's going home.
Hugs
