[TIMELINE: SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2020] During our RV-powered visit to Peggy’s assisted living facility in August, my partner Jon and I were allowed to meet with her outside in the front courtyard, although we had to sit six feet away from her and everyone had to wear masks. Not ideal, but much better than no visit at … Read more
[TIMELINE: MAY–AUGUST 2020] To my immense relief, Peggy did well during the Covid lockdown. Staff at her facility were ever present, so she felt personally looked after and safe. The medical technicians took the temperatures of each resident every day, and everyone was told to wear a mask. My sister had always been a rule-follower. … Read more
[TIMELINE: FEBRUARY–APRIL 2020] The previous couple of months had brought much discussion about Covid to our family. But at the time, we still didn’t know a lot about it. Did it involve a lab leak in China, or a wet market? Was it something we had to really worry about, or plan around? It wasn’t … Read more
[TIMELINE: JANUARY 2020] January 2020 was shaping up to be a busy month for me. On top of being there for Peggy as her Alzheimer’s progressed (and the constant problem-solving it always entailed), I felt it was time for me to sign up for some classes towards my continuing legal education. I wanted to be … Read more
[TIMELINE: NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2019] In November, less than a month after we returned from Italy and Sicily, our family was plunged back into the unpredictable world of endless problem solving. The first issue that popped up was my sister’s growing frustration that she was not an independent person anymore. Peggy’s assisted living facility has a policy … Read more
[TIMELINE: SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2019] By the time late September rolled around, we were ready to attempt the impossible—Peggy’s bucket-list tour of Italy and Sicily. Here are the highlights, and a few lowlights. [For all of the planning and research we did to make this trip happen, please see my travel logistics page.] Peggy really wanted to … Read more
[TIMELINE: AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 2019] As my sister adapted to life in her new assisted living apartment, we were happy to observe in action a few of the different amenities the facility had to offer, such as the main dining room. That set-up worked out very well for Peggy. Meals were served three times a day with … Read more
[TIMELINE: JULY–AUGUST 2019] In July, we learned that a spot had finally opened up for Peggy at our assisted living facility of choice, and we scheduled a move-in date of August 16, 2019. I hired a company, Caring Transitions, to help us set everything up. They were fantastic. We packed up her belongings in the … Read more
[TIMELINE: JUNE 2019] As we headed into summer, Peggy’s two new home health aides, Liz and Felicia, began coming by the house to help her a few times a week. Our family got to know them, and they were as wonderful as Yolanda. Most importantly, they were great with Peggy, and she loved them. I … Read more
[TIMELINE: MAY 2019] May saw the end of our relative peace as an immediate family. Peggy developed enteritis, and was prescribed antibiotics. Her doctor also instructed her to drink Gatorade (for the electrolytes), eat yogurt, and otherwise stick to a soft diet during her recovery. But our brother Les was angry about these choices, since … Read more
