Monday, June 24, 2013

Den Dempsey Update for June 24 by Irene Dempsey


Den is very weak and has lost weight and muscle, having been in bed so long, but he is working very cooperatively with the therapists and making "baby step" progress - but progress nonetheless. 
I am with him every day for at least five hours, and I have been given tips on how to help with exercises when the therapists aren't there.  He sleeps a lot, which is necessary, I'm sure, for his recovery. 
I read the cards to him and I know he appreciates everyone's concern and good wishes. Love to all.
Irene

Tom Staly Sr. Moves to Kennewick

After living in his Spokane Valley home from August, 1960 until now, Tom Staly Sr. (92 years old) made the decision to move to Kennewick to the Hawthorne Court Apartments.  The actual move was done on June 21, 2013.

This was not an easy decision.  Dad’s health has been problematic and we learned just recently that he suffers from Congestive Heart Failure with attendant symptoms that make mobility challenging.
Hawthorne Court specializes in providing services to elderly residents.  Dad will have three meals each day, assistance with bathing and dressing, transportation to medical care providers, daily activities and is being watched every hour during a 24 hour day.  He is receiving the highest level of personal services until the staff get to know him well.  Their goal is to enable dad to be independent and to improve his physical strength and stimulate his social interactions with staff and other residents.

His apartment has one bedroom, a living room and a small kitchen.  We are arranging his furniture and putting photos, pictures and other memorabilia on the walls. 
Dad is generally lucid and communicates clearly with visitors.  He experiences some confusion when tired or after waking.  He will ask about the day or time then respond that he understands. 

Dad has a powered scooter which is very maneuverable and his first decision when we were moving in was to take a tour of the 9 acre campus on his own.  A 6 foot glass window in his living room has a hinged 3 foot door opening to a small patio facing a grassy courtyard with a paved sidewalk winding through.  Dad can ride his scooter on the sidewalk to travel around the facility.  Every part of the facility is accessible indoors as well.
A heated outdoor pool is one feature Dad requested and we will schedule activity time for him in the pool to help build his strength and relieve the pain in his legs and back.

Next week a phone will be connected so he can make or receive calls.

His address is:    Hawthorne Court
                           Room J-17
                              524 North Ely
                           Kennewick, WA 99336

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Den Dempsey Update for June 20 by Irene Dempsey

Den was up in a chair for about two hours yesterday and is working hard with the speech therapist. Months will be required for recovery, but he is trying and very cooperative.  I am there all day every day so he knows he's not alone in this battle.  Keep him in your hearts. Much love to all.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Den Dempsey Update for June 15 by Irene Dempsey

Den is in a Kindred Rehab Hospital now. It is 1334 Terry Street, Seattle. 98101,( hospital phone 206-682-2661)  Room 207. 

He is resting comfortably now, but on Monday the therapy begins and he'll be working harder than he has for many years, I'm sure.  The doctor is very optimistic and thinks that speech and swallowing,( so he can eat solid food again,) are possible very soon.

The left side is still not responsive, but he can move his left leg, so perhaps with serious effort and good therapy, much of the loss can be recovered. Keep him in your prayers and thoughts and send cards and letters. 

As soon as he can manage it, I'll give him a lap top and he can email, but that will be quite a while down the road. Thanks again to all of you for caring so much for Den.  I know it has helped him with strength he doesn't even know he received, and so much love.

I'll keep you informed as we go along.  

Fondly, Irene

Den Dempsey Update for June 13 by Irene Dempsey

I spent most of yesterday with Den.  He was pretty sleepy until the evening when his dear friends, Tory and Jan, came to see him.. Then he roused and seemed really active and glad to see them. In fact, he tried hard to get out of bed when they left as if he really wanted to go with them.  He and Tory have been good friends since they were neighbors in Bothell

Den's cousin Gary, came too and David , Den's son.  So it was a visitor filled day.  Every day a different doctor has something different to say about the situation and what should be done.

As for me. I know in my heart, where Den lives, that he can and wants to go to rehab and join me and his friends again. I don't know how it will turn out, but I'm putting every ounce of energy and love I have into his recovery.

Thanks to all of you for your caring and love. I am sure  Den is grateful to know how many people care about him and are pulling for him.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Den Dempsy Update for June 5 by Irene Dempsey

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

The doctors put a tracheotomy tube in his throat today and he seems more comfortable now that he can move his tongue and lips.  He was responsive after the procedure and nodded to questions. 
I think we are out of the woods and within a week he may be moved out of ICU.  I'll let you know and I'm sure he'll love to have visitors.

He will go from Swedish to a rehab hospital and I'll keep everyone aware of where he is so you can visit or send wishes. I am overwhelmed with the love and strong spirits that have been sent his way.

He must be as great as I've always believed to have so many good friends. Keep him in your prayers.

Irene

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Den Dempsey Update for June 3 by Irene Dempsey

Sent: Monday, June 3, 2013 5:36:42 PM
Subject: Den,
Monday

I didn't go to Seattle today - just the 2nd day since May 8th - and I missed the drive.  But instead I went to Den's "house on the hill" and got my stuff out - Wow!  I guess I've taken stuff in for six years and taken very little out - it was a huge job. 

But anyway, I just called and talked to Den's nurse and I talked to his doctor earlier.  It is a very GOOD day.  He is responding, lifting his left leg, nodding yes and no to questions, and in general making a big leap forward. I can't express in words what is in my heart. Oh, to have him back with me !!!!!! And I think it will happen.

I'll go tomorrow afternoon and I'll let you all know tomorrow night how he is. I just know it will be good news. Keep us in your hearts as you have been doing. Thanks and love to all.