 |
 |
Camilla wrote in part << Peter and I are now pretty well settled in at our new retirement community--still under construction all around us---but it will take a while longer for the lovely "cottage" to really feel like home >> Camilla, Glad you made your move successfully. We are currently packing the house with the wonderful help of our children who have taken vacation time to come help and to hold our hands when they pack and load the van. We were fortunate our house sold quickly (sooner than I thought) for an exceptional price. It's been hard on Ted ..... it's hard to give up so much, especially his beloved saw that was used to make much furniture, doll houses, etc. However, it went to Habitat for Humanity and that eased it a bit for it launches the saw onto a new "career" of helping people. We will be going to Rochester, Minnesota to be near our daughter since I could no longer keep it up without one of them near. Our son-in-law will drive us. We found a "rental" in an independent senior living community that offers enough support for now. The apartment is lovely, three bedrooms with a large master bedroom for us "giants" (he's 6'5" and I'm 5-11). We have to take eight meals apiece per month and can take more at a reasonable price, if desired. Ted will be able to use his electric wheel chair to get around with a little independence and will have an emergency "button". The place does offer programs, exercise and other support if needed. The lack of independence has been so hard for him to swallow and they have a bus that can take him and wheel chair to senior center, the "subway" in downtown Rochester which gives protected access to many, many stores, library, etc. I know the Mayo clinic is good, but it is so big and the beaurocracy is trememdous. Can't get a get acquainted appointment until April, even though we've been there before and they have info on us. Must go through gate-keeper doctor to get the other specialists and, in the meantime, even the best of doctors don't all understand Parkinson's. Our daughter did get an excellent recommendation for the gate-keeper doctor from a friend of hers who is not taking new patients and is making an exception. I wish I could push "fast forward" and be there. I've not wanted to go because of the cold weather, but now that it's decided I can't wait. I hope your "cottage" is like home by now. We had looked at a place with a "cottage" arrangement, but you had to have dinners in their place and it was a distance in the bad weather to get there so we didn't go that route, though we were temped. Virginia Christiansen [log in to unmask] White Plains, New York