Saturday, January 31, 2009
NEW RESOURCE LINKS..ST. JAMES
Hi. Don't know why I didn't think of this simple effort sooner??? I went online...I also e-mailed the parish...there are several numbers in the "social outreach" page that may be good for Mom and Dad. And I did ask to have Father Posey read my e-mail. We shall see. I told him that perhaps he had already been contacted by one or more of my siblings. Basically I asked about outreach to the elderly. The website does say they have rides available, but I noticed in the Church bulletin that there were requests for people to drive a couple of men to Mass. So, not sure how it works. Just wanted you to know...hope you find the links of interest.
Just a bit..
First, Celeste and I had a mini conversation in the comments section of the last post...check it out..and you too Cis...I commented to you. Dad sounded pretty good today..he was able to go to exercise yesterday and today (Friday). He said he still gets rounds of coughing, but he is using the cough medicine better. He talked about recipes he watched on Martha Stewart he is interested in finding online...I looked them up for him and e-mailed them to him...we'll see what happens. Not much else. Celeste is checking on a ministry for seniors at St. James. I'll be back..love you
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Some Resource News
Hi. I am having trouble adding a few links...but decided to do a post. I think I had some success today.. Spoke with Deb at Buckley's for Seniors. I had spoken with her months ago. She was so nice and had me vent a bit and ask her advice. Actually she has no solution for having Dad and Mom want to use these services. She told me, however, they had just hired a 64 year old man who they thought would be great for Mom and Dad. She sent me the man's resume...ha...worked for Social Security, unions, various volunteering....I tried to find out from Deb what his "goals for working with this Senior Services group" might be. And I asked her if he was "people friendly" besides sounding like he is very methodical and intelligent. Mrs. Buckly hired him right away, Deb said. Here is her response to my question about "people friendly":
"Good question, ToniAnn. Since Ray has just started working with us, it's hard to address the people skills question from the standpoint of a client. I can only speak to how he came across during the interview and it was very well. He was hired on the spot due to his presentation, education and obvious interest in and ability to relate to seniors. I would say that he is quite articulate and related quite well to Buckley and me and he has been very responsive to our requests for service even during the recent ice storm. He was one of the few employees on staff who braved the weather on Tuesday to get two clients to where they needed to be. He definitely impressed us and we are happy to have him on board. As we get feedback from the clients, we'll be glad to pass it on to you."
Here is answer to his possible goals:
"I just realized I did not address your first question re: goals for working for Buckleys. That is an interesting question. Normally, folks who come to us to work are looking for a way to give something back to the community. Our work is so very part time and not at all career-oriented that we never address goals with them. We often tell them this is a job for people who like to volunteer and get paid for it. We frequently hire recent retirees who have time on their hands and like working with seniors. This is the case with Ray who also is an avid hiker which is hard to do around here during the winter so he's given us some of that spare time and we are grateful.Hope that helps!"
Anyway, now we should all put our heads together and think about a way to have Mr. Evert be introduced to Dad and Mom. And then there is Bill Blackwell...another "older" gentleman, whom Buckley referred. He drives people places...like long trips, like to OC and maybe even out here to see Steve and I!!!! Maybe he could drive one way sometime....and Steve and/or I would do the other trip. I've spoken with him by phone and he sounds very nice. He advertises on Craig's list. And like I said, was recommended by this Senior Service. I guess the ideal thing would be that the Service gentleman (Jay Evert) would help with day to day things as they crop up...and this Bill would help with longer trips.....
I found 3 ads for Bill on Craig's list..he said he has to post his ad every day...he has about 20 regular clients. Charges $45 an hour. not sure about how he works the gas...he drives his own car. Said he would drive them to OC and then go and stay with family in Salsbury.....would have to be all worked out with he and Mom and Dad, of course.
So, I'll work on the links so you are able to see Bill Blackwell's ads...he advertizes for "Take a Night out on the Town" (Buckley's does this too). He advertises for tours around DC and for regular ole trips to the doctor....
He said he would be glad to speak with Dad and work out a fee. He would want Dad to agree to talking with him before he calls him. He will be away for weekend, so I'll take it easy on introducing to Dad....
