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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Dec 30, 2017 20:53:29 GMT
I am a bit late to the housing topic you've mentioned, but if the hospital has the space and willingness, is there someone you know who would be willing to park their recreational vehicle on the hospital property for you? My family did this for some friends whose son was in the hospital for a long time after a horrible accident. Continued prayers for you and your family. I dont know anyone with one and it's -28 here right now so I'd need hook ups. If it was spring heck I'd rent one thanks for the idea though!
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Post by Lexica on Dec 31, 2017 2:22:14 GMT
When I stayed in the various hospitals with my son during his many surgeries and treatments, sleeping in chairs, on recliners, and once I was lucky enough to have them bring me a small cot to put in his room. I was allowed to either shower in the shower in his bathroom if he was in a private room, or there was a large shower down the hall that they let me use. They didn't mind at all, especially since I had my own soap and towels. I just waited until it was late in the evening when I was guaranteed no one would be showering any patients. It doesn't hurt to ask if that is a possibility for you. It would be much more convenient than leaving the hospital just to shower. I'm sure they have tremendous respect for you with the support you are giving your son, and will want to help you out if at all possible.
I see you posted that the temperature is -28 there right now, so my thoughts of suggesting going for walks outside to take a break is not a good one. Unless there is a nearby enclosed shopping mall, museum, or other warm environment. It would be good for you to get away from the facility to just relax, have a cup of tea, and take some time for yourself. I know when caring for your son, you don't take the time to think of your own needs, but it would be good for both of you in the long run.
I'm also glad to see you received the cards and little bracelet and that it was not lost in the mail somewhere. I'm happy that you are able to picture us all standing behind you and willing you strength when you look at it.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Dec 31, 2017 2:47:36 GMT
Hi I have exhausted my contacts now. Both cousin and Ex say there’s nothing other than social work at Foothills. I wish I had better news. Sending squishy hugs because you need some!
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Post by katlaw on Dec 31, 2017 7:35:48 GMT
I have been thinking about you and your housing situation. I wish I lived in Calgary instead of Edmonton. Have you tried something like this ad on Kijiji. Short term rentalor this oneMaybe you could find a short term rental that would give you a place to go, shower, get a decent sleep and recharge.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Dec 31, 2017 7:40:58 GMT
K what about doing a homestay? I don't know if they are big there like they here on the coast. You could go stay at my neighbour's house here if I knew someone like that there. I mean they supply the food and cooking you can just sleep and shower there like the students do. It's a thought anyway?
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Post by jennrs on Jan 2, 2018 3:27:56 GMT
When I stayed with my son in the hospital and slept in the waiting room chairs, I showered across the street at a hotel. They had one room set aside for families of patients to be used for two hours at a time for a shower and nap, if desired. It was free and a life saver for me. I’m sure if they had something like that the social worker would of told you though.
I hope you find a place and don’t end up having to sleep in his room for long. I love Spencer’s picture.
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Post by mom on Jan 2, 2018 3:34:41 GMT
Have you considered going to visit with a church? Many have outreach programs where they can provide assistance (like helping you find somewhere free or low charge to stay). You wouldn't have to be a member of their church most likely.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jan 2, 2018 5:20:41 GMT
Have you considered going to visit with a church? Many have outreach programs where they can provide assistance (like helping you find somewhere free or low charge to stay). You wouldn't have to be a member of their church most likely. This won't be popular but people at a Masjid in Calgary would be willing to host you I am sure. It's called Dawah and it is required by all of us. It's outreach and helping others in need. Here I could find you 10 houses to stay at. Heck you could stay with me and I could show you how to get to the hospital on your own because it's on a direct bus route. I just wish I knew someone who knew someone. There is no space at my cousin's house because their daughter lives with them and they have a very small house. If you are Catholic -Catholic Christian Charities or whatever it is called there could be a resource for you. I am not sure about the United, Presbyterian or Anglican churches. If you have a church I would contact the local parish office and tell them your situation. This isn't funny any longer.
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Post by newfcathy on Jan 2, 2018 22:29:18 GMT
Saw this meme on FB. I thought of you, and how all of us are thinking of you & wish that we could do something. And all most of us can do from a distance is send our love & best wishes & hope that things get better & that you can take time for yourself. www.facebook.com/406346813057398/videos/626801481011929/
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Post by garagesaler on Jan 4, 2018 10:30:17 GMT
Thinking of you and Spencer, and praying for you both. So sorry that you are going to be sleeping at the hospital. I only did that for a night or two when my hubby was in different hospitals. People come and go all night long, it was so noisy, and uncomfortable to sleep on a recliner, or whatever they have. And, at Mayo Clinic, they made everyone that was not a patient leave at 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM for an hour for nursing shift changes. They said that we could possibly overhear a patient being discussed so we had to leave. Being woken at 6:00 AM when you just fell asleep is rough. You need as much rest as you can get right now. Really praying for a place to open up for you to stay for low cost.
