Friday, September 13, 2013

Move # 2

I've just returned after a long 3 days away. I was moving my mother for the second time in the space of two months.  You might remember I moved her from one facility to another in early July.  At that time there was no room available on the ground floor which she had requested.  Parts of the ground floor were closed to residents due to flooding and it has taken two months for all the repair work to be done.  So this week was the 2nd move and I'm glad it's done. 

I found the move from one floor to another to be more difficult than moving from one facility to another. Even though I was better rested this time, the move was still a chore.

The temperatures were still very hot at over 30 degrees celsius so that made errands and moving rather draining.  Thankfully the residence has fairly good air conditioning. Even at that it was even too warm indoors at times.  Just imagine what it would be like without air conditioning!

I spent the first day moving from one floor to another and unpacking and putting most of the clothing and personal items away.  The next day I concentrated on arranging things according to mother's specifications; hanging more photos and making lists of everything that needed to be purchased.  Today was devoted to a Care Conference with all the staff, completing a number of forms and settling financial accounts as well as following up on medical supplies which are still outstanding.

The good news is that I had more thinking time to complete forms, make enquiries, make phone calls, meet people, tour more of the facility, make lists and purchase things for mom.  I also had a bit of time for my own personal business and got to take mom for a very short walk.  We didn't stay too long outside due to the excessive heat. 

It is always difficult to leave mom because I cannot visit her as often as I would like.  But it is also good to get home. The facility was having a special event tonight so it made it easier to say goodbye  knowing that she had something to occupy her mind tonight before sleep. I hope to visit her again in about 6 weeks.

Sunset on the freeway to Vancouver

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Have a great weekend!

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fabulous shot.

eileeninmd said...

Lovely sky shot. I hope your Mom enjoys her new place. Have a happy weekend!

Joy said...

I really feel for you and your Mother going through these changes and upheavals and wish you both the very best. It can't be an easy situation either, when your visits have to be restricted and you feel bad about the separation. So long as she's happy in her new abode, that's the main thing. Keep smiling!
That is a beautiful sunset pic - you did well to capture it!
Joy x

Andrea Agillon said...

God bless you and your mother, it really is difficult to be old. But that sunset is so awesome, it alleviates some pain away!

Ercotravels said...

Interesting writeup with beautiful sky shot. my new post has been updated which covering the seven wonders of India, I hope you know about its through my new post..

Kay L. Davies said...

Okay, more guessing here. I went back and back and back through your blog posts (several of which I'd missed) and couldn't find out if you'd said where Fraser Health put your mom. Am guessing from the photo it must be 'way 'way out in the valley, and not easy for you to reach.
More and more I can't believe how fortunate we were to have first Dad and then Mom two months later get rooms at a care facility in our old neighborhood in White Rock. The facility's doctor actually asked us if we were related to the premier, we were so lucky.
I'm sure sorry to read it was such a strain on you getting your mom moved from one floor to the other. And I know you won't get to see her as often as you'd like. I only got to see my mom when I'd fly out to the coast every 6 to 8 weeks, but my brothers and sister are still in the South Surrey area, so were able to go often. The boys in particular were just great about it. When I went out, I'd stay on site for a week, and be available morning, afternoon and evening, and friends would come to visit, too.
Yes, I'm very grateful we were exceptions to the rule, because we were told Fraser Health would send people wherever they had space, from Chilliwack to Horseshoe Bay.
I hope you are doing as well as possible yourself.
Luv, K

Joanne Noragon said...

Moving is a chore no matter what. Lifting, toting, schlepping. I hope you have mom all settled in forever.

Joyful said...

I mistakenly (stupidly) thought it would be easy, lol. Anyway it is done. She is set up as well as we can at this point. Next time hopefully we can just have a real visit. That is what we both miss.

Joyful said...

Hi Kay, no it was the Fraser Valley Health Authority we are dealing with. By the way, I think they got rid of the awful rule about sending people wherever they had space. It is cruel to do this in my opinion. On the other hand it probably increases the waiting time for people who want/need to go into a care home. I'm so glad for your family that everything worked out so well. That makes things a lot less stressful for everyone. I'm home now and resting. I always stay up too late when I get home. I like to cocoon. Have a wonderful weekend. xx

Joyful said...

Thank you Allen for your visit and your kind comment. I tried to visit you but can't find a blog. Let me know where to find you.

Joyful said...

Yes, Joy it is a difficult situation but we try to make the best of it. Mom loves to see her family and she has been incredibly strong about it all. It helps if they have good staff and lots of activities. Thanks for visiting Joy. x

Joyful said...

Thank you Eileen. Happy weekend to you too.

Joyful said...

Thank you Lady Fi. I love that name "Lady Fi". Have a great weekend.

Joyful said...

I will be sure to visit your new post. Thanks for your visit!

Margie said...

That is a gorgeous photo and I wish your mom all the best.
You are a good daughter :)

Joyful said...

Thank you for your visit and your sweet comment. I'm now your follower ;-)

Denise said...

Very beautiful.

Sally in WA said...

Beautiful sunset capture. Its not easy taking care of elderly parents, and I hope you are able to visit your mom again soon.

Saucy Siciliana said...

That is so good of you to take care of your mother, not many people do nowadays. I wish her all the best. I'm glad you're feeling better from the sore throat. I am just getting over a bad cold and sore throat too, it's more than a week that I haven't gone out. Take care Joyful!

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Beautiful photograph.

Jan said...

Glad to hear the move is done. Hopefully your Mum will feel happier and be able to get about in her wheelchair on the ground floor. Is the weather ok for her to still get outside at the moment? Hope so. xx

Misty said...

Nice photograph. :) Thanks for stopping by my blog. Sounds like you have a lot on your hands with taking care of your mother and you do it with love.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I'm glad you saw that beautiful sky after a stressful trip. I remember when my mom was at that stage and it is a hard time.

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