A few days ago, Dad was transferred to an inpatient physical therapy clinic here in Lincoln. He'll undergo a minimum of three hours of occupational and physical therapy every day, where he'll learn, among other things, to cook, shower and use stairs with his new body.
There's no telling how long he'll be there--each patient learns at their own pace, but doctors say he's already ahead of the curve. (Remember that whole walking-the-day-after-surgery thing? Go Dad!) As hard as it is to know that my dad has to "live" in a hospital setting for an unknown amount of time, my family and I feel confident he's in the right place.
Prior to his relocation, my mom and I toured a few different clinics, acting as eyes and ears for my dad. For confidentiality purposes, I wont name where he's at, but I can tell you this facility offers a small, intimate, home-like setting. Each patient has their own room, but communal dining is encouraged. The idea is for patients to build strong relationships with each other, and share in all daily triumphs, not just their own. Mom and I loved that and walked away with really positive vibes. Things only got better the day we checked Dad in.
In addition to 'round-the-clock nursing care, we learned Dad will also get a little help from a new friend. Her name is Maya, and she's the therapy dog who visits the clinic two times each week. Dad has already taken quite a liking to her, and said he's looking forward to seeing her again on Friday.
There's no telling how long he'll be there--each patient learns at their own pace, but doctors say he's already ahead of the curve. (Remember that whole walking-the-day-after-surgery thing? Go Dad!) As hard as it is to know that my dad has to "live" in a hospital setting for an unknown amount of time, my family and I feel confident he's in the right place.
Prior to his relocation, my mom and I toured a few different clinics, acting as eyes and ears for my dad. For confidentiality purposes, I wont name where he's at, but I can tell you this facility offers a small, intimate, home-like setting. Each patient has their own room, but communal dining is encouraged. The idea is for patients to build strong relationships with each other, and share in all daily triumphs, not just their own. Mom and I loved that and walked away with really positive vibes. Things only got better the day we checked Dad in.
In addition to 'round-the-clock nursing care, we learned Dad will also get a little help from a new friend. Her name is Maya, and she's the therapy dog who visits the clinic two times each week. Dad has already taken quite a liking to her, and said he's looking forward to seeing her again on Friday.
Maya, the therapy dog, greeted Dad just hours after he checked into in-patient physical therapy clinic.
Dad mentioned to one of the nurses that he's Catholic, and that same day, the clinic priest made a special visit to Dad's room. I love this guy! He explained that he sees his role as someone who guides patients spiritually and mentally. During daily visits, he will offer a blessing, communion, three jokes and a riddle. Laugh all you want. I know it sounds silly, but after he told his jokes and introduced the riddle, we were all so grateful for the humor and mental stimulation. Staring at four walls for hours on end can get really boring, really fast.
And that's not all. I'm back in Maryland now--which means I'm 1,500 miles away. Dad and I have always communicated primarily via phone calls, but for something like this, I decided that isn't good enough. So, Cliff and I got Dad his very own laptop. We've taught him about gmail, youtube, and instant messaging. Most importantly, we taught him how to video chat! It was a lot for him to take in in just 24 hours, but he learned quickly!
And that's not all. I'm back in Maryland now--which means I'm 1,500 miles away. Dad and I have always communicated primarily via phone calls, but for something like this, I decided that isn't good enough. So, Cliff and I got Dad his very own laptop. We've taught him about gmail, youtube, and instant messaging. Most importantly, we taught him how to video chat! It was a lot for him to take in in just 24 hours, but he learned quickly!
Dad officially entered the 21st Century!
All in all, Dad is taking this really well. In fact, I think he's taking this the best out of all of us. As stressful as the process has been, its a relief to know that my dad is upbeat and looking ahead months and years down the road. He's mentioned more than once that he's ready to play a little golf :) I have a feeling Dad's going to be home before we know it!
Friend in Nebraska, my dad has politely requested that he not have visitors during his time at the in-patient physical therapy. He wants to stay completely focused on meeting his goals and healing as quickly as possible. Those who have his cell can reach him there. Since PT is in the morning, the window between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. is best. Otherwise, please feel free to leave comments and messages below. I am happy to pass on any well wishes or other tidbits you'd like to offer. Thanks, everyone, for your patience, understanding, love and support.
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