Mum and Dad. (copy)

While we were away on holiday my Mum was finally moved on to the continuous care ward. It is a separate building from the main hospital. It is called Victoria Court and is kind of round the back of the hospital. In the car it is a couple of minutes, but unfortunately for my Dad who has to walk most days from the bus stop, it is about 15 minutes walk. This means he is adding on half an hour to his afternoon.

We don't really think that Mum is aware that she is somewhere different although in her more lucid moments she has said that it is quiet. So, who knows, maybe she does know. She seems to have settled in OK, although she has only been there just over a week so it is early days yet. The plan is that she will be there for a year and then she will be reviewed by the NHS board again. She will also be monitored and reviewed throughout the year.

The place itself is much nicer than the hospital ward where she was. It has carpeted corridors and lots of pictures, little things like that which give it a more homely feel rather than an institution. It has very nice gardens too which we are able to take Mum out to weather permitting. They have special spongy stuff on the ground like childrens play grounds so hopefully if anyone falls they won't hurt themselves. Mum has a room of her own which is very large and has lovely views over the field's. Sadly of course she will never actually notice that for herself.

My Dad was quite upset when they finally moved her. I think he was worrying about how it may affect her. He knew that she seemed to be happy recently where she was and was having a relatively good spell. Also after 8 months, he knew and trusted all the staff. Hopefully he will accept that this is for the best.

His own health is still far from good, he still has shingles which are giving him a lot of pain and his knee is continuing to play up. He has an appointment next Monday to see the skin specialist to find out the results of his biopsy and see what they are going to do. Fingers crossed.

The photo is another one from the same set in 2000 and shows my sister Julie, me, Mum and Dad.