Kindred Hearts

Today Mom was assessed by Kindred Hearts. The director said there's even a couple current residents with the same behaviors as Mom's. Late afternoon I was called with the pricing and it's less than Willow Pointe - not much - but I just think it's a better facility. So tomorrow I will decide on a room and place a deposit. And give our 30 day notice at Willow Pointe.

Trinity

Today Mom was assessed by Trinity Senior Community. I think it went very well. Amber was able to quote me a monthly fee and it’s only $115 more than I’m paying now. It would be doable but I sure like Kindred Hearts much better. Here’s hoping that their assessment tomorrow goes well and their price is comparable.

This and that

Took my car in for an alignment today to a different dealership as Graham’s doesn’t provide alignment service. I was told my brakes needed replacing – which I knew and am saving up for. I was told the rear struts need replacing – which I knew and will get a quote from Graham’s on that. That car is the bane of my existence!

The Boy Scout Troop had position of responsibility elections tonight. John remains a patrol leader and Neil volunteered for the scribe position. Good for him!

More visits

Today I visited Kindred Hearts in Cottage Grove and was very happy with what I saw. I set up an assessment with Mom for Thursday.

Nice day

Recap of today.

Steve continues with the painting and drywall repairs. He seems to be finished upstairs for the moment.

The boys and I went to a friend’s (and fellow troop member’s) Eagle Ceremony. It was very. Our state assembly representative presented a plaque. The scout’s mom said some very nice words expressing how proud her and the dad were their son. Brought tears to my eyes. There was way too much food but it sure was nice. Sandwiches, fruit plates, veggie plates, cake and desserts. Afterwards the boys and I went to Kohl’s to get some things for Grandma Sharon’s birthday.

A very warm day! I’m sure it hit 80. We had late afternoon/evening severe weather but really nothing here except some wind and a very little bit of rain.

Got lots done

 What a productive day! I had the boys thoroughly clean the living room and vacuum well throughout the rest of the first floor. I went grocery shopping. Steve’s painting the upstairs hallway and stairway, so we had to work around that. I took the boys to a different neighborhood to sell their Boy Scout popcorn. They spent an hour and will each glean $50 profit. I hope we get more response via emails and from my work. After lunch, Neil and I sorted through the boxes of “stuff” that came out of his room. We also did a little rearranging. We just have stuffed animals to go through tomorrow. After dinner the boys and I went to Target, Gander Mountain and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Our main goal was to find a good, affordable sleeping bag for Neil – which we did at Dick’s. Target was a good stop – picked up a lamp and tote for Neil, a passport/money pouch for John, a pair of hiking boots for Neil…clearanced out at $9! It was all good.

Summary of the week

 This week has flown by.

Monday after work I went to the Dorf Haus in Roxbury to sit at a fundraiser for John and the other students traveling to Germany. We are raffling two of Mom’s quilts and also sold German Christmas ornaments and German chocolates. It was ok. I was there before 5pm and left about 9:45pm. Each of the participating kids made $32.00. Guess its extra spending money.

I got home about 10:20pm and was exhausted. I crawled into bed, put my head on the pillow and was wake awake! I’ve decided that I just can’t drink caffeinated soda (Diet Coke) at night anymore. I had three fountain Diet Cokes at the fundraiser. I probably got a couple hours sleep, so Tuesday morning I decided I just couldn’t go into work. In fact, I drove Neil up to the bus stop in my jammies. LOL

I’ve decided it’s time to begin looking for a new home for Mom. In two and a half years, her current home has had five directors and I’ll tell you – this current one has zip for personality. I was there for a good hour the first time I saw her and she never came to introduce herself. I had to search her out! She appears to be a hard worker but doesn’t have the administration skills to deal with family representatives and residents. The lack of continuity in directors is almost more concerning than the staff turnover. Also, one of the main reasons for placing Mom in Stoughton was to be most convenient for Dad. That obviously isn’t a consideration any longer. So I’m searching in the Sun Prairie and surrounding area. That’s about halfway between my house and my younger brother’s house. It’s also convenient for me during the day when I’m at work.

I toured two facilities on Tuesday. One was similar in size to where Mom is living now, a sixteen resident unit. Except there’s only five residents there currently. The other place is an actual house in a neighbor and they can support just five residents total. I was impressed with both facilities and arranged times for them to visit Mom and perform an assessment.

Tuesday night I emceed a parent meeting with our Boy Scout Troop. We covered all my topics. I think it went very well.

Wednesday was a fairly productive day at work. I visited Mom over the lunch hour. She was amused when I told her Paul Slogin (former mayor and activist) has been voted back into the office of Madison Mayor.

Thursday I finished up a project at work which was involved and tedious. (Although changes came back today. Nothing big thankfully!)

Today was the assessment with the smaller five resident facility. When all was said and done, the calculations yielded a monthly cost just over a thousand dollars more than what Mom is paying right now. So we keep looking. Curious to see what the other facility comes back with next week. And I’ve added another facility to my list to visit.

Tonight – I’m relaxing. Maybe working on a grocery list. TGIF!