I'm going to try to post regularly on this blog to help the family keep up on Dad's/Grandpa's life. It's hard to keep everyone up to date with so many of us in so many places. If anyone has ideas or expertise to offer, feel free to share it.
Over the last week, Dad (and Kay) have visited each of his three doctors. He saw Sandria at the VA in South Bend for a regular check up. She was concerned about an elevated level of one blood test. Dad has a sore on the end of his nose that she predicted was cancer, so she recommended he see his Buchanan doctor, Dr. Parke to have that removed. On Thursday, he saw Dr. Parke. He didn't seemed concerned about the results of the blood test and wants to wait a couple weeks to take another look at the spot on the nose. On Friday he had an appointment with his urologist, Dr. Bannow, for a shot that keeps his PSA # low.
Kay attended a Caregivers conference at Holy Cross College last week and found it to be helpful. She got to have lunch that day with one of her former bosses, who was a presenter. I stayed home from school to care for Dad that day.
Dad does best when he follows a routine. We have a dry erase board up in his living room which lists things he will want to remember for that day. His usual outings are going to Meijer, Dollar Store, MacDonald's, or Church. His favorite weekday shows are The Lone Ranger and Lassie. On Saturday evening he enjoys watching Lawrence Welk. There isn't much he can do outside anymore, but his plan is to try some woodworking again this summer. We are a little concerned about that thought.
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I remember when we used to watch Lawrence Welk on Saturdays. I was real good at the pop with my finger in my mouth against my cheek, and I still am. Mom said I would stretch my cheek out of place.
ReplyDeleteIf all the guards are in place on Dad's power tools it should be safe for him to use them, otherwise you can pick out new power tools with good safeguards. Someone can even help him, and he can show them how to use the tools.
I make lists on paper in my clip boards and that helps keep me focused on what I'm doing. Sometimes I make a list for a day, and it takes me a week to get it done.
If his shop were moved into the breezeway it would be easier to keep an eye on Dad.
ReplyDeleteThe day's agenda listed on the board has been a big help. If Kay has to leave at all during the day, she writes that on his list so he remind himself.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that makes us nervous is that neither of us is particularly skilled at power tool usage. However, I think the idea of using the breezeway as a workshop may come in handy.