I really wish Grandma E would move to assisted living. She lives with my aunt, but she can't drive any more and all her friends are about 40 minutes away. So she spends most of her days by herself and her hearing is so bad it's hard for her to carry on a phone conversation. Sometimes she goes into town and stays over night with people but it's not the same.

I think she'd have a great time at an assisted living back in Tally. She could go to her old church and I know she'd have lots of people to talk to.

But I don't think she's ready. However, her short term memory seems to be getting spotty. Only sometimes it's hard to tell if she doesn't remember or she didn't hear the first time.

My aunt recently got a dog to be the doorbell. Because if Grandma takes off her hearing aids you can walk right up behind her and she won't know you are there.

I really need to call her more and send her more cards.

I talked to Dad about this (it's his Mom) and he was...kinda dismissive. "She calls all the time because she wants to talk to someone." and when I mentioned my worries about her short term memory he said "well, she's probably just saying it because she just wants to talk".

Aw, crap. I think I'm sick. I've been all tired and draggy and intermittently weepy from bone-deep achy weariness for the last few days, and today has been a nonstop sneeze and barking cough and random gunkus emissions fest, and I kind of think I may have to just give in and hunker down for the next couple of days.

I feel bad because there are only two other people in the office, one of them a temp and the other just diagnosed on Friday (after the temp and I spent all week nagging her) with what's probably bronchitis but may be walking pneumonia, and I hate to leave the temp alone in there. OTOH, she's also in the middle of moving and has 5 kids, so probably she profoundly doesn't need someone coming in and germing up the joint. Bleh.

Lobster and champagne, arts and crafts, and Scrabble with other Buffistas wouldn't be a retirement community, that right there would be heaven itself.

My parents aren't interested in leaving their hometown, though I've pointed out there are communities near me should they be interested eventually. As it is, I know my SIL would lobby a heavy campaign for them to move near them were they willing. We've had teasing fights over who gets the 'rents. I know neither my parents (nor I) want them to move in with us, but I know SIL would totally go for that. Not sure my brother's take on that, though he was on board when SIL offered that her grandfather come live with them.

askye, we lived with my MIL for 4 years, taking care of her after her Alzheimer's diagnosis. She was getting increasing isolated, and was spending more and more time in bed watching TV. She wasn't really ready to move to assisted living, but for her, it's the best thing we ever did. Her memory has improved a bit with the classes they have, and above all she has friends, and 24-hour nursing staff on-site. But I have to say my DH felt very guilty, like we were "dumping" her somewhere, so it's a huge decision. Give your Grandma and your dad some time.

She goes to class every day, they do crafts and go to the gym, and they have movie night every night. On Saturday's they have a tea and finger sandwiches, and usually have live music and dancing!

I need a Goth-friendly version of this. Right now, actually.

Living. The. Dream.

Seriously! Maybe by the time we actually get around to Buffista Island...

seriously Buffista assisted living sounds like the best thing ever. would someone PLEASE win the damn lottery already.

seriously Buffista assisted living sounds like the best thing ever.

I know! There'd be a cleaning service! And people making meals!

would someone PLEASE win the damn lottery already.

Dammit, I forgot to buy a lottery ticket when I was in PDX last weekend.

Oh, I bet there is (or will be in the near future) call for geeky/goth/subcultural assisted living communities.

Please please let me get through this block.