Fr has gained weight about 15 lbs. He looks healthier and not as pale as before. I taught the carer how to make Chinese soup and she gives him soup 6 days a week. The carer also gives him fruit and yogurt, sometimes ice cream. I always maintained that he needs more food. In this day and age, it is very sad that he lost weight because he has not got enough food. This is hardly a luxurious life!
He is sturdier when he stands up and is able to walk with the help of the walker and the carer. He is walking about 15mins a few days a week. He walks more when I am around.
The carer grooms him, reads newspaper to him, talks to him, and keeps him company. On the whole, he is happier and not so lonely. It is very difficult for elderly people to cope if they are transplanted to an alien environment without their friends.
He is able to read short messages, newspaper headlines now. His concentration span is a bit longer and is able to watch TV program for a longer period too.
When he gets depressed especially when the medication wears off, the carer plays the relaxation tape, which Dr Ben Lau prepared for him
(Depression is common amongst PD patient)
The laptop that was donated by HKSLOBA was delivered to Bosco. He is learning how to use it. Old boys can send emails and photos to Fr. I have applied for an email address for him:
frpatrickdeane@eircom.net
Dr Lawrence Wan organized this with Bosco to give more stimulation to Fr.
On the last day of my trip, the nursing home approved to give Fr a bigger room. He was moved to a newly painted room a few days later. (I have requested on behalf of the Deanetrust to give Fr a bigger room some 12 months ago.)
The massage lady resigned. I did not employ another one to replace her as I think a carer will be more beneficial to him. In fact it is essential to have a carer with him. All nursing home in Ireland are very short in staff.
Now that we have employed a carer, his life has substantially improved.
