This didn't start out being a happy day for Dad. His physical therapist came in this morning to explain to him that there would be no therapy today or tomorrow since he was being moved to the 3rd floor. He was visibly surprised and disappointed to find out that he wasn't going home. I had some explaining to do, and he ended up conceding to remaining there. The first floor is acute care and the third floor is a skilled nursing center. The skilled nursing center is the next step in his recuperation/care. Even though Dad isn't thrilled to be there, he is getting consistent intensive therapy. Continuity of care is invaluable at this point in his recuperation.
So, Dad is now in room 310 at Reliant. On this floor and with his new schedule, the best visiting times will be between 3:00 and 7:00on on weekdays. I don't know yet what the weekend schedule will be like because he will have therapy on weekends too. We'll put that info in the blog as soon as we know. If you intend on visiting on Saturday or Sunday, you may want to call the room (512-244-4610) and ask Mom or whomever answers the phone the best time to visit that day.
Dad is the same man he was before the stroke, he just can't speak to us. When I am with him, I talk to him and treat him exactly like I would if he was at home in his recliner. He absolutely understands everything we say and is getting really good at finding ways to communicate with us. Stroke victims' brains get tired of "processing" and it is not unusual for them to avert their attention to take a break. What they are doing is allowing their brains to rest a little bit. Dad is very attentive when we're talking and then will look at the television for a while or simply close his eyes. So we have learned to tell him things in short spurts.
More about today...Danny and I got Dad moved and settled in his new digs. He has a nice view of a field across the street that has woods at its edge. Danny told Dad he would have to bring up some binoculars so that Dad could try to spot some deer. You should have seen the great big grin on Dad's face!!! He loved that idea!
This evening Robert (my son-in-law) brought my grandson Austin up to visit his Papaw! That brought a great big smile to Dad's face! Austin climbed right up in bed with Dad and said, "Papaw!! I love you Papaw!" Well, that made my Dad's day! Austin had brought a small bucket of toys and proceeded to show Papaw his trucks and trains! He would tell his Papaw off and on "I love you Papaw" and Dad would smile every time! Austin found a blue rubber ball that is for Dad to squeeze and exercise his hands. Without any warning Austin threw the ball pretty hard to Dad and at the same time said, "Here Papaw!" Dad reached up quickly with his left hand and caught the ball!!! Robert and I both had to pick our jaws up off the floor!!! There's nothing wrong with Dad's reflexes!!! Austin discovered his Papaw's wheel chair and said, "Grammaw, I need go for a ride in this!" He had great fun with me wheeling him around the hallway and then it was my turn for him to take me for a ride! That was interesting!!! It was wonderful having Austin there to entertain us!
After the little "energizer bunny" left, Dad and I watched NCIS together (one of his and Mom's favorite shows), he "talked" to Mom on the phone, and then I left about 8:30.
Thank you all for the cards and blog comments you have sent! Dad really enjoys hearing from you! And, again, thank you for all your prayers!
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