As mentioned before Mac seems to be on a fairly good plateau, by this I mean, during the day he is on target, knows where the various rooms are, where to put away items, and although he is unable to get his own clothes he knows what he needs. His conversation is fine and although he cannot follow the news anymore, he can if i break it down in small clumps. Evenings though are still where he has that sundown syndrome not every day, but most days, as tonight he stood in the bedroom looking at the bed as if he had never seen it before, and said, we go to bed here?
Since he still is a good person for jokes, and at times quick come backs, most people unless they already know, do not realize just how limited his memory is, and how much he is trying to fathom. Last night we had a couple over and although he now speaks slowly, and at times loses his words, he was able to communicate his thoughts and give us a couple of good laughs...but of course this is not always the case, at other times he can sit with his eyes closed and just drift away.
My main concern now is his physical condition, i've been a nervous wreck watching him go down stairs, or up, getting in and out of bed, or using the bathroom. So it was a rather neat surprise to get a grab bar from our handy man, apparently an acquaintance here in Chat was throwing out a brand new one still in it's container, he quickly spoke up to ask if he could give it to us.. She was happy to do so, it is neat and i think we will be able to use it in the downstairs bathroom. now we have two in the upstairs bath...one out on the balcony near the two steps...and one that will be put on the stairwell ...the only other concern in this is that his two arms ache and his strength to hang on is very poor.
One other postive note, we have a lovely new Social Worker, she actually keeps in touch and is following through on all the points we have discussed. i.e. seat with handbars for the upstairs toilet...a day out with others like mac...during the week, a trained man to come to help him with bathing, at first Mac protested, but when i said choose which do you want a man or woman, he said a man, this will help as i'm nervous for him getting in and out of the bath for a shower...a form for the doctor to sign for legal items...and probably a couple of other things i've forgotten but she has not..One of the things i love is she said to Mac after a few questions, which instead of using a paper and pen and doing it officially she acts as if she is genuinely interested and its part of a conversation...she looked up and said...Wow mac you have the bluest eyes...that although he hears it often and acts like,,,what the hell what do blue eyes have to do with anything....i could tell he was pleased, as was i when she looked at an old picture of Mac playing Lacrosse, and said, to me, 'hey, you hit the jackpot when you were young. And she is so right.
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