Archive for August, 2009

Our care aide today had never met us before. After her shift, I walked her to the car, asking her opinion of Wayne’s disability and ability.

It was very interesting to hear her thoughts, guess I knew all the points she made but wonder sometimes if my eyes get fogged over, on purpose or otherwise:)

Laughed, the two walked our hilly neighborhood and she said he fairly flew up and down the hills while she panted alongside. Big blessing that he is so healthy physically except for the AD.

Chatty Crone asked about health care in Canada with regard to AD. So far, all tests (MRI’s etc.) have been covered in full by our provincial medical plan (it is mandatory to have coverage for each person in our province).

All medical visits have been covered and the specialist has not surcharged us, don’t know if he ever does to anyone else.

Medications are partially covered under a provincial plan. I have been paying $200. per month for another private plan but so much is rejected that I will cancel it.

If Wayne is admitted, the fee now is $900. per month for the nursing care home. One pays over and above, all prescription, over counter drugs, aides, hair cuts, toe nail cuts (not allowed to be done by regular staff), all clothing, etc.

I saw a sign indicating the care home would do a resident’s laundry – not sure if there is a charge. Personally, I intend to do his so it’s all ironed and also, no mix up of clothing in the laundry.

A great TV is provided (in the room) but Wayne can no longer operate one. Each room has one bed so private accommodations. Each room has a very nice bathroom set up with shower. If the resident prefers a bath, there is a wonderful automatic tub where he can be bathed. (I’m told it’s $30,000.00 – it’s huge and lowers the patient gently into the water.

That’s all I can think of right now – ask away if you have questions. I may be able to answer:)

Please don’t feel so badly for us. Actually, we are doing quite well under the circumstances. I never post to upset readers – it started out as a journal and then became a diary of sorts. If I look back 2 months, I am surprised at the happenings for now it is our norm.

I have a friend with a disabled 11 year old daughter, physically unable to walk,etc. Her lot is so much worse than ours.

So, give me a virtual hug or kick in the pants if I get whiny – all is well!

I commented that the air conditioner had kicked in again – it’s set at 80 – it’s so smokey here due to 2 out of control wild fires.
Anyway, he asked, “We’re not going to stay here tonight are we. We’ll go there.” He was pointing to the dining room.
“No, we will sleep in our bed tonight.”
“Do we have a bed?”

Some days Wayne won’t eat or very, very little – maybe he’s sick of my cooking:) A recent discovery, he will eat at Tim Horton’s. Actually, it’s not too bad, I know their menu rather well now and have decided Caesar chicken is my fav.

It’s interesting in that he always requests coffee at Tim’s but any place else, it’s juice or pop. (He must associate the coffee/Tim thing)

We usually go at dusk to have something to do in the evening – plus, that’s after I have offered various selections from my menu, “Sir, we have very tender roast beef and all the trimmings, made specially for you by Chef Jean.”

Now he heads for “our” table and patiently waits while I order. Often all he wants is soup so I take an offering “to go” which he eats as soon as we are home.

Have I told you that I hate you AD? Many times.