Update on Dad

Dad is still in a rehab facility where: 1) he has absolutely no idea why he is there and 2) thinks his children have institutionalized him. He can sorta walk. His cognition is questionable. I mean, he knows me and he can wax poetic about how he was stationed in Tukey, but he isn't sure what year it is or what year he was born. So, there's that. 

Plus, as of today, because of covid protocols, now nobody can visit him now inside the facility. So, it seems cruel to drag an 84 year old man outside in 100 degrees to talk to him about whether or not he did his exercises and how the facility always gives him coffee instead of iced tea (they don't). Not having visitors will not be good for his mental acuity, which isn't that great anyway.

There have been appointments with doctors, social workers and insurance folks. We have talked to everyone from the occupational therapist to the speech therapist and a few other therapist types. We've called his cardiologist and his general practitioner for guidance. Some of the information has been useful, some has made us throw up our hands in despair. There have been trips to the medical supply place and a few modifications to his furniture and bathroom that Dad will be less than thrilled to discover. For anyone who has gone through this level of crap, you know what I mean. For those who haven't, may you continue to be blessed. 

My father wants to go back to his house, sit in his chair, watch Judge Judy and the news. He wants to pet his cat and go to breakfast at his favorite restaurant. He doesn't want to do anything else. The facility is suggesting he go to a group home. Well, he can do all of the above except breakfast at his favorite restaurant and pet his cat in a group home, but be less happy. Why bother? 

We realize there are many limitations to Dad going home. My brother--though he will deny this--may have possibly disconnected the battery in Dad's car. If he needs to, he will also flatten the tires. Dad has no business driving. Dad needs assistance with medications, cooking and a other aspects of his living. He has a roommate who is willing to take on some of this (including driving) and we are working with the insurance company to take care of the rest. 

In the meantime, Dad is still in a rehab facility where: 1) he has absolutely no idea why he is there and 2) thinks his children have institutionalized him.