1 Christa and I travelled to Shaftesbury in the recently-bought Ford Fiesta, the first long journey for the car. Everything worked. The sun shone. We stopped at the service station on the M3. From there we continued non-stop to Castlehill.
2 We were greeted and recognised. When we arrived, Lilian was at the lunch table, asleep, her head to one side. She was carried by hoist, in a bundle, to a chair in the front room. C and I sat there with Lilian for the best part of an hour. We were served tea and biscuits, and we were greeted by the manager, Mac, when she turned up. We gathered that Lilian sleeps for much of the time. She is taken from her bed about 0700; she remains up, albeit asleep for some or much of the time, until about 1800. Shis is immobile. She has no bed-sores. Her hair is still as full as I remember it from last time. Her face is unwrinkled. Her legs are thin, perhaps thinner. She seemed at ease: no twisting, no turning, scarcely any sounds: no signs of distress. When next we visit, if the weather is as good as it was today, then it will be possible to sit with her in the garden.
3 She has been in Castlehill since 14 October 2002, seven and a half years.
4 Perhaps she could do with some new clothes. Trousers, perhaps, rather than a dress, as a guard against exposure when she is being moved.
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Sunday, 6 September 2009
You've got to listen closely
1 Yes, one has to, as I had too earlier this morning when I attended 0900 Mass in Forest Row. Cometh the homily cometh the weaving path. The Angry Young Man, Look Back in Anger, Jimmy Porter (and Richard Burton who played the part in the film), Algernon Swinburne, a passionate atheist (and with unusual sexual practices), an early version of Richard Dawkins, Jensenists, the Wee Frees, the danger of putting religion into God as opposed to putting God into religion - they were all to be found along the path. And did that path lead to a clear conclusion. Yes. God is love.
2 As I listened I thought of myself. Ah, I thought, I'm listening to myself. It can be entertaining to hear the speaker, to follow as the speaker leads the way along the winding trail; it can be illuminating; but a person has to listen, has to listen carefully.
2 As I listened I thought of myself. Ah, I thought, I'm listening to myself. It can be entertaining to hear the speaker, to follow as the speaker leads the way along the winding trail; it can be illuminating; but a person has to listen, has to listen carefully.
Locked in the corridor
05/09/2009
1 I left East Grinstead at 0915; I arrived at Castlehill at 1330. A long journey. Yet the Lady was not put out. She greeted me with her customary reserve. And she entertained me in the Garden room, where she sat in her wheeled chair and I sat more-or-less opposite her. We were in each other's company for an hour or more.
2 There was the occasional sign of recogntion, the occasional one; for the most part, she dozed; she said nothing. Did she recognise me? I can't tell. Her hair was still fresh; the skin on her face was still smooth. Her stockinged legs though were like sticks: they were straight at the sides, no roundnesses.
2 When the time came for me to leave, I wheeled her through the doorway into the corridor and then through a second door; ahead was a third. Ah. That door, locked, required a numerical code to open it; ah, I discovered that the door behind me, through which I had passed, also required a numeric code. Ah, there was no signal on my mobile telephone. The door to one of the resident's room was open; Elsie was in her room. Ah, she was amiable but was of little help.
3 I pulled the red-knobbed (rope) in her bathroom and waited for a response. Whilst waiting, a lively (late) middle-aged woman opened the door from the other side. I began to explain. She wanted to know whether I was a resident. Whilst we were talking, one of the staff arrived. Escape.
4 The member of staff, Sheila, and one who followed her, Helen, had known Lilian when she was living alone in Ashmore and they were carers. Lilian entered Castlehill in November 2002.
5 A good visit.
1 I left East Grinstead at 0915; I arrived at Castlehill at 1330. A long journey. Yet the Lady was not put out. She greeted me with her customary reserve. And she entertained me in the Garden room, where she sat in her wheeled chair and I sat more-or-less opposite her. We were in each other's company for an hour or more.