Not sure which Dad would be more likely to agree to talk with....Oh, Buckley's charges $50 and hour, with an hour minimum. Their group would be like the lead group, with this "driver" Bill available to plan longer trips.
So...a lot to read...but wanted you all to know, I am feeling fairly positive about it. I bet Deb from Buckley's has listened to me and kindly tried to problem solve with me for at least an hour of her time counting several months ago. I keep thanking her. She has asked for no money....we'll see how it goes..(I guess she wants another client too.)
Mom and Dad were having a frozen salsbury steak tonight..probably splitting a frozen meal...Mom was so cute. She said, "I asked Dad if we would just be eating these frozen meals every night." Then she told me his answer, sort of, that they had made a plan to have a frozen meal 3 nights a week. I am going to find some really gourmet frozen meals for them....
And the last thing for today...JoAnn commented on my last post...yippee. She says she reads the blog every day and makes her feel closer to everyone...so post her back..
Better get up and walk around...I'll be in touch...will "grab a moment" to tell Dad about my findings today..but I told him that I "did not want to overwhelm him" with too many new ideas at one time...just trying to acknowledge how terribly hard this must be for them. Night for now...post back...let me know what you think...if you e-mail me, not everyone can share....
How do you all like the "gadgets" I added to the Blog? love, Toni
"Good question, ToniAnn. Since Ray has just started working with us, it's hard to address the people skills question from the standpoint of a client. I can only speak to how he came across during the interview and it was very well. He was hired on the spot due to his presentation, education and obvious interest in and ability to relate to seniors. I would say that he is quite articulate and related quite well to Buckley and me and he has been very responsive to our requests for service even during the recent ice storm. He was one of the few employees on staff who braved the weather on Tuesday to get two clients to where they needed to be. He definitely impressed us and we are happy to have him on board. As we get feedback from the clients, we'll be glad to pass it on to you."
Here is answer to his possible goals:
"I just realized I did not address your first question re: goals for working for Buckleys. That is an interesting question. Normally, folks who come to us to work are looking for a way to give something back to the community. Our work is so very part time and not at all career-oriented that we never address goals with them. We often tell them this is a job for people who like to volunteer and get paid for it. We frequently hire recent retirees who have time on their hands and like working with seniors. This is the case with Ray who also is an avid hiker which is hard to do around here during the winter so he's given us some of that spare time and we are grateful.Hope that helps!"
Anyway, now we should all put our heads together and think about a way to have Mr. Evert be introduced to Dad and Mom. And then there is Bill Blackwell...another "older" gentleman, whom Buckley referred. He drives people places...like long trips, like to OC and maybe even out here to see Steve and I!!!! Maybe he could drive one way sometime....and Steve and/or I would do the other trip. I've spoken with him by phone and he sounds very nice. He advertises on Craig's list. And like I said, was recommended by this Senior Service. I guess the ideal thing would be that the Service gentleman (Jay Evert) would help with day to day things as they crop up...and this Bill would help with longer trips.....
I found 3 ads for Bill on Craig's list..he said he has to post his ad every day...he has about 20 regular clients. Charges $45 an hour. not sure about how he works the gas...he drives his own car. Said he would drive them to OC and then go and stay with family in Salsbury.....would have to be all worked out with he and Mom and Dad, of course.
So, I'll work on the links so you are able to see Bill Blackwell's ads...he advertizes for "Take a Night out on the Town" (Buckley's does this too). He advertises for tours around DC and for regular ole trips to the doctor....
He said he would be glad to speak with Dad and work out a fee. He would want Dad to agree to talking with him before he calls him. He will be away for weekend, so I'll take it easy on introducing to Dad....
Not sure which Dad would be more likely to agree to talk with....Oh, Buckley's charges $50 and hour, with an hour minimum. Their group would be like the lead group, with this "driver" Bill available to plan longer trips.
So...a lot to read...but wanted you all to know, I am feeling fairly positive about it. I bet Deb from Buckley's has listened to me and kindly tried to problem solve with me for at least an hour of her time counting several months ago. I keep thanking her. She has asked for no money....we'll see how it goes..(I guess she wants another client too.)