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Post by donna on Jan 4, 2018 14:27:55 GMT
Is there an extended stay motel close to the hospital? There is one right next to my oncologist because the building also has a hospice center in it. Most of the extended stay places around here are less than $200 for an entire week and include a small kitchen. We lived in one for 2 1/2 months while waiting for our house to be finished.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jan 4, 2018 15:41:37 GMT
Just checking in to offer ((((hugs)))) and prayers for you and Spencer.
I am sorry that on top of all that he is going through, you have to deal with finding a place to stay.
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jan 4, 2018 22:49:06 GMT
UPDATE Hi everyone Happy New Year to you all I hope 2018 is a fantastic year for everyone! Sorry I've been MIA I sometimes just need to unplug from social media etc. I don't know if it's the extreme weather changes here or the length of stay for Spencer but I've been really tired the past few days and battling some headaches. On New Years eve day paperaddict came to meet me and Spencer and have a visit and lunch! We had such a great visit and chatted like friends who had known each other for a while it was such a nice treat to talk with another pea. She is such a lovely kind person! Your hugs, concern and friendship are just what I needed!! We had a bit of a scare on New Years Day as the drain had slowed right down to barely any drainage. Thankfully the neurosurgeon on call was able to flush the catheter several times and get it working yay! As far as we know the surgery is still slated for January 9th to put the shunt back in. Spencer is still unable to talk past a hi and occasionally how are you. Thank you all so so much for all the suggestions for finding a place to stay! One night just before New Years I was feeling really low wondering how I would cope with staying here in his room. I prayed for a solution and went on my tablet when I got to my room and did a search for accommodations for family members and up popped a house that a Mennonite church has for family members to stay in whole their loved ones are in hospital. I sent them a request and heard from them that they could house me indefinitely! I literally fell to my knees with gratitude it's such a relief to have somewhere I can go to sleep and shower even cook a meal and just recharge my batteries! I'm praying the reaching out by paperaddict, the catheter flush and me finding a place to stay is a sign that 2018 is going to be a year of lots of positive and great things for Spencer and I! Thank you all for the support you give me!! The prayers and cards you continue to send Spencer. You are all rockstars and I don't know how I'd survive this all without you!
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jan 4, 2018 22:54:02 GMT
When I stayed in the various hospitals with my son during his many surgeries and treatments, sleeping in chairs, on recliners, and once I was lucky enough to have them bring me a small cot to put in his room. I was allowed to either shower in the shower in his bathroom if he was in a private room, or there was a large shower down the hall that they let me use. They didn't mind at all, especially since I had my own soap and towels. I just waited until it was late in the evening when I was guaranteed no one would be showering any patients. It doesn't hurt to ask if that is a possibility for you. It would be much more convenient than leaving the hospital just to shower. I'm sure they have tremendous respect for you with the support you are giving your son, and will want to help you out if at all possible. I see you posted that the temperature is -28 there right now, so my thoughts of suggesting going for walks outside to take a break is not a good one. Unless there is a nearby enclosed shopping mall, museum, or other warm environment. It would be good for you to get away from the facility to just relax, have a cup of tea, and take some time for yourself. I know when caring for your son, you don't take the time to think of your own needs, but it would be good for both of you in the long run. I'm also glad to see you received the cards and little bracelet and that it was not lost in the mail somewhere. I'm happy that you are able to picture us all standing behind you and willing you strength when you look at it. My gosh that must have been so hard on you when your son was in the hospital so much. We moms are tough thank goodness! Thankfully I found somewhere to stay but thank you so much for your suggestions! I need to make more of an effort to get away for a bit. I think part of the reason I'm so tired is I don't really get a legitimate break from here. I need to start going to bed earlier too. TY again for the bracelet and cards it's like having a posse of peas with me all the time!
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jan 4, 2018 22:55:47 GMT
I have been thinking about you and your housing situation. I wish I lived in Calgary instead of Edmonton. Have you tried something like this ad on Kijiji. Short term rentalor this oneMaybe you could find a short term rental that would give you a place to go, shower, get a decent sleep and recharge. TY so much for this suggestion. I had no idea people rented out rooms. I was able to find a house that a church runs for families of loved ones in hospital! I
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jan 4, 2018 22:58:05 GMT
When I stayed with my son in the hospital and slept in the waiting room chairs, I showered across the street at a hotel. They had one room set aside for families of patients to be used for two hours at a time for a shower and nap, if desired. It was free and a life saver for me. I’m sure if they had something like that the social worker would of told you though. I hope you find a place and don’t end up having to sleep in his room for long. I love Spencer’s picture. Oh my gosh that was really nice of the hotel that must have been such a god send! I was able to find something I am so grateful because I really wasn't looking forward to having to stay in his room! Thank you so much!
