In the Lobby of the Assisted Living Center

Eight elderly people were arrayed around the lobby of an assisted living center. They were in wheelchairs or walkers. Some were on phones or tablets. Some stared straight ahead. A nature show played silently on a monitor. The resident waited for rides and visitations and something I couldn’t figure out.

I sat in the lobby waiting to tour the facility. I had bicycled there in 90-degree heat and soaked my dress shirt in the process. I had arrived 20 minutes early to get the lay of the land. I wanted to observe residents and staff before the tour.

My visit was precipitated in haste after Dad fell twice in the house in the space of a week. We got lucky he didn’t seriously injure himself. Our mutual living arrangement was no longer sustainable. I had to get proactive and not reactive regarding his care.

My mind raced with thoughts:

Is this the right thing to do?

The right place?

It was nearby. We could still watch Perry Mason every morning.

I’m totally exhausted like I have never been before.

What’s my future?

What happens when I’m old? Hart’s Cove or Otter Point here I come!

How long would Dad last in this place?

The marketing manager came up to me and introduced herself. Off we went. The dining room was first. We looked around. We sat down at a table and we went through all the particulars. They were daunting.

After that, we checked out apartments.