Sustaining Elder Care – January 2025

Bad weather in Dallas caused my sisters to be unable to visit my dad for several days; it was a milestone for us. We were all glad that the assisted living staff had anticipated the travel challenges and adjusted so that they were never short-staffed. The residents could simply enjoy the snow (and ice) through the windows…without disruption of their usual routines.

This time of year, we are always a little concerned about winter ailments – colds, flu, etc. When we visit, we mask if we think we have been exposed to anything…and stay away if we are sick ourselves. Dad was not feeling well one morning – which always puts us on high alert - but seemed to bounce back later in the day; the vaccinations and his immune system seem to be helping him stay healthy.

The 300-piece puzzles are still something we do with him…and walking…and just sitting with him. He has never been a very talkative person and now he often seems to just want to sit in silence, enjoying the companionship of a visitor but not needing to talk.