Busy Day

Lisa has had a couple of busy days...

We went to the Olive Garden for lunch on Monday. Phil the mgr told everyone that Lisa was coming and many people took time away from their work to say hello and to give Lisa a hug. Everyone was so nice and Lisa enjoyed being there with her co-workers. The new dessert tray...little cups of awesome desserts were brought out to us, we didn't order it, but were we glad they brought it out! We shared them and Lisa got to eat her strawberry dessert by herself...her fav! We waited forever for our ticket only to find out that lunch was on the Olive Garden! It was bitter sweet for Lisa, she was so happy, and sad. She choked up a little when a couple of guys came up to give her a hug. But she was thankful for them.

Yesterday was the big day for her. Her Home Assessment went well. We, well, Joe the Marc first employee, got her up the steps, along with 2 people helping at the bottom of the wheelchair, get up the 2 flights of stairs. She went down to her apt and just looked at it. There is a note to the BHA telling them that she will be in the hospital to get her seizures gone...I saw that note taped up on her door and instant tears welled up. Man! It is such a heart wrenching thing.

The PT and OT were there to see what she can do, and what she needs to work on. We are going to have to make some physical adjustments to her furniture and get her a different bed with a rail so she can grab it, but Lisa did it all!!!!! She needed verbal reminders, and she was a bit nervous I think, there were 4-5 people watching her, encouraging her. She transferred to her couch, chair, toilet, bed and opened the frig...took out a cold Diet Pepsi...LOL! It is FULL! She hordes that stuff and the PT and OT have never seen anything like it before...but then again, they have not dealt with people like Lisa. Carmen from BHA was there and said that she is nothing compared to other people in the complex and her thing is DP! Its not so bad.

Carmen answered any questions that the therapists had about safety, supports, and how many hours she would need. She has been working tirelessly in Lisa's behalf. She wants her to come back to her home, to the apts and she wants people who are like Lisa to have choices. We love you Carmen! You are exactly what these people need. Carmen showed us the apt that is vacant...it is now Lisa's apt. IF she can safely get out of it in case of an emergency. The apt is 100% wheelchair accessible and it is beautiful! It has bars for the toilet, a walk in shower with no lip for the shower, lowered sinks in the kitchen and the bathroom, and all the cabinets are within reach. Her bedroom closet has a hanging bar which she can reach. Lisa liked it and is ready to move in. She wants to know the date.

The PT/OT got to see first hand her home and the one that she will be moving into. They feel better about it after seeing it and with Carmen telling them how much support Lisa will be able to get.

Lisa and her Manager Phil

Lisa will be able to go to Adult Day Programs and she will be there 5 days a week and will be able to have 1 on 1 support at night until bedtime. She will have support on the weekends and will be able to get a job coach to retrain on doing her job one handed and sitting in a wheelchair. This is ALL what we are hoping for...it will not happen unless she gets $$$$ from the state and approved for everything that she needs. We are praying really hard over here.  Pictures of Lisa in her apt will be on the way, but I have got to show you her cute smile when we were at Olive Garden....priceless!