We’re sorry for the delay in updating but someone has kept us on our toes for the last week and change. 😉

We are happy to report that Pop is back at Hammond Home for The Aged! (Serving Human and Doggo elders)

We noticed that after a couple of weeks of initial progress at Woodbine, Pop was starting to decline drastically - both physically and mentally.  While the staff were caring and kind - he needed more attention and interaction - and was not responding well to the environment and seemingly was slowly shutting down. We really weren’t sure what to expect - but made the decision to bring him home (rather than waiting for insurance or facility to discharge) in the hopes that we could slow the disease progression.

Keith flew up from GA, just a little over a month since his tummy tuck (colon cancer surgery), to help spring Pop. What a wonderful surprise - and how special to see the energy boost that Keith’s brief but impactful visit provided. 

We are happy to report that Pop has surpassed expectations since settling back into home. Hard to believe he had been away all but a few days since his first fall on New Years Eve (but thankfully doesn’t realize just how long that was).  Pop is eager to spend his time in his favorite reclining chair, snacking or sleeping, and occasionally catching some TV. Most notably he  surprised us by playing the piano yesterday!?  (It has been many months since he last played) 

Here at Hammond Home we believe in sunshine and fresh air so we got all the residents out for an afternoon stroll on a gorgeous spring day.  Pop surprised us again by asking for his walker, and not the wheelchair!?! (No joke - he was so mad when we tried to get him to walk at Woodbine that he threw the walker down and demanded we bring him a wheelchair)  All the elders enjoyed their respective stroll-shuffles.  We’re thinking we should turn this into a regular parade - everyone bring your kazoos, drums and flags?! 

Unfortunately, cognitive decline continues, as do some of the personality changes, but such is part of the dementia.  There are a lot of daily challenges as we work out our new normal, as Pop now needs 24/7 supervision and assistance. That said, we are thankful Pop is responding so well to being home and we’re working through different home health options and adjustments to the house to facilitate aging in place/anticipated care. 

As before, we are thankful for all the support and prayers! We are also grateful to everyone who’s shared their own experiences and offered empathy and resources.  We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again - we are so blessed by our extended family. Make sure to give a wave if you see the Hammond Home parade 😉❤️

TOP: Enjoying fresh air after a spring shuffle-stroll

BOTTOM: First weekend home