Last Friday we met a physical therapist who came to our home to assess my Dad’s balance and stability. My father decided that despite still getting over the cold/flu thang, he should rise in a typical Eric-like way.
First, the PT asked if he could get up from his couch without using his arms. My father immediately got up and down from his seated position about 1700 times to show how easy it was for him. I was silently shouting “no, no, not typical” in my head.
Then…when asked if he could easily get up if he fell….wait for it….my father leaped to his feet and proceeded to fall (yes in a safe, if not amazingly stunt man like fashion) and then stood up without using his arms to push on the ground or steady himself on the coffee table.
You see my problem right?
He stood on one leg for over 30 seconds but did complain that it was harder on the other leg. um…..yeah….okay…..sure…..that’s how it is for everyone!
He showed the PT how he uses his weights. He claims to do it every day but did finally confess that perhaps only on the days I write it onto his white board.
He eschewed the need for any railings at his bed since he can get up and down 1700 times without any assistance. AACK!
But he did agree to get railings for around his toilet so YAY!
OH then the PT asks if he’s had any recent falls…to which my father merrily says that he fell off his bicycle last summer. The PT’s head swivels totally around and says “you still ride a bicycle”? “Oh yes” says Dad….even though this summer, he’s only ridden once or twice.
Upshot on this one? PT says he’s high functioning physically and no need for him to return unless something changes. AACK!
Well, I didn’t help really either. I showed him the printed out photos of balance exercises, breathing exercises, etc that Dad does either with me or our helper gal. Silly me.
Ah yes, helper gal! On Thursday last, we did our meet and greet with the owner of a company that we can use for direct billing which (between you, me and the cupboard) is infinitely superior to using AHS/Bayshore. Get your case worker to agree and you’re off to the races people.
And the bear you ask? Well, this is something relatively new. Dad keeps telling this story over and over. (for about the past year) He is convinced that he came upon a bear who was standing on his hind legs…here…in our west end neighborhood. I know. It’s pretty much totally impossible. But wait, there’s more! He also claims that he advanced toward it and scared it away. hmmm…. At first, I tried correcting him. Then, I just raised eyebrows and looked at him skeptically. Now, I just smile and think “bear be gone!”.
Wallet is found (!) but where it was/went, nobody knows…..it had a little adventure without any of us knowing about it!
