Dad II
Dad's change of dressing and regular review at the polyclinic could be done on the same day. Hence I took eldercare leave yesterday afternoon to bring him there. The itinerary was to do ECG, review blood test results, change dressing, and finally collect medication.
Dad is 79, and of course is no longer as alert as he was before. Then again, as far as I recall, dad has always been somewhat of a scatter-brain. He was never the observant, sharp, quick-witted type. On the contrary he's a little slow (mom would protest 'little'), passive, and laid back. Mom's almost the exact opposite, and so growing up had its challenging moments. Mom always says had it not been for us she would have parted with dad moons ago. Anyways...
Back at the Polyclinic - it was quite a long wait since we had several stations to cover. It didn't bother me much since I've grown quite used to it. Dad on the other hand, was a little jittery. Test results were normal, though his sugar reading is a little higher than the last. For that we'll do a blood test again in a few months.
Wait time at the pharmacy was longer than usual but for some reason dad got jumpy and started making a racket. This was despite my assuring him to wait a little bit repeatedly. He's usually better behaved.
I lost my cool when he bugged the staff and asked to complain. I commanded him at a half-loud voice to go sit down. Dad sheepishly obeyed.
I was guilt-stricken immediately. I had not raised my voice at him for a long time.
After finally collecting his medicine, I brought dad to the coffeeshop nearby for a bite, got him inside the salon for a haircut, went home, helped him in the shower and on the way bought food as an add-on for dinner. It was an eventful day.
I'm still feeling bad about my outburst yesterday. I ought to have held myself together. I could have explained why it's taking longer than usual instead of just telling him to wait. I knew why we were waiting longer but he didn't.
Care-givers for the elderly need much patience and though I've acquired more of it over the years, I'm still a little short.
It's interesting how people change as they age, and seemingly become someone else. Dad isn't how he used to be like; at least that's not how I remembered him to be. It's probably hard for others to understand their thinking pattern because we aren't there yet. But we can and ought to be accommodating, and that takes conscious effort. After all we love them, and that love is well worth the effort.
Sorry dad. I love you.