On September 7th Emily was admitted to the emergency room due to a urinary tract infection that was affecting her ability to think clearly and contributed to a fall that injured her back. She then spent several nights in St. Mary's hospital before returning back to the assisted living center at Charter House on Monday the 12th.

Two of her vertebrae suffered compression fractures from her fall. She is fortunately not in much pain despite the fact that there is not much that can be done to facilitate the healing of her back. She is still able to walk with her walker but gets tired very easily and out of breath.

She and the rest of us want her to be able to continue to live in her homey room in assisted living while also continuing to be safe and comfortable. Therefore we all together in conversations with her made the decision to begin hospice care for her.

She could continue for quite some time in her current health condition while in hospice, but nobody knows for sure. But the important thing right now is that she can stay put in her familiar surroundings with familiar people and take comfort in the fact that she will not be rushed to the hospital again in the future nor forced into an intensive care situation.

She does enjoy visitors in moderation. If anyone would like to visit please first contact one of us (her kids) to try to schedule it at a good time and keep in mind that visits are best kept brief.