2 There was the occasional sign of recogntion, the occasional one; for the most part, she dozed; she said nothing. Did she recognise me? I can't tell. Her hair was still fresh; the skin on her face was still smooth. Her stockinged legs though were like sticks: they were straight at the sides, no roundnesses.
2 When the time came for me to leave, I wheeled her through the doorway into the corridor and then through a second door; ahead was a third. Ah. That door, locked, required a numerical code to open it; ah, I discovered that the door behind me, through which I had passed, also required a numeric code. Ah, there was no signal on my mobile telephone. The door to one of the resident's room was open; Elsie was in her room. Ah, she was amiable but was of little help.
3 I pulled the red-knobbed (rope) in her bathroom and waited for a response. Whilst waiting, a lively (late) middle-aged woman opened the door from the other side. I began to explain. She wanted to know whether I was a resident. Whilst we were talking, one of the staff arrived. Escape.
4 The member of staff, Sheila, and one who followed her, Helen, had known Lilian when she was living alone in Ashmore and they were carers. Lilian entered Castlehill in November 2002.
5 A good visit.
Monday, 9 March 2009
04/03/2009
1 After a GDWG meeting here, Christa and I drove to Shaftesbury. We had a snack in a nearby café (where a RAFA meeting was being held). A companionable place; we should go again.
2 There was a ready welcome at Castlehill. Lilian was sitting in a chair in the day-room (with others sitting in chairs around the room). She had had a hair-cut; her body seemed to be shrunken; Christa did not recognise her immediately.
3 The staff were helpful. A hoist was used to lift Lilian from the chair; she was then placed in a wheelchair, and she was moved to the dining-room. It seemed - it was evident - that Lilian has lost the use of her legs.
3.1 Whilst the movements were being accomplished, a young member of staff hovered. It turned out she was working for the first time in the Home. We chatted to the young woman (Sophie) later on.
4 We sat on either side of Lilian. A pot of tea, with biscuits, was delivered on a tray. The Lady continues to move her move - rather like chewing the cud - ceaselessly. She needed help with drinking tea and eating some cake. But she was neatly dressed. There was no sign of recognition. Whilst her skin was generally clear, her face was more blotchy.
5 As we sat in the dining-room so snow-flakes began to fall. There was thus a sense of urgency to the visit. We stayed with her for about 45 minutes. Then Christa pointed the car towards the east, and we sought to escape from the (following) snow. We had to take the Salisbury road (because the Warminister road had been closed). By Wilton, snow and clouds were past. We took the Amesbury road to the A303. A pleasant route. No longer than the usual one.
6 Our general impression was that the Lady is being well cared for. She seemed to be in quiet, good health for her age. She may have lost mental functions, she may be chair-bound, yet the body seemed to be doing its business.
1 After a GDWG meeting here, Christa and I drove to Shaftesbury. We had a snack in a nearby café (where a RAFA meeting was being held). A companionable place; we should go again.
2 There was a ready welcome at Castlehill. Lilian was sitting in a chair in the day-room (with others sitting in chairs around the room). She had had a hair-cut; her body seemed to be shrunken; Christa did not recognise her immediately.
3 The staff were helpful. A hoist was used to lift Lilian from the chair; she was then placed in a wheelchair, and she was moved to the dining-room. It seemed - it was evident - that Lilian has lost the use of her legs.
3.1 Whilst the movements were being accomplished, a young member of staff hovered. It turned out she was working for the first time in the Home. We chatted to the young woman (Sophie) later on.
4 We sat on either side of Lilian. A pot of tea, with biscuits, was delivered on a tray. The Lady continues to move her move - rather like chewing the cud - ceaselessly. She needed help with drinking tea and eating some cake. But she was neatly dressed. There was no sign of recognition. Whilst her skin was generally clear, her face was more blotchy.
5 As we sat in the dining-room so snow-flakes began to fall. There was thus a sense of urgency to the visit. We stayed with her for about 45 minutes. Then Christa pointed the car towards the east, and we sought to escape from the (following) snow. We had to take the Salisbury road (because the Warminister road had been closed). By Wilton, snow and clouds were past. We took the Amesbury road to the A303. A pleasant route. No longer than the usual one.