Mom and Dad were having a frozen salsbury steak tonight..probably splitting a frozen meal...Mom was so cute. She said, "I asked Dad if we would just be eating these frozen meals every night." Then she told me his answer, sort of, that they had made a plan to have a frozen meal 3 nights a week. I am going to find some really gourmet frozen meals for them....
And the last thing for today...JoAnn commented on my last post...yippee. She says she reads the blog every day and makes her feel closer to everyone...so post her back..
Better get up and walk around...I'll be in touch...will "grab a moment" to tell Dad about my findings today..but I told him that I "did not want to overwhelm him" with too many new ideas at one time...just trying to acknowledge how terribly hard this must be for them. Night for now...post back...let me know what you think...if you e-mail me, not everyone can share....
How do you all like the "gadgets" I added to the Blog? love, Toni
No Philly trip????
Well, yesterday Dad didn't think he was going to Philly..the weather; and they still weren't feeling totally OK..and he discussed the driving issue a bit with me...on the topic "outskirts" only...but seems he is thinking about needing a driver, at least for longer trips...worried about the cost...I think.
Today, he told Laurette that he and Mom were doing better..that he was "melting the ice on my car by letting it run a bit." He told Laurette they were NOT going to Philadelphia.
Tonight did not mention Philly to Steve...and told him he didn't finish cleaning off the car....but wants to go to exercise tomorrow.
I will definitely call them in the morning to make sure of their plans....
I think Steve's idea of us all calling and "checking on them" frequently, may be a way of getting them to think 1) that we are all concerned; 2) that perhaps they need the calls; 3) and finally, to have them realize they need some type of assistance and need to make some decisions...
Didn't learn anything new today about resources, but did put a few interesting things on the Blog page...just to look at...enjoy...and come back and do comment....or post your own messages....
You don't have to spend the time I do..because I have time!....Just take a few minutes and add to a discussion. Thanks...and love, Toni
Today, he told Laurette that he and Mom were doing better..that he was "melting the ice on my car by letting it run a bit." He told Laurette they were NOT going to Philadelphia.
Tonight did not mention Philly to Steve...and told him he didn't finish cleaning off the car....but wants to go to exercise tomorrow.
I will definitely call them in the morning to make sure of their plans....
I think Steve's idea of us all calling and "checking on them" frequently, may be a way of getting them to think 1) that we are all concerned; 2) that perhaps they need the calls; 3) and finally, to have them realize they need some type of assistance and need to make some decisions...
Didn't learn anything new today about resources, but did put a few interesting things on the Blog page...just to look at...enjoy...and come back and do comment....or post your own messages....
You don't have to spend the time I do..because I have time!....Just take a few minutes and add to a discussion. Thanks...and love, Toni
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Frozen dinner "GOOD!"
Dad and Mom said the frozen dinner was good. Dad still seems interested in checking out special frozen cuisine I found through Peapod....talked about alternative "rides" to Philadelphia...he said "not sure he and Mom should go anyway, so they can continue to get better." He said he has been checking out drivers in the area. Worried about how much it may cost in general and for a trip somewhere???? We talked about limos....at least he was willing to discuss with me. but...interestingly, as we talked and answers weren't coming...he began to cough and had to put Mom on the phone...but in general he said they are both feeling better. not much else....oh, he did get a hold of a Verizon person finally, after many steps...apparently, the check he sent in early Jan....Verizon never received, so he will send another one. I understand he has received a "cut-off" notice as they had not received his check. He seemed to handle fairly well, though understandably annoyed with all the inconvenience. I will keep following up with him about this. So..good-night to all. Snow was nice today...barely 2 inches...love, Toni
Monday, January 26, 2009
Good Evening...
