After the virus

I was apprehensive in going to see Dianna after such a long period of lock down. Yes, I had seen her by going to her window and the staff were kind enough to place her at the window so we could see each other. I did this twice. The first time she looked good, smiling and seemed glad to see me. The second time not so good; Dianna seemed to be in agony, gas
ping for breath and rolling her head from side to side. Yes, she recognized me and didn't want me to leave. I only stayed at the window for a short time.There isn't much one can do in these circumstances. I was depressed over this visit. That was about a week before the Lodge was reopened to visitors.

Tuesday's visit was a+. She was glad to see me; we had some tears and she held on to my hand for the whole time. She chatted aimlessly and showed many signed of happiness. Yes she was fine she said (when Dianna can't find the words she somehow manages to communicate) and no, she hadn't gotten sick. This was great news as so many of the residents and staff did go down with the virus. As one who has had it I wouldn't wish it in anybody.

I went to see Dianna on the Wednesday. I surprised her as I went early. She was in the dining area finishing her breakfast. No one else was there. I found out later she had had a bath and was delayed in getting to the table. Dianna loves the bath. Sometimes she is resistant to getting into the tub but not today.

She was in her wheelchair and fully dressed. Dianna often resists the caregivers when they wake her and try to wash her, dress her and get her into her chair. I am told this is not uncommon with Alzheimer's patients. But today was a good day for her. No such resistant.

She was surprised and pleased to see me. I had brought two Starbucks capochinoes which she liked (Di loves Starbucks (even though she can't taste it). We chatted and I was surprised at how articulate she was (Di has lost her ability to communicate with words except on these rare occasions.

In a word, Dianna was"up".

On the Thursday when I went in tho see her she was in her wheelchair in her room, head bent down as if she was sleeping. My first thought was "oh no, she is not having a good day" but I got her going by moving her around in the chair. As always Di seemed glad to see me and pretty soon she was "jibber jabbing"; my way of saying she is talking but it is difficult to understand what she is on about and facial expressions help. For instance, a laugh tells one she has said something funny so you laugh along with her...and the conversation carries on with me saying "yes Dianna or no Dianna". For the most part it seems to work.

I stayed with her through her lunch. The nurse brought me a lunch as well. I can't eat my lunch and feed Dianna as well so I combine the lunches and share it with her.

I forgot to mention that on the Tuesday I brought some cut flowers in for Dianna and a dozen roses for the staff. Over the three day period staff would thank me for the roses and my comment ( You are appreciated). Quite surprised they would be so pleased and it reinforces how important these small gestures of recognition are to people.

Below are some pics I took of Dianna during these visits.