General Update #58

Jess and Dusty stopped by to visit with Joyce through her room's window via phone around 4 p.m., finding Joyce napping peacefully in her recliner. Dusty and Jess admired the facility while waiting for Joyce to awake.

Upon waking, Joyce informed Jess and Dusty about the walk she had taken earlier in the day, traveling down the length of her wing's hallway under caregiver supervision. Her pain levels are reasonable, considering what she has been through. Joyce reports that walking was easier for her today. She expressed that she wants to get stronger and appeared more receptive to the idea of physical therapy. Joyce thinks they will have her walk again this evening, dependent upon if Joyce is feeling up to it.
Joyce enjoyed chicken cordon bleu (of sorts), accompanied by peas and carrots, and a dinner roll (not as good as her own she makes according to her, "These were like store bought ones," Joyce said.)

Joyce was very happy that her room isn't on a second or third floor wing. Dusty joked that if she had been then the family would've brought in a ladder so they could see her. "Being on the ground floor is nice," said Joyce. "It's like I have a drive up window!" She expressed multiple times how nice it was to have the room with the window at ground level where people could walk up and call her so she can see their wonderful faces.

Joyce stated that Carol had called earlier, which she enjoyed very much.

Joyce stated that she had slept in her recliner by choice last night and slept well. 

Joyce said all the nurses have been very kind to her.

Participant observation:
Joyce appeared to be sleeping well in her recliner (as observed during initial arrival of Jess and Dusty to Aspen Park) and she did not appear to be in great discomfort. 

Questions Joyce had been continuously asking while at Gritman did not occur during the length of this visit (How did I get here? Why does my back hurt? Do I ever get to go home?).

Joyce appeared more relaxed and less afraid of her current situation. 

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