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.