Thursday, July 17, 2014

Home Again, Home Again, Rig-a-Jig-Jig

My dad used to always say "Home again, Home again, Rig-a-jig-jig" every time we returned home from a vacation, or any extended time away.  It was a fun way to welcome us all home again. 
 
 
Today we moved dear old Dad into a new retirement facility.  Everything went FANTASTIC!!  I am just thrilled with his new home, and the people that came to greet him and welcome him.  I was blown away by the response of the people on the floor which he now calls home.  "Am I home?" he asked as he shuffled down the hall.  Oh yeah!
 
 
No one came up to my dad to say goodbye or wish him luck at his previous residence, although the movers were busy hauling his furniture right past the front desk for over an hour.  We were waiting with my dad in the large empty lounge while the movers worked ... quite visible to anyone.  I found that was the saddest thing to witness.  It shows how little they cared about him, and it shows me we have done the right thing in moving him out of there. 
 
 
At the new residence, there were smiles, handshakes, introductions and lots of excitement at his arrival.  There was a group of four ladies on his floor who came to say hello, brought a chair out for him to sit down right there in the hallway, as we chatted together and they welcomed him in.  My sister and I were completely astounded at the change in atmosphere.  He happily went out onto the veranda to wait for the movers to finish their work ... and the movers were a couple of very cheery, polite men, who were so careful around all the residents (many of the residents are completely lost in their own little worlds).  Dad was escorted into the dining room for lunch, and he seemed quite pleased with everything.  It was a beautiful day all round. 
 
 
It eventually came time to say goodbye to him.  We had his furniture all arranged, and all his stuff packed back into his dressers and cupboards.  There was more than enough storage space for all his possessions, and we left quite a few drawers empty!  All but the smallest pieces of furniture fit into his room, so I was happy about that.  We took out quite a bit of stuff that was no longer needed, which made me feel better about things too.  I hated to see all the accumulation of so much rubbish in his room, and it's nice to make a fresh start again. 
 
 
Dad was content with everything, and said it all looked very nice.  He didn't have one complaint (of course there'll be time for him to find something to grumble about I'm sure!).  The person in charge on the floor mentioned to us that the first matter of business would be to get him showered, and my sister and I were so relieved that they recognized this at once.  So I had a little talk with Dad to let him know they would ask him to shower and to try to be cooperative.  I don't know if it will help, but we'll find out soon enough if he is agreeable.
 
 
So the deed is done, and I couldn't be happier.  Thanks to all of you who left such kind comments about this move on my last post.  I can't believe the week is coming to an end already ... my head feels like it's been in a whirlwind of preparation for this!   And I just wanted to let you all know how well the day went for all concerned.  I can't tell you what a relief I feel tonight that everything worked out so well!

Wendy
 
PS ... I didn't have any photos of the day, but have filled the post with photos of my garden this week.
 
 

27 comments:

  1. I'm so glad to hear this. I'm guessing that your Dad will have a new lease of life in his new home.
    Jane x

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  2. I'm so glad things went well for him (and you!).

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  3. Ah.... This post brought so much warmth to my heart Wendy. The part about how everyone welcomed your dad with open arms was so wonderful. The way it should be! Your garden glows and is so alive! I am so happy for your family!! Nicole xoxo

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  4. My dad always says that too. :) I'm so glad the move went well. I'm really happy for all of you.

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  5. So, so happy for you all. This new home sounds like the most wonderful and caring place. How lovely that you can now rest assured that there are people who will have your dad's best interests at heart!! As ever, your photos of your gorgeous garden are a delight!!

