Just a quick note to let everyone know that Estelle arrived at Woodbine around 3:15PM today. All went well.
Dan and I arrived at The Manor late afternoon on Saturday. Estelle was not very talkative at the time but we spent a few hours trying to prepare her, mentally and physically (packing up her clothing and belongings and cleaning the room) as best we could.
Her doctor at The Manor was in to see her very early this morning. He called us around 7:30AM to tell us that he had examined her thoroughly and that, in his estimation, she was "good to go." Her vitals were stable, she was awake and alert and he felt it was a great time for her to be making the journey.
We got to The Manor a bit before 9AM. Dan went over to the hospital to get some records that the doctor here in Virginia had requested and I went directly to The Manor. Mom was very awake and talking well. She was quite concerned about the move and how it was going to affect her friends and family. We reassured her that everyone knew about the move and that everyone was going to remain in contact with her. She was a bit afraid of the trip but we assured her that one of us would be riding with her and that we would make sure nothing bad could or would happen to her. She also raised some concerns about Shabbos and (I have no idea why) her jewelry which she wanted to have with her. We told her that her jewelry was safe and that there was Shabbos in Va. just as there was in NJ and everywhere else and that we would be able to spend it with her from now on. She seemed quite content with that and settled down.
The ambulance came, as promised, exactly at 11AM and we were soon on our way. The ride was not bad at all. It was a brand new ambulance with new shocks and great suspension. (Having spend a good portion of my adult life riding in old ambulances with worn out shocks and horrible suspension I can tell you it was a wonderful ride!!) There were two very kind, very compentent medics with us and Mom stayed awake for most of the trip and rode the entire way without complaint.
We arrived at Woodbine a little after 3PM. Her room was ready for her and we went about the business of getting settled in. I think she's a bit frightened by the new atmosphere...her roommate has the TV on very loud and, while she turns it down when requested, turns it back up within a short time. This is not Mom's "forever" room, however, so we've explained that to her and she seems to understand. It does make it a little difficult to hear her when she talks but we'll make the best of it until she gets moved again - hopefully in a short time.
The nurses there have already spoken to her new doctor, gotten all of her medications and feedings ordered and they will keep her right on schedule. The doctor and the social worker will be in tomorrow morning to see her. They will then schedule a time for her to be evaluated by the physical and occupational therapy departments.
I am heartened by how lucid and talkative Mom was today. It was very nice to see a bit of the "old" Estelle again. We are sorry she was somewhat confused and frightened by the move and we are hoping her night goes well, that she gets plenty of sleep and wakes in the morning feeling a bit more reassured and at home. It's going to take a little while, I am sure, The Manor has been her home for 7 months now and she was familiar with and trusting of the nursing staff there. This is a big change and we will do our best to help get her through it and come out on the other side feeling happier and healthier.
Thanks to everyone who called us or sent an email wishing Estelle well. Your thoughts and concerns are much appreciated. We're all a bit ragged tonight - it's been a long day and stressful for all of us, I think.
I will be going back to Woodbine early tomorrow morning. I will take Dan to the train station and stop there on my way back home. I am hoping to be there when the doctor gets there and I will be meeting with the social worker to make sure the room change is being worked on.
There is a phone in her room and the number is: 703-837-6527. It is a direct line. Estelle is unable to answer it herself but if anyone wants to call I will be there around 9AM and will stay much of the morning. If I do not answer, please call again in case I am out of the room for some reason. You can also call my cell phone and if I am not there I can tell you approximately what time one or both of us will be back.
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