[Since Janis’s placement in care in August, 2014, I have kept family and friends apprised of her circumstances. This email project has made it possible to keep folks updated, and keeps me in touch. This is a recent email. I don’t fuss much with grammar, etc. so these emails are often pretty off-the-cuff and quickly proofed before sending. This is a recent sample.]
UPDATE ON JANIS – DURING CORONA – FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Apparently, I have been remiss in keeping up to date. I want everyone to know that they can check the blog, but l also haven’t been keeping that up very well. I am back to normal, whatever that means, and trying to catch up.
As of today: I just spoke with my favorite CNA (she loves Janis and gives her a lot of attention when she is on duty), Kate is a single mom with a little girl I’ve met also, when she has come to work with her mom. She’s the same age as Brinley, 4 yo, Maya’s daughter, her birthday is in the same month and year. I’ve called the Unit a few times since Corona broke out. The entire building 3 floors, has been in lock-down, no visitors allowed since March 9th. Janis’s Unit is on the 3rd floor. The rest of the building is made up of traditional Nursing Home Residents and a Rehab Unit. For those of you who have not yet heard my praises for this place: I have only good words to speak of this building, the staff, and especially Janis’s Unit. During Janis’s time in Palliative Care on this Unit last Fall, we were given a private room, on the same Unit with the same staff, and great caring from additional staff of the Hospice folks. This room came with room service throughout the day! I was permitted to live with Janis, meals included. (I even got to raid the frig at night for ice cream for Janis and myself ) on the Unit 24/7 for the entire time, (1 whole month!) until Hospice Care had her returned to her own room. That’s a story in it’s own.
Back to today: The Unit is clear of any signs of the virus. Every precaution is being followed. And Janis is in good spirits. Kate spent some time on the phone with me, and described Janis as in a good mood, she had just finished her lunch and will be down for a nap around 2 pm, and up for dinner around 4:30 – she gave Kate a kiss on the cheek when she was caring for her in the morning, and broke into a big smile (I’ve seen Janis with Kate, they really have a connection, but this is what this amazing staff is like. They connect to their residents. It is heartwarming, and so comfortable for me to know that she is loved and cared for by them). Tomorrow morning, Kate is on duty again, with my favorite RN, Julie, in charge. This team is exceptional. Kate is arranging for me to talk to Janis (in her left ear where she has some limited hearing.) And starting Monday, the Activities Director, Shelley, is setting up a ZOOM program (?-don’t ask), so families can do video visits!!! What a place this is.
I can’t wait.
The good news is, that all is well. I have every confidence in the staff there, and I know some of you have met them as well, and agree. As for me, my kids have rallied and got me under their collective thumbs to be sure I don’t break any CDC rules for the elderly. I’m a lucky man. I have some great friends also. And Janis? Well, she is loved and cared for. I keep close tabs, and when I call the Unit they know me by first name, all 3 shifts. (Kate calls me ‘Bob-bo’). Janis taught me how to schmooze. She’s in good hands. I’m going from this email right to the blog. (It may include a copy of this email to sum up business, updating, and what these Update Emails are about.) But, I miss her.
As always, if anyone wants to talk with me about Janis, (my favorite subject), you can reach me at my new number.
Love, Bob~ (aka Dad),
Face Book ~ Maine novels by Robert Chapman
www.robertwchapman.com
robertchapmanblog.wordpress.com
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