Today is Father's Day. I always try to make it special for George.
George was having a good day and was very lucid. He had had a good sleep and a big sleep in which makes a difference.
One of his sons sent a card and a gift - chocolates which are appropriate as he has developed a really sweet tooth like Mum. We carefully put these in his top drawer where we are hoping others won't find them!
I took in his regular milkshake as well. I also took a card from all his sons.
He cannot open things any longer so I open them and just have the contents peeking out. He is then able to get the card or gift out himself. He no longer makes sense from reading so I read the cards for him. He was thrilled with everything.
We looked at photos of him with his sons. This way I try to ensure that he knows them and who they are.
I have always believed that Mother's and Father's Days should be about family and doing something for the person, not just grabbing a gift. Spending time is important!
When I was teaching the children and I brainstormed all sorts of things their parents would like. These did not cost money but time and effort. It might be cleaning the car, doing the dishes or getting the parent breakfast in bed for example. The children then made a cards and a voucher for their parent. They then fully understood that the parent could use the voucher as appropriate.
Parents and children all liked this.
Something I did today was to text someone who has been a wonderful father to his children, I just told him what a wonderful father he is.
So good to celebrate days to make them special. Although George may not remember it for long you need to enjoy being in the moment.
Showing posts with label special days. Show all posts
Showing posts with label special days. Show all posts
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Wedding anniversary
Today was our thirtieth wedding anniversary!
I took in two chocolate sponges for everyone to have for morning and afternoon tea today.
George and I sat going through his books and talking about all sorts of things that have happened over the years. George was having a good day and enjoying reading his books, talking and eating chocolate.
Another resident had received mail which he couldn't open. It had come to him from his son in Australia and was delivered to the home. I said I would help, so with a group of seven onlookers we started. I used a key as a letter opener which they all thought worked well. When it was opened I pulled it out a little way so he could pull it out himself. He wasn't sure what it was so I read all the card to him - with the others listening avidly. There were also three photos (luckily with names on the back) so we talked about those and I wrote his name on them so they don't go missing. All up that was a half hour with all those people really involved and joining in. They were all relaxed and so happy.
While we were doing this the caregivers were getting the lunch ready. Hopefully they try using some of my techniques - I always try to model how the carers should be, same as I did with aspiring teachers.
I took in two chocolate sponges for everyone to have for morning and afternoon tea today.
George and I sat going through his books and talking about all sorts of things that have happened over the years. George was having a good day and enjoying reading his books, talking and eating chocolate.
Another resident had received mail which he couldn't open. It had come to him from his son in Australia and was delivered to the home. I said I would help, so with a group of seven onlookers we started. I used a key as a letter opener which they all thought worked well. When it was opened I pulled it out a little way so he could pull it out himself. He wasn't sure what it was so I read all the card to him - with the others listening avidly. There were also three photos (luckily with names on the back) so we talked about those and I wrote his name on them so they don't go missing. All up that was a half hour with all those people really involved and joining in. They were all relaxed and so happy.
While we were doing this the caregivers were getting the lunch ready. Hopefully they try using some of my techniques - I always try to model how the carers should be, same as I did with aspiring teachers.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Father's Day
For George today it is Father's Day. I took him down to a cafe for Father's Day, now I know we go 2 or 3 times each week but I tried to make it special.
After Dad died I made a special effort for Mum for all the 'special days', especially Christmas and her birthday as I was the only one here to do so. It was great when the grandchildren were also here as that really makes those times, having children around.
Now of course it is the same with George. Yesterday he got a card from one son and a phone call from the other son. I will also try to contact the third son for him soon. He really loves to feel that his sons care. I admit it is really difficult when there is no family around and all your old friends have died or left your city. You need to think of nice ways to make it special and maybe make new traditions.
After Dad died I made a special effort for Mum for all the 'special days', especially Christmas and her birthday as I was the only one here to do so. It was great when the grandchildren were also here as that really makes those times, having children around.
Now of course it is the same with George. Yesterday he got a card from one son and a phone call from the other son. I will also try to contact the third son for him soon. He really loves to feel that his sons care. I admit it is really difficult when there is no family around and all your old friends have died or left your city. You need to think of nice ways to make it special and maybe make new traditions.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Birthday
George had a great birthday.
