John Sherris

Friends and Family:  

I've set up this site to keep you informed of Dad's   situation following his fall on May 12.  To recap, he fell while walking his dog and badly broke two vertebrae in his neck.      Obviously, this is a serious injury for anyone, and a  big challenge for a 99 year old...    Dad was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he received great care from  quite a team of   providers -   ER doctors, neurosurgeons, cardiologists, geriatricians, nurses, social workers, and more.  Surgery was not a feasible option and he now has been fitted with a special neck support device that he will need to wear  at all times for the foreseeable future.     

Today, after the hospital thoroughly checked him out, he moved to  the Mirabella Retirement Community's skilled nursing  facility, where he will get 24 hour care , PT,   OT, and a range of other support as we all get a clearer idea of what kind of help he needs now and in the future.  We have experience with Mirabella as  Peter's   dad was there until he passed away in 2014, and his stepmother still lives there.   It was by far the best skilled nursing option in the Seattle area, and we are grateful they were able to provide a nice  private room when we needed it.   The downside of any facility at the moment is that visitors are not allowed, but we are  hoping to have a regular aid spend time with  Dad, and to get some electronic  options operating so he  can "see" friends and family remotely.

Our  overall goal is to get  Dad back home.  We are hopeful that his time in Mirabella will clarify what he needs , so that we can set up  necessary support at home  and he can return.  I'll keep you informed every few days  on how he's doing...

If you'd like to contact Dad, feel free to send him a card  at Mirabella (116 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, room 224).   He probably will be able to answer his cell phone  in a few days ; I'll let you know when that is an option.

Thanks for your friendship and support.

Jackie