I never would have thought.

There are no guarantees in life.

My brother Donald has lived alone in a council flat for many years. His main health issues are Type 2 Diabetes and mobility impairment. Personal Carers would attend to Donald twice daily to put on his compression stockings in the morning and the remove them early evening. Donald did have reoccuring Cellulitis in his legs, when that happened a nurse would visit to apply dressings and bandages.

Even though Donald had health issues and was receiving services which also included weekly domestic help he was able to keep his independence. Donald would go out 2 – 3 times a week, walk to the bus stop with the aid of his wheelie walker , travel by bus to Westfield for medical appointments, groceries, lunch at a Cafe and sometimes a pint a the pub. Donald enjoyed good food and did his own cooking. Donald would enjoy going on solo holidays usually to celebrate his birthday.

December 2022 Donald then 71 years of age had a fall at home. He couldn’t stand up so he managed to drag himself along the floor to the other side of the room so he could activate his emergency alarm. The Ambulance came and so the Fire Brigade. Donald was transported to the local public hospital. Donald was admitted and remained in hospital for one month. X-rays and Ultrasounds were carried out. Donald has not been able to describe what his diagnosis is except to say he cannot stand and no surgery would happen. The Orthopaedic Team decided Donald could never return to his flat.

Six months ago Donald was admitted into a Rest Home and Hospital. The facility specialises in dementia. Our mother lived there for 5 years until she passed on.

Donald is permanently in the hospital in a single room. Donald seems to be settling in to his new environment. The carers use a hoist to transfer Donald from recliner to bath chair to wheelchair. At his flat Donald always slept in his recliner and chosen to do the same at the hospital.

Donald does not have dementia, may have mild cognitive impairment but that is questionable because he has always been nervous which consequently affects his delivery of speech.

Unfortunately I am not able to physically help Donald because I live in another country. I do plan to try and get there one day, meanwhile we do have regular phone contact. Donald’s younger brother Alistair helps out when he can, pushes Donald in the wheelchair to the local shops and also picks up some luxurious such as chips and cola.

Losing your independence is a traumatic thing to happen. Donald is doing his best to try and have some control of his life.

Sorry for this rather long post. I myself have been lacking energy and motivation since my two strokes. While I can I go to a Muscle Up Group for Seniors once a week. I have also joined a fortnightly writing group for Seniors.

Have a fantastic day my WordPress Friends.