A Special Day with Mum & Dad

On the morning after my lovely choir Christmas party, I drove Mum & Dad back down to Phillip Island. We took it slowly, stopping in Tooradin for morning tea and arriving at about noon.  At 2pm, we had a meeting with Paul, the psychologist and Carlie, the case worker. This was the first time that I had had a chance to meet these two people who are being so incredibly helpful to both Mum & Dad.

The next day, today, we went shopping and I bought them a nice new outdoor furniture set for Christmas, to go on their front porch.  Then we went out to lunch at Harry's in Cowes.











After lunch we went to Grossard Court, the aged care facility in Cowes where we had arranged for Dad to have four days' respite.  It was really lovely that they were having their Christmas party at the time we arrived and everyone was having lots of fun.  Mum & Dad knew about five or six residents of Grossard Court, because they used to live at the Penguin Resort where Mum & Dad are.  So, they were welcomed with open arms by familiar faces.

After the party, we went for a little walk around Grossard Court, so Dad could become familiar with the place.

... in the garden ...

... along the hallways ...

... in the residents' galley, where he can do some of his own cooking ...

... and in the pretty little court yard.

Dad started to get a little weary - not surprising after everything we had done!  So, we settled him into his room, which has its own full ensuite.  He unpacked his case, took off his shoes and lay back on the bed ready for a nap.  We kissed him goodbye and Mum promised she'd be back on Friday for a visit, with Muffy.

Dad's room.

Then Mum and I went back home to their lovely house, where the outdoor furniture was delivered about 20 minutes after we arrived.  We poured a couple of bourbies and sat out on the porch for a well-deserved Happy Hour!
















Mum was OK, although she had very mixed feelings about leaving Dad at Grossard Court - including some guilt.  But, she really does need the rest from having to monitor Dad 24/7 and I hope that she allows herself plenty of time to rest and recover before she goes back to pick him up on Sunday.