Trip Delay

On Wednesday, David's dad took a fall in his home.  Fortunately, David was there and was able - somehow- to help his father get up.  Dad is frail and no longer has much strength at all so he can't help himself when he falls.  On top of that, of course, is the pain of the fall and the shock to the system. 

 

One thing that wasn't shocked was Dad's indomitable spirit (which is imbued with more than a fair share of obstinacy).  He refused point blank to receive any medical care saying it wasn't necessary.  One would think that D could simply cart his father off to a medical facility, have him checked out, and take care of him that way.  Not so.  Dad is an immovable object when he puts his mind to it - which is most of the time.  The only left for D to do was use the fall as an excuse to bring a male nurse in who had been allowed to make one (only one) visit earlier this year.  The nurse will check  on Dad every day and do light chores for him - at least while we're away.

 

Anyway, not unexpectedly, we received a phone call from the nurse Thursday morning.  Dad was staying in bed having decided he could not safely negotiate the stairs.  The nurse had made him a good breakfast and taken care of other issues but hadn't been allowed to check Dad over at all.  Dad was also refusing to be taken to the hospital for help so the nurse called David.  The three of them had a conversation at the end of which David told his father that he (David) would agree to let Dad stay quietly at home for 24 hours (nurse was leaving non-perishable food  and drink upstairs for him, neighbor would look in at night time).  BUT if Dad is not significantly better this morning, he would have to be taken to the hospital with no fighting this morning.

 

Last night's call from the neighbor indicated that Dad will be going to the hospital this morning.

 

Caring for an aging parent is so hard especially when that parent is mentally completely sharp and competent but the body is failing.  As you all know, it's very difficult for the "child" to force unwanted decisions/realities on a parent.

 

Our trip will be delayed for as long as it takes to make sure Dad is being properly treated and cared for and is on the road to being comfortable again.  And until David can relax and feel his father is safe.