Busy Days and Tired Nights!

Caitlin has been busy with her life in Acute Rehab. She has definitely enjoyed adding water therapy to her routine twice a week. As long as this is added at the end of her day she can return to her room and crash. If water therapy is in the morning she has a hard time staying awake during her other therapies.
Caitlin has been using an electric wheelchair to cruise around on the rehab unit. She does quite well steering it and trying to maintain a slow enough speed. You can get going a little too fast rather quickly...I accidentally did that on my test ride! It currently is in the plan for Caitlin to have an electric wheelchair of her own. Apparently, they are customized and can be quite an elaborate creation. It will be nice for Caitlin to have a greater sense of independence with this wheelchair.
Yesterday Caitlin and I came home for an hour with Roger (PT) and an assistant, Mel. They came to do a home evaluation so that we could see what adaptations we would need to make in order for Caitlin to spend time at home. I was so excited to put Caitlin in my car and walk her into the house. Our friend, John Christensen, built a ramp so we could get in the front door very nicely. It was just so nice to see Caitlin in the living room with a smile on her face. Sadie, our dog, had her head in Caitlin's lap while Caitlin patted her head. Amazing how dogs just seem to know what we all need, lots of love! It seems as if there are minor things to do in our home to get it ready. We learned that we have to have two exits with ramps to meet ADA regulations. I have been moving furniture around to figure out wheelchair accessibility and make it feasible for Caitlin to function in our home. I have also been looking into a recliner chair that is powered by a remote that Caitlin could use herself. The chair will get her to an almost standing position which would make transferring her to the wheelchair much easier. All these things bring an element of excitement as well as fear of what lies ahead. I still have much to learn about transferring Caitlin and we need to learn how to work together to do this.
As I prepare our home I have also been looking at information of neuro rehab facilities in Las Vegas. The case manager at the hospital has been looking into what alternatives would provide the best opportunities for Caitlin's recovery as well. It is all a bit overwhelming and confusing at this point. Caitlin will continue to need intensive therapy in all areas for quite some time but we don't know if what Reno has to offer will be extensive enough. It is a roller coaster ride of emotion to say the least. Each day is different and unpredictable in many ways. But the bottom line always is I am so proud of all Caitlin has accomplished!