Today, I went to Ambert Court and finished all of the rest of the move from Apartment 801 to Mom and Dad's new apartments. I met with the staff along the way and had lots of little conversations with many caretakers and other residents who know them well. Everyone is wishing them well, and is hoping for the best in their new apartments. I heard reports that Dad was gleeful and emotional when he reunited with Mom, kissing her over and over :-) - so hopefully the good cheer will last and last, and things will improve going forward.
Dad was 33, Mom was 25! 1948...
When Dad visited Los Angeles he wanted to pay tribute to Marilyn!
Video shot on one of their trips to Wildwood Crest, they stopped off to do some grocery shopping to fill the fridge of their little apartment/hotel room they'd be staying in for the weekend. An ordinary few minutes, but very funny if you know them!
Dad's new apartment 405 is ready and waiting. He'll be decked out with all blue bedding and his favorite slider rocking chair waiting for him to plunk down in. The staff at Amber Court knows that Dad might have a harder time adjusting to the move, but they are all in coordination waiting to help Dad along in accepting his new apartment that is located on a different floor from Mom. They will see each other as much as they like, but will have separate places to receive care, rest and ultimately get a good night's sleep. We are all hopeful this will be the very best interim solution to help them both get the best care available.
On Friday (3/14/2009), I met with the wellness director and head administrator at Amber Court along with Mom and we had a nice long talk about how she would be moving to another apartment there at Amber Court. It's all good, and Mom is up for the move and ready for a new comfortable bed and routine. Mom understands that Dad is going to need some extra care, and to put it in her words "I could use a good night's sleep, plus Stanley needs the help and it's also good for me!" On Saturday 3/15/2009 I went to Ambert Court with Joaquin and we cleaned out all of the Mom and Dad's things in 801 and moved the essentials to 301 to get Mom started. She has all new "pink" bedding (which she loves) along with all the things that make her most comfy. We did all of this with some help from the staff to move the heaviest of the dressers, etc. Mom offered to donate clothes and kitchen wares that she is not using any more, and also gave Joaquin a few items, as well as whatever I was interested to take. There was a mini food-processor and a few dishes that I was able to use, so I grabbed them!
I learned that Dad will return to Amber Court on Tuesday 3/17/2009 will take a joy ride in a cool ambulance from Carrier Clinic near Princeton where he received some extra TLC and medicines to help stabilize his mood and state of mind. He was checked in there for a total of nearly two weeks but has now been deemed mentally fit enough to return to Amber Court. He will be moving to a new apartment on a floor where he can have a higher level of direct care. Mildred will be close by, but also in her own apartment where she will also get a higher level of assistance for her daily needs.