Update on Dad-September 4, 2008

Tonight my update is not as positive as I would like. Dad was transferred to a new facility last night at the recommendation of his Dr. at Hoag. This was to be an "in-between" type facility, a small hospital type facility that has more advanced nursing care than Victoria.

David was not thrilled with the staff/care he witnessed last night when he was with Dad and he got checked in. But as it was late in the evening, he figured it was just the time of day he was checked in, etc. I went to see Dad this afternoon around 3PM, and was very upset at his condition. He was very disoriented, having breathing difficulties, and suffering from a horrible, itchy rash. The Dr. had not seen or assessed him since he had been checked in there...almost 24 hours before. Without going into all of the details, it seemed to me that he had kind of fallen through the cracks, and had really received little or no medical care since his arrival. I rattled the cage a little while I was there and got some treatment and attention going. I called David, who had all of the contact info, and he made the necessary calls to get the Dr. in there immediately and some treatment going on.

Dad has now been moved into the "ICU" part of this new facility, where the patients have 1 nurse for every 2 patients. We are hoping that his care the last 24 hours was a one time thing, and that things will be better from now on since we have called attention to it. We will be closely monitoring his care, and making sure he is getting everything he needs.

I know both David and I are both physically and emotionally drained/exhausted. We are so frustrated to see Dad, who has fought so hard to get where he is over the last two weeks, slip backward due to what seems like poor care over the last 24 hour period. His condition is so fragile, and he has been so sick and so weak that it does not take much to set him back.

David is going in a much deserved and long awaited cruise with his family and in laws over the weekend, leaving tomorrow and returning Monday. In the meantime, Rob and I will be making sure Dad has the care he needs at this new facility, or making sure he is moved to somewhere he will receive the best.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. Please keep Dad in your prayers.