I know it has been a long time since the last up-date, but I was hoping for more progress in Reed's recovery.  On the 19th Reed transferred from the rehab facility to a skilled nursing facility next door.  He will still receive rehab, but at a less intense rate.  The reason for the transfer is connected to insurance and his ability to recover function.  He has improved his abilities in most areas, but is still very dependent in most areas; he still is not able to transfer himself.  The ability to transfer is a key ability as far as determining the ability for him to live independently. Naturally, the situation is depressing and it has negatively affected his motivation. 

This last stroke affected his ability to speak, making it more difficult.  Being that it is more difficult for him to speak, he usually chooses not to speak, although he seems to understand most of what is being said.  Assessing his level of understanding is difficult because he is not speaking much. His short term memory has been further affected by the stroke.  Although he is usually recognizing the people that are visiting him, he often is not remembering that people recently visited.  Greg, his son drove up from San Antonio last week and spent a couple days with him.  When Paige, his granddaughter, asked him (yesterday) if he enjoyed visiting with Greg, Reed said Greg had not visited him.  His initial stay in the skilled nursing is for 20 days. 

The visitation policy in the new place allows up two people  to visit him inside his room and up to four outside and in specific areas. 

We hope he can continue to get stronger, so he can reach the point where he can transfer himself and live as independently as possible.

It pains me to write a dismal report, but Reed's recovery and cognition is slower and worse than it was after the first stroke. 

I look forward to writing a more positive report in the future.        

-Aaron