Caregiving from a Distance

Now that I am in the warm sunny South, I have to keep up with dad via the telephone and Internet.  I found myself so relaxed the first few days that I almost forgot to call dad.  We have afternoon activities by the pool some days and I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

The other day I realized I hadn’t spoken with dad recently so I called him after my afternoon by the pool.  It was 3 PM and I woke dad up.  I apologized and asked dad if he was sleeping.  He said no, he was “resting” but he had to be up soon anyway to go to Happy Hour at 4.  I have heard that he never misses Happy Hour and I guess he keeps track of that.

He is allowed up to 2 drinks per day though I think he never has more than one.  He likes a bit of Scotch though I often find the remains of his drink in his refrigerator.  He also enjoys the popcorn that they serve at that time and lately he has been helping to make the popcorn as well (and eating it while making it).

I asked dad how everything was going and he said fine.  I asked if he remembered seeing the companions and he wasn’t sure.  He thought one of them had come that he remembered for sure.  One of the others has already emailed that she saw him on Thursday.  It comforts me to know they are visiting when I am so far away.

My son and grandson also visited dad this morning, so I know dad is doing fine.  Dad really enjoys those weekly visits and my grandson does also.

I somehow forgot to call my home voice mail for a few days.  Today when I called I had 3 messages waiting – all about prescriptions – 2 for dad and one for me.  My prescription was supposed to be mailed here but they forgot and called me to pick it up.  I called and they will mail it tomorrow.

Dad’s calls were both from Medco (Express-Scripts though the messages said Medco) and were somewhat confusing.  I called back and got a bit of a run-around even though I am listed as dad’s Personal Representative.  Eventually they gave me the information I needed but not before transferring me 3 times and making me repeat the same information about dad’s insurance numbers, birth date, etc.  They said they were calling to confirm the mailing address but they don’t usually do that.  I hope it isn’t a new habit as it is a pain in the neck!

My son forwarded my mail yesterday as well.  He said it was mostly bills.  I will probably get that package tomorrow.  Paying bills is my least favorite part of caregiving, but since it is necessary, I just have to do it!

I will say that I am really enjoying my time in the sun.  It only took 3 days for my fingers to heal from the eczema that I always get from the cold dry winters in the north.  After wearing band aids to bed for months to cover the cuts and irritated skin, finally my hands are just fine.  If they could only put that cure in a jar!

In addition to our activities by the pool, I spend my time taking walks on the beach or in the neighborhood to the grocery store and other stores.  I love to be able to go out without a heavy coat!  And the sound and view of the waves coming to the shore never fails to relax me!