Oct. 7
As usual, I am miles behind. Walked over to see dad before he went to the horse races; got him already, then sat with him outside while we waited for the buses to pick the group up. His companion Don was taking him; they are to have lunch there and return by dinner. I gave him some toonies to bet with and told him I hoped he would win big! I don't know if my dad has ever been to the races and what he will think but at least it's an outing and change of scene.

Oct. 9
Today was the seniors Thanksgiving service at church. I had arranged that I would meet the group at the home and go over with them on the bus. As it turned out, my meeting went on longer than anticipated so I called the home to tell them I would meet them at the church. I arrive at the church...no dad. Apparently his floor was not told I would meet them at the church; dad was very belligerent and no-one could get him to do anything, so they left him behind. I jogged back to the home, found dad in the hall, bundled him up and jogged back with him in his wheelchair to the church. We made it in time.

It was a lovely service as usual; dad drifted off a bit. Afterwards we had tea and cookies and each senior was given a handmade lap blanket. They continue to be so kind.

Since it was such a lovely day, I suggested to dad I push him back instead of taking the bus. So we were strolling along, taking our time when dad said it was taking awfully long to return. I told him we were in no rush; he then informed me he had to s.... so off we tore. Didn't quite make it, bit of a mess.

Tonight was ethnic dinner night, which turned out to be Swiss Chalet (Canadian ethnic??) Dad has always adored Swiss Chalet so I told him I would take him down to the recreation room where these dinners are held. He plowed through the chips and I cut up small pieces of chicken for him. He said he had had enough until I produced the pumpkin pie which he proceeded to hoover. There was quite a group of us, so lots of laughter and chat for the caregivers.

Oct. 15
As a result of dad's physical in August, I finally was able to arrange a swallowing assessment so we could see how much he was aspirating and how his muscles are working. I arrived about noon as he was finishing his lunch with Norman. The Wheeltrans was late by 30 minutes so we went straight to the X-ray department, where the speech pathologist asked me the background questions. This test was quick..dad had to swallow various foods and liquids; all were recorded on video.

He definitely is aspirating thin liquids into his lungs, the probable cause of his pneumonia last spring. So he really should not have anything unthickened, even though he loves coffee. Apparently I can buy thickener at the hospital which I will; so we will try it in coffee. (For more info on the swallowing test, see Health/ Daily Living link) We had to wait again for the bus, so this trip took 4.5 hours.

Oct. 23
Went to see dad before leaving on a trip. It is now quite cool out; I bundled him up and took him out but it was too cold so we came back in and sat with other residents and caregivers in a circle by the window in the foyer, chatting. Dad dozed off. I took him up for a shave and a chat; told him again where I was going, how long I'd be away. He told me he needed something to do to occupy his time; I told him I would think it over and try and come up with something. But I had to leave...so I wheeled him into the hall next to the nurses desk and said goodbye. He started to cry but I couldn't look back or I knew I'd never be able to leave.

Had my flu shot a few days ago; don't want to be resonsible for taking any bugs into the home!