Over the last year, Jim and I both have been increasingly challenged by dementia and lupus respectively. It's clear I cannot continue to care for Jim 24/7, not optimal for either of us. And, insufficient interaction for Jim who, these days, loves nothing better than chatting with others as often as possible. [Does anyone but for me remember the Jim who talked rarely but when he did he was brilliant?]
Happily, the solution is within our erstwhile back yard -- Rosener House Adult Day Care (https://www.penvol.org/rosenerhouse/) just five blocks from our former Yale Road home in Meno Park, and only 1.5 miles from Casita Nueva in Palo Alto.
Details are yet to be finalized but Jim will attend Rosener House, initially two or three times a week from 9am - 2:30pm to start, and we'll take it from there. When we toured earlier this week, Jim reacted positively to the many activities (art therapy, exercise, yoga, speech therapy, music activities, poetry circle, drama class) especially the music room. Wonder what he will make of the drumming circle?!
Geez, I could bang the hell out of a drum and not slowly.
Geez, I could bang the hell out of a drum and not slowly.
I'm glad you found a suitable place for Jim that he might enjoy and that you will be able to take care of yourself for a few hours each day, even if it only means sitting with Mr. Maggie in the garden shade, uninterrupted. I hope the transition goes smoothly for both of you. Much love to Casita Nueva and its denizens.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful development. I am so glad you are taking good care of yourself along with finding the mos peaceful way for Jim to spend his days in contentment. I hope there are good strategies for handling the moment if he has concerns about your leaving so it is minimally stressful for you both. Object constancy is something little children learn as they tolerate separations because they know that the parent(s) will return. I hope Jim retains his sense that you are always there for him.
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