Aunt Ruth Now at Celina Manor

We knew it was coming sooner or later, and earlier today, Cindy and Carol moved Mom into Celina Manor Nursing Home. She's deteriorated so rapidly the past few weeks, and Dad finally decided this week he simply can't take care of her any more.

For the time being, it's a two-week trial period, but I have a deep-down feeling that this is permanent move. Her mental state is deteriorating (the social workers at Celina Manor say she's chronologically at about age 4-6, down from about 13 just last fall when she was in adult day care occasionally). Dad just can't do it on his own any more, even with the aide ("Saint Betty" we call her) who's at the house four days a week.

The good news: Celina Manor has an opening AND a bunch of people who already know Mom. Dad can go visit any time he wants AND eat meals free any time he wants at Celina Manor.

Just wanted to let you all know. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Send a card that we can decorate her room with, if you have a minute (Ruth MacDonald, Celina Manor, 1001 Myers Road, Celina, Ohio, 45822). Give Uncle Joe a call occasionally to see how he's doing. And hang in there with us...one day at a time. Teresa, you continue to be our strength and model for how to do this right.

--cindy, susie, carol

Summer Greetings

Everyone must be on vacation? Is that why the blog's been so quiet? Hope everyone's well....

Personally, the MacDonald sisters have been busy trying to arrange the best possible care for Mom and Dad. They're still on the farm with "Saint Betty," a home health worker, who checks in on them and takes care of them four days a week. Don't know what we'd do without her. But nursing home care for Mom/Ruth probably isn't far away...maybe by the end of summer? She's deteriorating still, and Dad's having a hard time handling it all at this point. Although his cataract surgery just before Memorial Day went incredibly well. We still worry about him driving, but at least he can see where he's going now!

Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

cousinly,
suemac