A Failure to Plan is a Plan to Fail

We are beginning transitional preparations for Daddy’s homecoming, still anticipated for next Tuesday, June 16.

Mom has done a bang-up job getting their home ready for Daddy's return. She coordinated the installation of accessibility ramps in the back yard, obtained all the needed and recommended equipment (wheel chair, walker, etc.), and had the stairway measured for a chair lift that will provide access to the second floor master bedroom and bathroom.

Since Daddy's ability to move improves every day she's refraining from making any additional modifications until we see what he can do come next week. Today, OT worked with mom and dad on transferring from the wheelchair to a bed and getting in and out of a sitting position. Apparently Daddy did all the hard work by himself taking only verbal and physical queues from the therapist. We are hopeful that he'll be able to walk short distances with a walker by the time he's discharged, which would allow him to access the bathrooms at home (narrow doors). Mom witnessed some promising efforts today:

Tomorrow Daddy's therapists are hosting a "family training day" for those that will help out in the coming months. Attendees will learn how to help him in and out of the car, up and down stairs, etc. I'm not sure the they anticipated TEN participants but surely they can accommodate. Daddy is just going to love all the fuss...

We are also researching outpatient rehabilitation facility options. We got an "unofficial" recommendation that Daddy receive outpatient therapy in all three disciplines (occupational, physical and speech) five days a week. Until he's able to voice a complaint, we'll send him to the facility that will provide the maximum amount of butt kicking. Hopefully that decision can be made this week so we're ready to hit the ground running once Daddy gets home. No rest for the weary!

In other news, Daddy got a little bit of a stomach bug yesterday but powered through all his therapy sessions and seemed to feel better today. He's now taking all medications previously administered through the feeding tube orally. Since he's completely weaned off the tube, the medical staff requested that it be removed before he is discharged. While the GI doctor originally said the tube would have to stay in a minimum of seven weeks we are hoping for an exception so that Daddy can go home PEG tube free. And the speech therapists are getting creative. Apparently Ms. K  bribed my father with pizza and barbecue sandwiches if he can successfully complete a flashcard exercise (she shows him pictures and he has to say what the object is). He got six out of ten correct today; I'm anticipating a breakthrough tomorrow.

Finally, this daughter is excited to be heading back to Oklahoma for Father's Day weekend and to see her Daddy GO HOME after 43 long, hard-fought days.

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