Post Covid Carry on!

Jo was able to visit Caroline for the first time since February. Her dementia has progressed during the lockdown period and conversation has been via Face time. During that time Jo has had her daughter, husband and baby born last Autumn staying with her so the baby has been the focus of the face time calls. Over and over again they have had to confirm who is the mother, who is the grandmother and whose baby it is as well as reminding Caroline that this is her Great Grandaughter. 

The baby's expressions and early stages of crawling and walking have resulted in squeals of delight and genuine joy. Thank Goodness for the baby Jo remarked. " I'm not sure what we would have talked about otherwise as we haven't been anywhere". Jo so appreciated the weekly call timetabled with the care home.

Great excitement at the end of July to attend for the appointed face to face session. Strict instructions that it was a 30 minute visit although an indication that she could stay for about 40 minutes.

Unlike the regular visits to Caroline's room this time they were to meet in the garden at the home. The carer arrived with Caroline to sit in a lovely spot. Jo found it strange to have no physical contact and to wear a face mask to visit her own mother. The care home staff had their own PPE equipment and they sat to chat.

Again the i-pad came into it's own. Caroline greeted Jo with " Hello Mum" and Jo reminded her that she was her daughter. The once again repeated the who's who and moved onto more entertaining photos and film of the baby.

Caroline was cold in the shade and too hot in the sun, so the carer kept relocating within the garden and the time flew by. Jo noticed that her appointment time had come to an end, but the carer assured her she could stay longer and after 40 minutes Jo said she would depart now. It had been reassuring to see her mother so content and well cared for.

On departure the person on reception reprimanded her for staying longer than her allocated slot! So she advised them that it had been the person who booked the appointment who had said 40 minutes and also that the carer had indicated this was acceptable. " They have no right to do that" He responded grumpily" I manage the appointments. 

Such a disappointing end to a landmark occasion. Jo confirmed she will stick to the 30 minutes next time!