Thursday And It's A Long One

Jim called about 8:00 to ask if we'd see the The Townehouse apartment before or after lunch. I had no idea, but figured probably after. Why did he want to know? Because he was about to have breakfast and he wasn't sure how much to eat. Ok-k-a-ay... I asked if he had yet heard from the Agency on Aging to set up the assessment. No, he hadn't and I had called three weeks ago. That prompted me to call and give them the info all over again. I also got in touch with an outfit called "Helping Hands Senior Foundation," which I may or may not share with Jim. I called and was told it's a non-profit organization, but I have my doubts.

Was picked up by my escort (!) at 11:45 and off we went to The Townehouse. We were greeted by Harvey, the operations director (actually, he's probably the sales director) and he mentioned he had met me in June when Diane and I went to The Poseidon Adventure movie and buffet. Later, he also mentioned that his partner, Nancy, works there, too (I don't know in what capacity),  AND that she's Earnest Borgnine's daughter--wow! 

I was surprised when a woman came up and said she remembered me from my June visit. As soon as she said her name--Maxine--I remembered her. I liked her, we seemed compatible, and I may look her up one of these days. 

Others greeted us, too, including several at the main desk, the dining room manager, and the chef. We were seated in the dining room, given menus, and looked over the extensive choices. I decided on a macaroni, ham, and cheese casserole (which came with slices of fresh pineapple), seasoned (cooked) carrots, and something else I can't remember. Got a diet coke to go with it, as they don't serve wine or beer until after 4:00. (I wonder if that's standard in independent living places?) 

The dining room is very attractive: spacious, inclosed by glass panels that look out over a lovely wooded area, and with a patio (it was very warm, so we opted for inside) and probably the nicest I've seen. After, we were shown the studio apartment and the one-bedroom. They also have two bedrooms, large tower suites, and cottages behind on the extensive property where my friend, Joe Rocco, lived. (He died last year.)

Before we left, Jim wanted to look over the library, which we did. Got home about 2:00 and immediately did something radical: I went to the pool. Went in, then sat and read for a bit. Two guys came in, but they were the only other ones there:

I've always liked this view of the hills from the pool.

Home, I showered, dressed, put in a load of whites, then went next door to Suzanne's, as she had asked me to tell her Jim's reaction to The Townehouse. We talked and she asked if I wanted to go to lunch today to Cafe Nouveau. I accepted on the spot, as I had never been here and do I ever turn down an invitation? Since I'm meeting Diane for lunch in back of the library tomorrow, that means every day this week so far, I'll have gone out for lunch. Geez, guess I'd better fill in Sunday. 😂

As I was going back from getting the  mail, a young woman was getting out of her car with an adorable baby in her arms. We said hello and I admired the four-month-old. After introductions (she's Gabby, baby is Elias), she told me she had moved into the apartment next to me. How nice--I love the idea of a baby next door.

Okay, I've left until now commenting on the reason I was at The Townehouse in the first place: Jim.  I'm afraid he has deteriorated greatly in the last year or so. Reading the menu in the dining room, he was confused as to what--or how much--he could order. I told him he could have five entrees and fourteen appetizers if he wanted--it isn't a restaurant where you pay for everything, we were guests and there was no charge. He questioned practically everything on the menu--"Is that good?," "What's in that?," as if I knew. When Harvey showed us the apartments and amenities, Jim wrote down a lot, even things that made no sense to record, such as the laundry rooms. (They have three on the second, fourth, and sixth floors, with four large washers and dryers in each. There's no charge for residents. Of course, they can also pay extra to have their laundry done for them.)

I think The Townehouse is probably very much like other independent/assisted living facilities in the country; certainly is similar to the ones I've been in. I do think it would be ideal for Jim, but I'm almost sure he can't afford even the studio. Of course, I don't know what his yearly income is, but then, neither does he.     

Lots, lots more to say about the day, especially concerning Jim, but it's 8:00 on Thursday night and I'm tired. Later: Now it's 4:30 am on Friday and I don't want to elaborate further, except to say Jim definitely shouldn't be living alone. I'm going to continue following up on the Agency for Aging.