July 18, 2020

So far a total of 7 residents have tested postive for Covid19 on my mom's floor. 2 of those 7 have been relocated to nursing homes. Of the remaining 5, 4 are mobile. My mom's floor is kind of U shaped, so they've cordoned off the last section for the 5 positive residents. Caregivers are not working with both positive and negative residents, just one or the other. Our favorite care giver has agreed to work with the Covid residents, so she won't be taking care of my mom for the time being. So far my mom is negative, but they keep testing everyone so you never know. I feel sorry for the caregivers. I'm not sure what they are paid, but I know it's crappy. Their work is difficult both physically and emotionally. And now they have lots of additional cleaning protocols that have to be done constantly. So far they're not receiving any hazard pay for working with Covid patients. I think I'll drop off some pizza or treats or something for them this week. Meanwhile I return to work in 10 days. I'm less hopeful that Easter Seals will reopen soon since the governor has closed schools in all the counties on the Covid watch list. I did check into another facility that I toured last year. They're open, and they open for longer hours each day, so that could work for John and me. However, they're quite a bit more expensive - $2500 per month for full time day care. I'd rather avoid changing locations because it would be upsetting to John. Plus we love Easter Seals. But maybe in the short term...

July 8, 2020

I was supposed to visit my mom yesterday. Last week I received an email that said we could make appointments to see family members, but with quite a bunch of restrictions. Visits are by appointment only in 1 restricted area. We must stay 6 feet apart, not touch each other, wear masks, take temperatures, etc. So I immediately made an appointment. I kept telling everyone I thought it was likely the appointment would be canceled because infection cases are surging. Well, sure enough, an employee at my mom's place tested positive for the virus (they say it's not someone who interacts with residents) so all visits are canceled.  And who knows for how long. It's been almost 4 months since I've seen her. And for her, 4 months since she's seen anyone she cares about. We continue to Face Time, but I wonder about the toll this is taking on her.

Meanwhile, John had an annual appointment with his retina Dr. That Dr sent us to our ophthalmologist because of some cloudiness that has appeared after having cataract surgery some years ago. It turns out there are no immediate concerns, but John is now concerned that he may be going blind. His vision is fine mind you. He's just aware something was discussed about his vision so he's jumping all the way blindness.

Another weird thing - seat belts. John has no issues with seat belts in the front seat of a car. But in the backseat - that's another story. There's too many options. He's not sure which belt to grab, and then once he has it, isn't sure where to snap it in. He also tends to put part of the strap behind his head, and the other across his body. If you give him time he can usually figure it out. Or I jump out of the car and buckle him up myself.

Lately he's been confused by the mirrored closet doors in his office.  He just doesn't seem to understand why he sees some things in double. He doesn't mention any issues in other rooms with mirrors, just his office. But he's in there a lot (still pulling everything out and laying them around the room) and the mirrored closet doors are large. He's called me down there quite a few times to show me what he's seeing in that mirror. Each time I assure him it's a normal reflection in the mirror.

I go back to work 3 weeks from today. Jordan will be off for a couple weeks after that, so she'll keep an eye on him then. After that, I'm not sure what I'll do. Hopefully Easter Seals will reopen and that problem will be solved. Well, not totally solved. My work hours have changed, so I work the same hours that Easter Seals is open. That mean's I can't drop him off and pick him up on my way to and from work. Maybe Jordan can do some of that, depending on her school schedule, but he can be pretty rude to her. Anyway, that's a problem to solve next month...