6 Our general impression was that the Lady is being well cared for. She seemed to be in quiet, good health for her age. She may have lost mental functions, she may be chair-bound, yet the body seemed to be doing its business.
Friday, 15 August 2008
Time in the sun
1 A slow, slow drive before and following the roundabout which leads to (i) the narrowing of the dual carriageway to one lane and (ii) to Stonehenge. We moved slowly. I sense that nothing has been done to widen the road nor will anything be done because any improvement would be part of a wider scheme of road-building round the monument. And there has been no agreement over the years (or, if there has been agreement there has been no endorsement by the government).
2 After a journey of over three hours we arrived at 1345 on the eve of her birthday. There will be flowers in her room, and the two cakes will be shared. She was wheeled into the garden where she sat between the two of us. We were given a pot of tea and some biscuits. Lilian tried one of the biscuits, and she also took a cup of tea to her mouth. She did leave most of the tea in the cup; on reflection, it was only to be expected that she did as she has been a coffee-drinker all her life.
3 Compared with my visit a month ago she was much more responsive. She raised her head and directed her gaze towards me when I called out. However, she didn't respond to any other names. When I put my hand in hers, she gripped my hand. She gripped with one hand and brought the other to lie on top of her hand and mine. She managed her cup of tea. So there is still life in her brain.
3.1 She didn't speak. She continued to chew continuously.
4 Her hair is still full and soft. Her skin is soft. Her hands were sufficiently warm, that is, they were not cold. However, C who had not seen her for three months was struck by the extent to which she has shrunk.
5 However, my sense remains of someone who is well cared-for.
6 The visit was a good one, The sun shone, and it warmed us all. We sat in the garden, talking, taking photographs, and drinking tea. It was good to see her, good to be in her company.
7 The next step is to transfer the photographs from the camera to this laptop.
Don
2 After a journey of over three hours we arrived at 1345 on the eve of her birthday. There will be flowers in her room, and the two cakes will be shared. She was wheeled into the garden where she sat between the two of us. We were given a pot of tea and some biscuits. Lilian tried one of the biscuits, and she also took a cup of tea to her mouth. She did leave most of the tea in the cup; on reflection, it was only to be expected that she did as she has been a coffee-drinker all her life.
3 Compared with my visit a month ago she was much more responsive. She raised her head and directed her gaze towards me when I called out
3.1 She didn't speak. She continued to chew continuously.
4 Her hair is still full and soft. Her skin is soft. Her hands were sufficiently warm, that is, they were not cold. However, C who had not seen her for three months was struck by the extent to which she has shrunk.
5 However, my sense remains of someone who is well cared-for.
6 The visit was a good one, The sun shone, and it warmed us all. We sat in the garden, talking, taking photographs, and drinking tea. It was good to see her, good to be in her company.
7 The next step is to transfer the photographs from the camera to this laptop.
Don
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
The lights were out
1 I visited yesterday, 15 July. I arrived about 1315, was invited to sit on a comfortable chair just inside the door, and was given a cup of tea. After a while, we meet in the snooze-room, a ground-floor room which contains an armchair, a fish-bowl, and a soft-armchair, low on the ground. I took a hard-back chair from the dining room and sat close to the lady as she sat, asleep for much of the time, in the armchair.
2 She looked comfortable. She was dressed. Her hair remains fresh-looking. Her skin remains soft to the touch. She did sleep for much of the time that I was with her. In any case, her head was down, her chin resting on her chest.
3 Alas, she was generally unresponsive. Twice she lifted her head when I called 'Lilian'. On both occasions, she looked directly at me, but there was no sign of recognition, either in her eyes or by the touch of her hand. When I held her hand, she did not respond. The palm didn't open, there was no grip in response to mine. Yet I heard that she had been in the garden during the Open Day last Saturday. I heard too that she was feeding herself.