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  6. I am so glad that it all went so very well Wendy, it sounds as though he has indeed found his home! It has been a lot of hard work I know, but from what you have said here well worth it, so take a deep breath, sit back and relax and let everything settle in the knowledge that you did exactly the right thing. xx

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  7. I am so happy for you and your Dad Wendy. It sounds as though you have made an excellent choice and he is certainly home now. Let's hope the shower goes well ;)

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  8. Good news Wendy! So pleased your dad was welcomed, and you feel so happy with his new home.
    Long may the positive experience continue!
    Ali x

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  9. What a heartwarming post this is Wendy, after all your stress and anxiety everything sounds so fantastic and I'm ever so happy for you and your Dad. The people at the new place sound lovely and so warm and inviting - what a relief, and of course confirmation that you have made the right decision :) Your garden shots are wonderful and I particularly like your hanging basket. Have a happy weekend, xoJoy

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  10. Wendy I am so happy the move went so well-my brother discovered this too last year that Mom was not in a good place so moved her to a better one.
    enjoyed your garden photos

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  11. I think my first comment disappeared. I'm so happy to hear that the move went so well. I hope this place continues to prove that it's the best place for your dad and his needs. AND, your garden is gorgeous!!!! What a lovely retreat.

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  12. I'm so behind with everyone, having been 'unplugged' since the end of June, and have in consequence just read the story of your Dad's move from start to finish. So happy to read it all went well, what a nightmare it must have been to contemplate.

    How stunningly beautiful is your garden looking ... wow!

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  13. Thank goodness it all went well Wendy, how insensitive of the staff at his old place not to come and say good bye and wish him luck in his new home, now you know that you have done the right thing. I hope he settles very well makes lots of new friends and is very happy in his new place. Have a great relaxing weekend. :) xxx

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  14. I am so glad you had such a happy moving day for your dad. It sounds like such a wonderful home for him with lovely pleasant and caring people. Good news indeed- relax and enjoy the weekend xx

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  15. Hi Wendy. So pleased to hear that the move went well. It must be a relief to know you Dad is content in his new home! Bee xx

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  16. I detect happiness and a much better feeling about the move, so glad it went smoothly. And, the tour of the garden was nice.

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  17. How wonderful, Wendy! I am so very happy for you and your family and I'm sure your dad will fit in perfectly. It really does make such a difference when such friendliness and care are shown towards people, in any situation. Your garden is blooming with beautiful colour and the feeling is peaceful, sweet and summery! Have a wonderful weekend!

    xx
    Poppy

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  18. Wendy, so wonderful to read this. You are a great daughter to your Dad, and he's going to be very well taken care of there. And your garden is looking gorgeous, by the way!

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  19. I'm so happy for your dad, and for you, Wendy. You must feel a huge sense of relief knowing he is at a kinder place, and one that is able to meet his needs. Is it any closer to where you live?

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  20. Wonderful! I'm not looking forward to these kind of life changing issues but your report give me hope that it all doesn't have to be a traumatic as it often is said to be. Thank you so very much for sharing...:)

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  21. I hope your dad will be very happy in his new home, sounds as if you made a good choice to move him. Your garden is looking beautiful

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  22. You must be so relieved to have him in this new welcoming home! It is so important for your peace of mind to know he is well taken care of. When my Dad was suffering with Alzheimer's during his final years, we had to move him twice before we were finally able to get him into the small Veteran's home where they took wonderful care of him. There is so much you have to deal with emotionally, and knowing he is in a kind atmosphere just makes it so much easier. Loved seeing photos of your pretty gardens. xo Karen

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  23. Isn't it so nice that your Dad got a warm reception! It must be such a comfort to know he is somewhere where he will be well looked after. I worry about my parents constantly and wish they were better settled.
    The garden is looking terrific by the way. That purple clematis is gorgeous!

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  24. oh I'm so glad you got sorted it must be such a relief...your garden looks so nice ! Gail x

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  25. Lovely Wendy I am so glad that it went well and so happy that your wonderful Dad is out of the other place - what horrors! You can rest a bit more easy now knowing that he is going to be well cared for and cherished. Thank you for the photographs of the flowers, they are lovely - I hope you are having a wonderful day. Sending you my bestest hugs and loves
    Dorothyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  26. What a relief that everything was goes better than you expected. I'm so glad your dad is out of that other place sounds dreadful you must be so happy.
    what a beautiful dog

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  27. your garden looks wonderful, as is your story of your Dad's move! I am so glad he is in a happier place, with people who will care for him! It will help you relax a little knowing he is cared for better! Here's to his fresh start! Hazel x

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