Changes changes changes

Some recent changes for our family. About two months ago it had gotten past the point where mom could handle dad on her own. Even with the 35 hours of in home care they qualify for it was far to much as he tends to stay up late and tries to do things on his own. It wasn't safe for her to be trying to handle him. He was having major hallucinations and wanting to leave the apt at odd hours. We had a big family meeting and with heavy hearts decided it was time to start looking for some other care. We were told it could take months, so we started a new schedule to relieve Mom of pretty much all the work. Between Myself, Angie, Johnathan and Efrem (caregiver) one of us was there to put dad to bed at a reasonable hour every night and get him up in the morning, dressed ready, fed and on the bus to spend the day at providence elder place. This worked out perfectly, however not a long term solution considering it is getting harder and harder to care for him. Not to mention it didn't allow for any of us to have a child/ parent relationship, or for mom to have a husband/wife relationship.

About a month into the new schedule I received a call from our social worker at providence. She informed me that a spot had opened at an amazing house and I should get the family to take a tour. The home was located in magnolia and generally does not have openings for Providence patients. Dad would have to have a roommate because of this,  but it was hands down the best possible option she would ever have for us. Anyway we went to view the house and it was pretty crazy/emotional as we pulled up. The house is literally a block from the house dad grew up in on viewmont. It was pretty overwhelming to say the least, but certainly feels like grandma June, grandpa Al and mama Marcy  are making sure dad is well taken care of.

We spent the last month waiting for dad to be approved. He officially moved in yesterday. He has a great roommate named Adam who just turned 64 on the 10th.  We were all pretty concerned as dad wasn't very happy about this decision we had made, and was in denial until the last second!

Anyway long story short I wanted to let you know I had a great morning with him. I got there around 10:30, he and Adam were watching tv together in their room and dad was super happy to see me. It was fairly nice out so we went on an hour and a half walk around the neighborhood. We stood outside his old house for about 10 mins and talked about how grandpa used to take such pride in his yard and always had the trees pruned to perfection. We tried to find the "witches" house that grandma and grandpa used to walk all of us kids by! Dad pointed out all the houses his friends lived in and had stories about them all. It's such a beautiful neighborhood and we all feel very lucky that this is where he is now living. Most likely he will be picked up and spend the weekends with mom at the apartment, but Monday through Friday he'll be in magnolia.



He said that he had had a great first nights sleep and that the food they serve is great! It is nice because there are only 6 people that live there, so he gets a good amount of attention and a much more home like feeling. Dad and Adam seem to be getting a long great. The biggest challenge is that no one can hear dad...but I am sure they will figure it out! :)

If anyone is interested in visiting him its extremely easy, they just ask that you call and give them a heads up. The home number is: 206-691-3490
Address: 4221 west armour street
                Seattle, wa 98199

It is a beautiful house with lots of quiet space where you can actually hear him!

Just wanted to pass on the info so you are all in the know. If you find yourself in the neighborhood he'd obviously love to see you.