4 My sense was of a gentle lady who, compared with previous visits, had withdrawn further from the world. She was comfortable. She was clean. She was well-dressed. But the lights were out.
5 Perhaps she is more responsive at other times. I wonder if she is more responsive, say, in the morning, before lunch. Perhaps she does recognise some members of the staff. Perhaps.
2 She looked comfortable. She was dressed. Her hair remains fresh-looking. Her skin remains soft to the touch. She did sleep for much of the time that I was with her. In any case, her head was down, her chin resting on her chest.
3 Alas, she was generally unresponsive. Twice she lifted her head when I called 'Lilian'. On both occasions, she looked directly at me, but there was no sign of recognition, either in her eyes or by the touch of her hand. When I held her hand, she did not respond. The palm didn't open, there was no grip in response to mine. Yet I heard that she had been in the garden during the Open Day last Saturday. I heard too that she was feeding herself.
4 My sense was of a gentle lady who, compared with previous visits, had withdrawn further from the world. She was comfortable. She was clean. She was well-dressed. But the lights were out.
5 Perhaps she is more responsive at other times. I wonder if she is more responsive, say, in the morning, before lunch. Perhaps she does recognise some members of the staff. Perhaps.
Monday, 5 May 2008
In bed
1 When I arrived about 1530 on 12 April, the lovely lady (TLL) was being put to bed. Whilst I waited, I was able to use the Snoozeroom - I have forgotten the actual term, a room which has been given over to relaxation. The user sits in a comfortable chair and watches a display of tranquil scenes on the wall. I also heard that the lady was still doing well, that she was still a pleasure to deal with.
2 The manager took me to the lady's room. She was in bed, looking quiet and comfortable. She looked at me, and she continued to look at me for the duration of my visit. However, there was no sign of recognition. I chatted to her in the customary way, that is, I held a one-sided conversation. I used the familiar names, including June, Terry, Graham, Ashmore, the shop, and so on. She listened, but she did not reply in any way.
3 I heard that she was doing well, that she was much as she had been on the previous visit (when, remember, she was 92 going on 91). She rose early. She joined the others in the day-room, and she had her lunch with the others. Then, sometime after lunch, she was sufficiently tired to warrant a return to her room and to bed.
4 Whilst I was there, I was able to feed her some soup. I also held a cup whilst she drank from it. I had a cup of tea for myself, and I also was given some sandwiches.
5 Once again, she was easy to visit. I was with her for about an hour and a half, during which time I alternated between talking to her and having a look at my newspaper. All the while, she remained alive to me.
6 I hope that she was aware of me, that she had some sense that I was visiting her, that I wanted to be in touch with her. I said Goodbye. I had no doubt that she was in good hands, in the hands of people who cherished her. I hope she realises that she is cherished.
2 The manager took me to the lady's room. She was in bed, looking quiet and comfortable. She looked at me, and she continued to look at me for the duration of my visit. However, there was no sign of recognition. I chatted to her in the customary way, that is, I held a one-sided conversation. I used the familiar names, including June, Terry, Graham, Ashmore, the shop, and so on. She listened, but she did not reply in any way.
3 I heard that she was doing well, that she was much as she had been on the previous visit (when, remember, she was 92 going on 91). She rose early. She joined the others in the day-room, and she had her lunch with the others. Then, sometime after lunch, she was sufficiently tired to warrant a return to her room and to bed.
4 Whilst I was there, I was able to feed her some soup. I also held a cup whilst she drank from it. I had a cup of tea for myself, and I also was given some sandwiches.
5 Once again, she was easy to visit. I was with her for about an hour and a half, during which time I alternated between talking to her and having a look at my newspaper. All the while, she remained alive to me.
6 I hope that she was aware of me, that she had some sense that I was visiting her, that I wanted to be in touch with her. I said Goodbye. I had no doubt that she was in good hands, in the hands of people who cherished her. I hope she realises that she is cherished.
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