Monday Update

August 25, 2008
By Judy

Today was another moving day, but this one was a move to a lot more independence! First, Doreen and Judy made the trip in her Honda. Nurse Sally wheeled her to the car and helped her into the passenger seat. Everyone said goodbyes. The seat belts were fastened, and Doreen held a small jar of flowers in her hands during the whole trip (almost half an hour).

After arriving at Covington Manor, a nurse from Covington Manor transferred her to a wheelchair again, and Doreen entered the rehab center. This center feels much less like a hospital and more like a place to work and socialize. The therapy room was full of people working hard on large and small muscles. When Judy left at lunchtime, residents were seated (many in wheelchairs) around square tables, waiting for their meals to be served.

The meals come on trays, but the staff serves the food to the residents like in a restaurant. Doreen’s concern was whether someone would help her eat. The lunch attendant assured her she would get help. It appears, though, that the participants are expected to do as much as they can for themselves. Apparently Doreen was expected to transport herself to and from meals. That is great exercise, but she may need to have a little more supervision at this point. At supper she had spilled some tea on herself. When she got back to her room, she fell from her wheelchair as she tried to change her pants. She didn’t get hurt, but the procedures will be a little more supervised for a while!

Doreen is in a semi-private room, but she does not have a roommate at this point. Visitors are welcome, but it would be good to coordinate and make sure that there are not too many visitors at once. And some of the visit may consist of watching therapy sessions, because much of her day will be spent in that way. Meals are at 8, 12, and 6.

Over the next couple of days, Carl’s younger brother Dick and wife Barbara will be visiting, so that will another fun distraction and also a reminder about the motivations for the work. Next weekend many families will be together for Labor Day and wishing Daniel a good send-off to Manchester College.