Learning the ropes

Hey everyone! Took mom to Rehab this morning and we went to dad's therapy and I was able to begin "learning the ropes" a little. I assisted his physical therapist with his basic exercises and sitting balance and then when he was ready to go to lunch, I helped transfer him from the exercise table to his wheelchair. I actually did the main supporting and lifting part with the therapist spotting me in the back - after three lift and moves - we got him right into his chair! Dad seemed happy that this stage of us learning to care for him has begun. Dad's overall mental and cognitive thinking seemed better today. He was still a little quiet and soft spoken, but for the most part he was rational with his logic of things. His therapist said he had stood dad up several times to his feet and that his balance was much better today than yesterday. He had a pretty swell morning in therapy.

Over the next week and half, me and my siblings will be spending time with dad during rehab hours to practice these transfers and learn basic care of him for his tentative discharge plan of December 24th. We have a lot to learn between now and then and a lot of work to do to our house to get it ready for dad - whew - pray for us to get it all done with the holidays right in the middle of everything too! If we are unable to handle dad's transfers from chair to bed and bathroom hygiene maneuvering, we would be forced to place him in the local skilled nursing/rehab facility on the 24th and we really really really want to try to bring him home - pray for our strength and quick learning of how to be dad's new 24 hour care team!