Had to call the paramedics again this morning as his legs just buckled when I got him up to the walker. He didn't fall--I was able to ease him [oh, my back!] to the carpet, avoiding any furniture. He was quite charming with the paramedics [there were four of them] and even making little jokes. I had mentioned that he has a dental appointment this morning. When they were leaving, they asked, 'Is there anything more we can do for you?', he quipped, 'You can take my dental appointment'. Of course, after they had left, he was back to his scowling self.

So sorry Pat. I remember when that used to happen to my dad. It is so scary for everyone. I hope he can continue to be mobile a while longer. Lynn

Pat,
Glad it was an easy fall and no damage , but please do take care with your back in the future!

Well, Irene, you know how it is---they are falling and you catch them, guiding their dead weight to the floor so as to avoid injury. You do it instinctively.

Actually Leone the children were real as mum looks after as many as 6 children under 5 on any given day. She is a real life super nanny! And doesn't look like slowing down anytime soon. I spoke to her last night and she seemed to have softened towards dad. The fact that she cares how he is looked after at the ALF has never been an issue and when she called the other day to check in on how he was and all she got was some RN who would only say that dad "was stable" and that was all she could get out of her she went higher to get a more detailed report on his condition and complained that she didn't appreciate being told that dad was "stable" over and over again. She is coming up on Tuesday to take him to his physio appointment as the ALF forgot to take him to his last appointment which only involved them taking him across the street to the clinic! The kids and I are going to the Xmas dinner this afternoon so I hope it is a happy time. My husband unfortunately may have to work late so will make the most of it. My thoughts are with you Leone. Hugs.

Will he let you put a gait belt on him? That way if he falls you have better control of him and consequently yourself. I know LO's often refuse them. Del has thought I was trying to tie him up. If he only knew!!! Nan

Yes Pat,
We do it instinctively but aren't you the same lady that was questioning me just a few weeks ago if my caregiving was in part the cause for my recent health issues? LOL!

Yes and the question is still a valid one. I don't deny that I have already injured my body [not to mention my mind and spirit] in this endeavor. I often wonder if people wish they had done things differently, like placed their LO instead of caring for them at home. Heaven knows, I don't want someone having to take care of me!!!

It is indeed a valid question! I can't say I wished I had done it differently , in fact I probably wouldn't have but that's just me as a person. I think each case is different but the outcome is always the same!

Nan: Re the gait belt. Yes, I have one I will be using it and putting him into the w/c in the morning rather that trying to use the walker. Too unpredictable.

Leone, I always thought that 'water closet' was just wc, rather than w/c with the slash.

Thanks for bringing a little humor and education to my day! Since I am a watercolor painter and teacher, I use w/c to mean that. I'm glad Derek is neither in the toilet nor in the watercolor. A wheelchair is a much better choice! Lynn