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,517
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Jan 4, 2018 22:59:58 GMT
Wow! So glad you found a place to stay. Best wishes to you and Spencer!
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jan 4, 2018 23:03:16 GMT
Saw this meme on FB. I thought of you, and how all of us are thinking of you & wish that we could do something. And all most of us can do from a distance is send our love & best wishes & hope that things get better & that you can take time for yourself. www.facebook.com/406346813057398/videos/626801481011929/OMG I love that meme! It's so true sometimes my self care is a day like today where I allow myself to sleep a bit longer or go and grab a hot chocolate. What all you peas do via this message board really does help me make it thru the long days! I'm so grateful to each and every one of you, thank you!
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Post by gar on Jan 4, 2018 23:06:45 GMT
I really do hope that these good things are a sign of a turnaround for you and Spencer 🙂 ((hugs)) as always.
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Jan 4, 2018 23:08:00 GMT
Thinking of you and Spencer, and praying for you both. So sorry that you are going to be sleeping at the hospital. I only did that for a night or two when my hubby was in different hospitals. People come and go all night long, it was so noisy, and uncomfortable to sleep on a recliner, or whatever they have. And, at Mayo Clinic, they made everyone that was not a patient leave at 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM for an hour for nursing shift changes. They said that we could possibly overhear a patient being discussed so we had to leave. Being woken at 6:00 AM when you just fell asleep is rough. You need as much rest as you can get right now. Really praying for a place to open up for you to stay for low cost. Oh that would be terrible being woken at 6 a.m. and given the boot! There was a mom in ICU that slept in the room for weeks and one in Spencer's unit whose been staying every night since May! It's like you mentioned no quiet time. I'm so thankful to have found something!
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jan 4, 2018 23:25:43 GMT
I am so happy that you've found a place you can stay!!!!
I can "hear" the positivity in your post.
May 2018 be a year of more ups than downs.
(((hugs))) and continued prayers for you and Spencer.
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Post by femalebusiness on Jan 4, 2018 23:37:23 GMT
Well, 2018 has started off well. So happy you found a place to stay. That alone will be a big weight lifted off of your shoulders. I am predicting a nice upturn this year. The momentum is going in the right direction for a great new year. You and Spencer are in my thoughts.
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Post by utpea on Jan 4, 2018 23:50:04 GMT
It’s so nice to hear about your new living situation. Hopefully you can get some real rest and it will recharge your batteries a bit. You and Spencer are both such troopers. Fingers are crossed that 2018 continues to get better & better.
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,179
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Jan 5, 2018 1:23:06 GMT
Glad that some good things are happening. What a relief for you to have a decent place to stay and get away from the hospital for a break.
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Sue
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,234
Location: SE of Portland, Oregon
Jun 26, 2014 18:42:33 GMT
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Post by Sue on Jan 5, 2018 1:52:06 GMT
So happy to hear a positive update from you. Praying that 2018 will bring good things to you and to Spencer.
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RosieKat
Drama Llama
PeaJect #12
Posts: 5,398
Jun 25, 2014 19:28:04 GMT
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Post by RosieKat on Jan 5, 2018 1:58:23 GMT
I am so happy you've found a place, and I love Spencer's picture! I just wanted to pop in to say I'm thinking of you both, and your new little granddaughter. Lots of love and hugs, and maybe even some good rest to you!
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Post by anniefb on Jan 5, 2018 3:01:37 GMT
So wonderful to hear that you have a place to stay canadianscrappergirl. Continuing to pray for you and Spencer, especially for his surgery.
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Post by katlaw on Jan 5, 2018 3:07:27 GMT
I was able to find a house that a church runs for families of loved ones in hospital! This is a great solution. Gives you a place to recharge. Thinking of you today, as always.
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Post by garagesaler on Jan 5, 2018 9:56:58 GMT
Oh, I am so happy that you found a place where you can stay. Sleeping in the hospital is just too exhausting for anyone. Keeping you and Spencer in my prayers.
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,770
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Jan 5, 2018 10:01:39 GMT
I'm so pleased you have found a place to stay. It will be so benefical to you to get some decent sleep. Fingers crossed that this is the start of more good things to come.
Happy New Year to you and Spencer.
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