New Digs

I am now residing in the Montfort/Revera Long Term Care Facility. I am unable to physically take care of myself. I have two back issues, #1 – the ligaments in my spine are hardening which has decreased my flexibility to about 20%, and #2 – my pelvis has shifted to the left which causes constant mild pain that can flare up to a very painful event depending on the circumstances. Also, I have intermittent vertigo episodes, they don’t last very long but I can easily lose my balance and fall. Living alone was no longer an option.

I moved in here on November 24th, 2022 and I am very happy here, the staff are caring, friendly, and overworked. I try to help them in anyway that I can. I am very appreciative of what they do, and how they handle the various situations that arise.

The reason I listed this facility as an option is because Mom is here and she told me she was feeling lonely. The social worker who handled my case worked hard to get me in here, but she was surprised at how fast I got in. I am glad I’m here and can spend time with Mom, we play cards and yes, she wins most of the games. It’s uncanny the cards that she gets, but it’s a lot of fun, and it’s great to hear her laugh, sing, and see her smile.

I am slowly integrating myself in the activities. I have had discussions with the activity coordinator and had my first concert last Saturday. I can no longer play the guitar because of something similar to tennis elbow (after 55 years of playing my arm is saying enough). So I made a poor man’s karaoke machine, by buying a connecting cable, $22, to connect my tablet to my guitar amplifier, which has an input for a mike. I subscribed to a karaoke software, for $10. a month. It worked great on Saturday, the residents were in fine voice singing along with me. They laughed at my antics which is what I was aiming for, bringing laughter and songs into their lives. I am now booked for two more gigs in March.

I have never felt so relaxed in my life. I had my first meeting today, with the doctor, nurse, resident manager, food manager, and activity coordinator. I told them I was very appreciative of the work they do in caring for the residents in this facility. I have made some friends in this place, and I’m looking forward to to getting involved in other activities.

Well, that’s it for now.