Damp start

Was an unexpected damp misty start to the day. The day and the last week has improved enormously. 

Got a few phone calls out of the way regarding mum and dad's home including arranging for a blocked drain to be sorted and some of the now unneeded mobility equipment to be collected.

The last two months have been difficult after losing dad just before Christmas after three weeks in hospital. Very sad, but - It's ok. Dad had become incredibly frail. 
That was followed by mum having a fall due to undiagnosed pneumonia on New Years Eve - that resulted in her breaking her shoulder in four places. After six weeks in hospital with little chance of recovery (and we had been told to expect the worst on several occasions), she has improved in the last week to the point where hospital is no longer appropriate or necessary. Still a very long way from where she was though.

Many previous experiences at this point have made for lots of stress as the necessary care package is sought. Often back and forth with social services never getting quite what you think is needed. We had become rather adept at navigating this unlit, un-signposted maze. However, things at this point are different. Far more ongoing care is needed including nursing care. Stress and worry was again elevated. Something I am sure that many have experienced in this world where the NHS-SS situation is of great concern.

The NHS have this time offered funded care either at home or in a nursing home. I was asked (on Sunday of all days) if my sister and I had any preferences. At home for someone in mum's condition would be unsafe and inhumane. Were there any choices of care homes was the next question. That isn't something you go around getting experience of, so, our only known choices were either the place mum was in for 7 weeks right at the start of Covid, or, another home that has a brilliant reputation. 
Funding approval was obtained within 24 hours. 

I got a call yesterday to say that the latter care setting, despite being incredibly difficult to get into (often with weeks if not months waiting lists),  actually have a room and capacity right now which was offered. Couldn't believe our luck.
They assessed mum today and she should be moving in the next couple of days. 
For once, many of the stresses have been lifted. We just feel very lucky right now.