Last Friday we were told by one of the doctors, that, because of the fact that Carol's pain had been got under control she would need to transfer to a new place of care. This came as something of a shock to both of us. They began the process of finding suitable accommodation and first they needed to get funding her her new care package, wherever it was likely to be. There was the option for her to return home, but we discussed this and it would be impossible for her to return home. The house is not suitable, she would need a bed in the lounge, which wouldn't work because of the size of the room as well as the fact that there is a large bookcase which would be in the way of the door which would prevent the use of a wheelchair, as well as steps in and out of the front door and the layout of the rooms would make access virtually impossible. She wouldn't be able to use the upstairs bedroom, because of mobility problems. So a suitable care home which could provide similar nursing care as Willen Hospice would be a better option. It seems Willen is only set up for short term care of around four to five weeks and she has been there for at least five weeks.
On Tuesday, when I got home from Willen, I got a telephone call from something called Continuing Care, telling me that they could fund Carol's transfer to a new care home, called Castlemead Court which is in Newport Pagnell. A lady at church had said that she would be willing to go with me to check out places for Carol, so we decided on visiting on Thursday morning, after which I would decide, in consultation with Carol, whether this place was suitable. Carol wasn't too pleased at the news of having to move away from Willen, understandably. A bit of s shock, basically because she's got used to being there as well as building up relationships with the nursing staff.
On Thursday I went to see Castlemead Court. I really liked the place. On arrival, I was met by a little dog, a bit like our Poppy, barking at me. Then, when we were shown upstairs to the unit on which Carol would be, there were two more dogs. They sniffed at me, obviously picking up Alfie's scent on my clothes. Then the two dogs followed me around as we were shown around the property. The individual rooms are spacious, a good deal larger than those at Willen. The place has a more homely feel, less institutionalised or like a hospital, which, basically, is what Willen is like, although it has a lovely calming atmosphere. So I decided that the place was suitable for Carol's needs, her care wouldn't change from what she is getting at Willen, along with all her medications as well as having a hospital bed.
On being taken back to the reception area, I was given a brochure and more details about Castlemead, with photographs and descriptions of the place, which I would give to Carol to look at when I visited on Friday morning. We discussed the move to Castlemead and she agreed that it would be a pleasant enough place to transfer to. One of the doctors came in and we discussed Castlemead and Carol's moving there and the doctor said that he would contact Continuing Care to start the ball rolling for Carol to transfer there from Willen.
(Wednesday) I took Alfie out for his morning walk (More like a gallop, as he hardly walks when let off his lead.). There was a slight drizzle as we got out into the road, and it seemed to get heavier the closer we got to the grassy area where I let him off his lead. So I had to make the decision to cut short the walk and not do the usual circuit of the park, cutting across the grass and back home along the path back up to our house.
(Thursday) Well, I know I keep repeating myself, but it really doesn't matter. It's because we follow a routine. Alfie didn't want to miss his walk, even though it was barely light when we ventured forth this morning. I did stick my head out the front door to see if it was raining. It wasn't. It rained during the night, because I could hear it rattling on the windows. We did our usual circuit of Eaglestone Park. I was determined that we did. Some 1513 steps, according to my step-counter. On the way round we saw a lady coming out of her house with a dog, I think it was a Basset hound, one of those low-slung dogs with droopy ears and a long tail and black and white. I'm thinking of the character of Fred Basset who has his own comic strip in, I think, the Daily Mail. What caught my eye was the fact that he had a string of blue Christmas lights around his collar! Very original and very clever. I have never seen this before. Must have been battery powered. I don't think the doggy was interested in being friends with Alfie, who almost always wants to say 'hello' to every dog, whatever its size or shape, that he encounters.
This morning (Friday), when I was visiting Carol at Willen, I got a telephone call on my mobile, from Continuing Care. It would appear that they hadn't been contacted about Carol's transfer to Castlemead, but I gave my consent for them to make arrangements for Carol's move, which, if all the paperwork gets sorted by the various departments, this should go ahead early next week.
No comments:
Post a Comment