New Routine
June 1, 2006 Friday afternoon- Things are shifting so fast around here it's hard to keep up on all the changes. After we moved our sleeping mat into Ben's office a couple of Sundays ago the Physical Therpist told us we could move back upstairs last friday- what a difference it makes sleeping in our own bed. Yippee!
Our COPES worker started last week- she's a family friend and an absolute dear - Ben and I are both thrilled. So already my life is changing. I've been getting to the Y and the big thing is I am able to start finishing up my novel which isn't that far from being done. I can't tell you what a difference those two things have made for my attitude.
Ben's amazing- he's so funny- I have to keep an eye on him but not nearly so much- today he was outside standing in the rain, peeing on the flowers- yesterday he was putting orange peals down the toilet- things like that. He's so cute and innocent- and so eager, most of the time, to learn.
He's doing so well he's graduating out of in-home care and we will start out-patient therapy at St Pete's next week. Can't wait- it will be more intense. The Physical Therpaist said he'll need that therapy the least. The Occupational Therapy will take over where the Speach Therapy leaves off. That also means we'll be able to get out more- when we had all the services in-house we were under doctor's orders to stay at home for most everything except doctor's appointments. Now we can get out and do stuff which will be good for all of us. No need for his walker or his wheelchair!
Ben's memory comes and goes. Sometimes it's like he's back to normal and then he'll throw in something about his being retired military and us owning a farm and the elevator that he's building in the garage.
Everyone says this must be when the less stressful part starts- in some ways it's true, in others it's not- the daily grind of living with a loved one who needs help 24/7 and who has little short term memory is challenging to say the least at times. At times it's sweet, funny and like watching a miracle. I try to keep a sense of humor and to not get too far out there in the future. But things keep changing- this morning Ben said he had no memory, after his nap he said he felt like he was back to his old self. Now he's down on himself for having no memory again.
He loves playing checkers and other games and is looking forward to playing pool soon.
The next big thing is his stress test for his heart- there's a possibilty that if his stress test isn't good that they will do the bypass sooner than later- we'll find out in a couple of weeks.
Thanks everyone- especially those that took the time to read my acount of what happened to Ben. We appreciate your support so much. Love B& B
Our COPES worker started last week- she's a family friend and an absolute dear - Ben and I are both thrilled. So already my life is changing. I've been getting to the Y and the big thing is I am able to start finishing up my novel which isn't that far from being done. I can't tell you what a difference those two things have made for my attitude.
Ben's amazing- he's so funny- I have to keep an eye on him but not nearly so much- today he was outside standing in the rain, peeing on the flowers- yesterday he was putting orange peals down the toilet- things like that. He's so cute and innocent- and so eager, most of the time, to learn.
He's doing so well he's graduating out of in-home care and we will start out-patient therapy at St Pete's next week. Can't wait- it will be more intense. The Physical Therpaist said he'll need that therapy the least. The Occupational Therapy will take over where the Speach Therapy leaves off. That also means we'll be able to get out more- when we had all the services in-house we were under doctor's orders to stay at home for most everything except doctor's appointments. Now we can get out and do stuff which will be good for all of us. No need for his walker or his wheelchair!
Ben's memory comes and goes. Sometimes it's like he's back to normal and then he'll throw in something about his being retired military and us owning a farm and the elevator that he's building in the garage.
Everyone says this must be when the less stressful part starts- in some ways it's true, in others it's not- the daily grind of living with a loved one who needs help 24/7 and who has little short term memory is challenging to say the least at times. At times it's sweet, funny and like watching a miracle. I try to keep a sense of humor and to not get too far out there in the future. But things keep changing- this morning Ben said he had no memory, after his nap he said he felt like he was back to his old self. Now he's down on himself for having no memory again.
He loves playing checkers and other games and is looking forward to playing pool soon.
The next big thing is his stress test for his heart- there's a possibilty that if his stress test isn't good that they will do the bypass sooner than later- we'll find out in a couple of weeks.
Thanks everyone- especially those that took the time to read my acount of what happened to Ben. We appreciate your support so much. Love B& B
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