Latest email from Chris:

Hello,

Thanks for being patient. A lot has changed since the last update. Regarding Mom, she is getting around with a walker. Her knee is healing up. She'll be staying an additional four weeks at the nursing home. I'll explain that part in a minute. Dad has been released from the hospital in Peru. They moved him down to the same nursing home in Toluca where Mom is. He needs a lot of assistance and will be there at least four weeks (hence my Mom's stay for four weeks). His infection is under control. He is off the IV antibiotic and is on regular antibiotics now. His fever never became terrible, but it was worrisome. They were considering further surgery, but as long as the infection continues to back down, they don't feel it is necessary. Still, that could change.

Mom and Dad were supposed to move into a shared room today, but that has been postponed till tomorrow. I'll get down to visit them soon, but it sounds like they have what they need most which is each other in a good place for now. I'm waiting to hear back from Dad's doctor as I want a report directly from him. I've started the research into assisted care living facilities. Here's where I could use help if anyone has insight. Their situation isn't simple, so there are considerations to include when looking at care. Obviously, it has to take Medicare/Medicaid, have mental health capabilities (for Mom) and have a nursing staff or some form of assistance program. Assisted living seems to be the middle ground between what they have currently and a nursing home. Many of the places that include mental health services can get rather rough. The way this is usually kept under control is by having an age limit of 65. Mom is about to turn 63, so that makes this aspect difficult without special consideration. Add to that a wait list, and we've got some work to do. Many of you have more experience with this than I do, so I'm asking...

They'd love to hear from you, but aren't up for much. They don't have Internet yet and aren't really interested in getting it right now. They would love to get a letter (remember how to do those? I don't.), a card or even a visit if you happen to be in a cornfield near them. Below is the address and the Google Maps link. They do not have a phone in the room, and it is an ordeal to get them on the line at the front desk. For now, please just drop a letter to them. You're also welcome to write to me. I plan on printing out the Mudcat thread for Dad and can do the same for any emails you send my way.

Chris

Write to:

Art and Carol Thieme
c/o Asta Care of Toluca
101 East Vía Ghiglieri
Toluca, IL 61369-9596
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(Took out link to google maps. It's easy to look up, anyway.:-)

THANK YOU, CHRIS!!

Art & Carol,

Much, much love to you both. We've been very concerned. Now, heal!**bg**

luvyakat & Rog