Thanks for all your birthday wishes..had a nice day and especially dinner with Laurette, Rick and Nathan on Sat evening. It was soooo fun and spending time with the Sullivans was the best! About my conversation with Mom and Dad today..about 5 PM...they sounded GOOD! I had made a big order for home delivery online groceries with some things I thought may stir Dad's tastebuds....the delivery system is part of Giant foods...it's called PeaPod...
minimum order...$50 so may be difficult for them to use every week or so. Anyway, I had discussed this with Dad before, but PeaPod had some good savings coupons..so thought I'd try it...spent a good part of the day "shopping"....and decided at the last minute to call and tell Mom and Dad about it....just in case I needed to change before 6 PM...it's neat...order before 6 PM today and get in the morning the next day..delivered to their door...Anyway, Dad made it to grocery shop today, so had bought basically everything I had...some regular staples and few freezer meals... he sounded like he was looking forward to trying a Marie Callendar's frozen meal tonight..Mom and Dad were cooking it...anyway, they both thanked me, but asked me to hurry and cancel the order before 6PM....I had that leeway. Dad said perhaps if I had told him ahead of time, he would't have gone shopping..but at the same time he sounded proud he had known there were sales....and saved some money. Said he made a plan to do 3 things today and was out of house by 8:30 AM...
No coughing, no mention of fatigue, no complaints, really, of course, I didn't ask him those questions...was dealing with the grocery issue. Dad seemed "impressed" that i knew some of the items he might like. He said perhaps he may try the delivery service at another time...I pointed out the fast ordering time, the same food as in the grocery stores...he sounded more interested than usual in trying frozen prepared foods. There is a cuisine at Giant's which he may try....or I googled the brand and found on-line site...so I could order some of those meals without having a minimum order...we'll see. And Mom breaded some steak the other night. I asked her to ask Dad if he tasted it...he said "no, but it was good!"...I didn't explore that answer with him...my sense was he did taste it enought to say it was good...who knows????
so, generally, between 5 and 6:30 PM they sounded good...positive and glad that I was "thinking of them!" Oh, I wish they would truly recognize and believe in all our concern, thoughts, and hopes for them.
I will call tomorrow and check about the Philadelphia trip..oh, i also asked Mom what they had planned for the snow removal. She said they had several neighbors who usually did the shoveling...
I am tired...will be back tomorrow. good night to all..just wanted to tell you the result of an attempt to have them use home delivery groceries...I was able to cancel my order, by the way...but as I told Dad and Mom, it is saved in the PeaPod site...love to all, Toni
minimum order...$50 so may be difficult for them to use every week or so. Anyway, I had discussed this with Dad before, but PeaPod had some good savings coupons..so thought I'd try it...spent a good part of the day "shopping"....and decided at the last minute to call and tell Mom and Dad about it....just in case I needed to change before 6 PM...it's neat...order before 6 PM today and get in the morning the next day..delivered to their door...Anyway, Dad made it to grocery shop today, so had bought basically everything I had...some regular staples and few freezer meals... he sounded like he was looking forward to trying a Marie Callendar's frozen meal tonight..Mom and Dad were cooking it...anyway, they both thanked me, but asked me to hurry and cancel the order before 6PM....I had that leeway. Dad said perhaps if I had told him ahead of time, he would't have gone shopping..but at the same time he sounded proud he had known there were sales....and saved some money. Said he made a plan to do 3 things today and was out of house by 8:30 AM...
No coughing, no mention of fatigue, no complaints, really, of course, I didn't ask him those questions...was dealing with the grocery issue. Dad seemed "impressed" that i knew some of the items he might like. He said perhaps he may try the delivery service at another time...I pointed out the fast ordering time, the same food as in the grocery stores...he sounded more interested than usual in trying frozen prepared foods. There is a cuisine at Giant's which he may try....or I googled the brand and found on-line site...so I could order some of those meals without having a minimum order...we'll see. And Mom breaded some steak the other night. I asked her to ask Dad if he tasted it...he said "no, but it was good!"...I didn't explore that answer with him...my sense was he did taste it enought to say it was good...who knows????
so, generally, between 5 and 6:30 PM they sounded good...positive and glad that I was "thinking of them!" Oh, I wish they would truly recognize and believe in all our concern, thoughts, and hopes for them.
I will call tomorrow and check about the Philadelphia trip..oh, i also asked Mom what they had planned for the snow removal. She said they had several neighbors who usually did the shoveling...
I am tired...will be back tomorrow. good night to all..just wanted to tell you the result of an attempt to have them use home delivery groceries...I was able to cancel my order, by the way...but as I told Dad and Mom, it is saved in the PeaPod site...love to all, Toni
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