Carl and Alice, c.1952

How is your mom doing, Rick?

So kind of you to ask, Deborah. Not too well, I'm afraid. We had to move her to a board and care home in June and the transition has been difficult, compounded by an infection that caused a flare up of hallucinations. She still remembers me however and I seem to help calm her, so that's something.

Sorry to hear that, Rick. I'm glad she still connects with you, and gets some comfort from that. It's an all around challenge, though, isn't it?
We had to put my Dad in a memory care unit at our local nursing home this past April. He had a series of falls that exacerbated his slow decline. Fortunately, for all involved, he has adjusted to being there and seems relatively content. He does still know us, but is pretty out of it in other ways - and sleeps a great deal. We are lucky to have such a nearby, wonderful place, and do feel grateful for that - although the time spent transporting, etc. my mom has had an impact, for sure!