Monday: As I began to tell you, last week hit suddenly: the moving truck arrived from Florida and I spent a good amount of time pushing, pulling, fishing through, unwrapping, organizing, a load of boxes that were filled with fragile items wrapped like paper mummies. A few boxes ended up at my house and there are still a couple that must be gone through at my mother’s. The place shaped up and despite all the attempts of the movers for seniors to plan the layout, nothing materialized as they envisioned it. The contents are all there: it’s a bit crowded … Continue reading →

Learning to listen   Blog-world denizens, I don’t know where to begin so please indulge me in a little cathartic airing-out of my grievances. We all have our way of looking at things, our perceptions shape our reality. No two realities are the same.   Yes, this post is part of the series about my mother. It continues where we left off with the potential for everyone to live happily-ever-after, for me to have some stress and pressure removed, for my mother to live close-by and accessible. The aide is a live-in has to be fed, we must feed her … Continue reading →

  Just when I thought things were calming down, falling into place, today happened. If you recall, I was having issues with Verizon. That story begins here.  I am still having issues with Verizon even after having contacted the Public Service Commission. Even after the Public Service commission filed a complaint and Verizon corporate called from the escalation department. Even after someone promised me a call-back days ago. My second phone line is still in limbo, can’t get any incoming calls, not sure of outgoing functioning. My primary phone line is giving callers a weird message stating that the service … Continue reading →

The search is over. The decision has been made. This afternoon I delivered the security deposit on the apartment that will be my mother’s sometime this summer. As much as I loved the place in the Bronx and the wonderful people there, I know that this is the correct choice. It is so similar, with a wonderful, friendly and caring staff. And the best thing is that not only is it in New York City but a short drive away; that makes such a difference. Now loose ends must be tied up: doctor visits, packing, shipping, the question of bringing … Continue reading →

Make that: all roads lead to a nursing home. Today I packed a large wheelie-bag with folders; they included my notes and information on the following: Important phone numbers; Research on legal matters, residences, Medicaid, moving, social services, my union; Accounting: statements and notations; The Department of Veterans’ Affairs; A folder from one of the residences visited; Four folders of the latest bank statements; Law notes from the phone conference with the elder lawyer in Florida; Copies of certificates for the Veterans’ Administration; A resident’s handbook for my mother’s current residence; stock statements; Long term care statements, notes, correspondences; Health … Continue reading →

The search continues for an appropriate place for my mother. When I came home today I found a message on the answering machine from the Hospice nurse who stated and then repeated that my mother was “doing great.” Obviously she has improved notably, and the nurse was impressed with the progress made from the occupational and physical therapy. Well, that’s good news. The nurse also doesn’t think my mother will qualify for the Hospice program much longer; I assume an evaluation will soon be made. It’s been three long months of uncertainty and now it appears things are on the … Continue reading →