Journal entry by Carol Buckingham —
John took Mom to her follow-up appointment with her regular doctor yesterday. It was the first time he had seen her since everything happened and he was pretty blown away by how well she was doing. Basically said it was a miracle with the oxygen loss she suffered that she could regain so much and be so much like the Judy she was before all this happened. I saw a lot of determination from Mom from day one to recover and get back, so I would say that is a big part of the progress that has been made.
She will continue PT to rebuild strength and work on how to deal with areas that may not be working normally. She also needs to get a gastrointestinal consult to work on her swallowing issues. I know she would dearly love to eat normal food again. The restricted diet is no fun.
Being in assisted living is hard. Difficult adjustment for Dad, to be in a new and unfamiliar place. Which creates a lot of questions that my Mom has to deal with. And even if it is the best place in the world, it isn't home. But it is the best place for them for now. They were in quarantine for the first 3 days, which meant they couldn't leave their rooms at all. Now that that is done they are able to get out and move around the facility, and talk to other people and do some activities they have there. I told my Mom this morning that being able to do that is more than most of us are able to do right now. So the restrictions, while hard, gives them a space that is safe enough for them to have those things.
Their address is:
Highgate
5605 West Chestnut Avenue
Yakima, WA 98908
I am not sure of their room numbers, but the facility is small enough that if you send something without it I am sure it will get to them.
Carol
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