On the day before his birthday he had his club where they had a cake and made a great fuss of him. When I picked him up that afternoon and asked how his day had been he said 'excellent'.
On the day of his birthday the carer came and gave him a shower and then he started complaining that he didn't feel well and went back to bed. I gave him breakfast and other food and finally he felt well enough to go and visit a friend where he had an enjoyable time. That afternoon I took him to the movie which he enjoyed but I had to explain on the way home. We saw Saving Mr Banks which was quite a moving movie.
George was so thrilled with his presents and especially as two of his sons had sent a card and present each. That meant so much to him. One of these sons also Skyped him and they had a long and enjoyable chat. All in all a successful day.
Enjoy the special moments.
On the day before his birthday he had his club where they had a cake and made a great fuss of him. When I picked him up that afternoon and asked how his day had been he said 'excellent'.
On the day of his birthday the carer came and gave him a shower and then he started complaining that he didn't feel well and went back to bed. I gave him breakfast and other food and finally he felt well enough to go and visit a friend where he had an enjoyable time. That afternoon I took him to the movie which he enjoyed but I had to explain on the way home. We saw Saving Mr Banks which was quite a moving movie.
George was so thrilled with his presents and especially as two of his sons had sent a card and present each. That meant so much to him. One of these sons also Skyped him and they had a long and enjoyable chat. All in all a successful day.
Enjoy the special moments.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Christmas Day
I think that I was successful in making Mum and George happy for Christmas Day.
My highlight was Skyping and watching my grandchildren opening their presents, wonderful.
I took George to the home with me with Mum. He ate two Christmas lunches!! I did not have Christmas dinner as I am not able to cope with eating in the home; just watching them feeding puts me completely off food. George enjoyed them. Mum was awake and wanting attention so she was very happy with all the attention lavished on her. I had got her a lot of bits and pieces which we looked at and I talked about them. I also took in a whole lot of Christmas trees with little lights in to put on the tables for the residents to look at - they all love them. Mum ate her lunch with obvious enjoyment so that was good.
One of the things I bought her was a little hand held massager which I ran up and down her arms which she also enjoyed. We were with her for about 3 - 4 hours so she got lots of attention. I also took in presents from our family for some of the caregivers - they really like to get these. One of the caregivers I do not particularly like but gave her one as I felt it was diplomatic.
I have had castors put on Mum's lazyboy chair so she can use that one rather than the ones in the home as hers is so much better.
We called in briefly to see some friends of mine and then came home.
George was thrilled to hear from all of his sons that night; one via Skype and the other two via phone.. One had just moved into his new home and had George's ex there for Christmas so George was also able to talk to her. George is so pleased he is financially secure with a new house and lots of overseas travel.
Mum and George both seemed to enjoy their day.
My highlight was Skyping and watching my grandchildren opening their presents, wonderful.
I took George to the home with me with Mum. He ate two Christmas lunches!! I did not have Christmas dinner as I am not able to cope with eating in the home; just watching them feeding puts me completely off food. George enjoyed them. Mum was awake and wanting attention so she was very happy with all the attention lavished on her. I had got her a lot of bits and pieces which we looked at and I talked about them. I also took in a whole lot of Christmas trees with little lights in to put on the tables for the residents to look at - they all love them. Mum ate her lunch with obvious enjoyment so that was good.
One of the things I bought her was a little hand held massager which I ran up and down her arms which she also enjoyed. We were with her for about 3 - 4 hours so she got lots of attention. I also took in presents from our family for some of the caregivers - they really like to get these. One of the caregivers I do not particularly like but gave her one as I felt it was diplomatic.
I have had castors put on Mum's lazyboy chair so she can use that one rather than the ones in the home as hers is so much better.
We called in briefly to see some friends of mine and then came home.
George was thrilled to hear from all of his sons that night; one via Skype and the other two via phone.. One had just moved into his new home and had George's ex there for Christmas so George was also able to talk to her. George is so pleased he is financially secure with a new house and lots of overseas travel.
Mum and George both seemed to enjoy their day.
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