About 10 days ago now, I was about to leave for work and my driveway was blocked by a taxi. Dave (Cousin Dave, next door) got out looking very tired and wobbly and said that he'd been all night in the emergency department: someone had knocked him off his bicycle and he'd been in hospital getting the once over.
The day after that, Caitlin and I came up the street to see Dave standing on the driveway looking as though he was about to fall backwards and smash his head so Caitlin ran over to check on him.
He believed he was ok so we were standing there, trying to assess if we should be pushy about calling an ambulance.
Julie, who is Dave's housemate and a nurse, came outside. Julie is a good person and caring but it can be hard to get a word in edgeways and in his condition Dave just gave up and walked away.
The car he took pride in has been sold, his beloved daughter is estranged from him, seemingly under the influence of a controlling partner and he was in obvious physical pain.
We were very concerned about him but after a short time (maybe 20 minutes) he arrived at the side door, wok in hand, and asked me to go get a plate.
He served a generous plate full of a bubble and squeak type mix with what I think was roast lamb, pumpkin, capsicum, mushrooms, onion and cheese.
The day after that, Caitlin and I came up the street to see Dave standing on the driveway looking as though he was about to fall backwards and smash his head so Caitlin ran over to check on him.
He believed he was ok so we were standing there, trying to assess if we should be pushy about calling an ambulance.
Julie, who is Dave's housemate and a nurse, came outside. Julie is a good person and caring but it can be hard to get a word in edgeways and in his condition Dave just gave up and walked away.
The car he took pride in has been sold, his beloved daughter is estranged from him, seemingly under the influence of a controlling partner and he was in obvious physical pain.
We were very concerned about him but after a short time (maybe 20 minutes) he arrived at the side door, wok in hand, and asked me to go get a plate.
He served a generous plate full of a bubble and squeak type mix with what I think was roast lamb, pumpkin, capsicum, mushrooms, onion and cheese.
It was delicious and I felt a bit less afraid for him.
Dave's verbal abilities are patchy these days but he found a way to communicate
I suppose he is sort of alright if he can cook like that.
ReplyDeletei worry about him but there's not a lot I can do
DeleteFood speaks volumes!
ReplyDeleteIt sure does!
DeleteWhat a wonderful way to show he appreciates you - and thank you for looking out for him and worrying.
ReplyDeleteHe's lived next door for 10 years and we never really spoke until lockdown, a hello here and there was about it
DeleteIs this the Dave that had a run in with some of your other neighbours? Did they back off?
ReplyDeleteHopefully Julie will do something, or call for help, if things do get out of hand.
Sx
Yes, Scarlet, the same Dave. Julie did send him back to hospital a couple of days later but he didn't need further treatment. His dementia seems worse since the accident, though
DeleteThose injuries are a worry. I hope things improve.
ReplyDeleteDave has early dementia so I'm extra cautious about keeping an eye on him
DeleteThose injuries are a worry. I hope things improve.
ReplyDeleteThe food prep is an excellent sign indeed but his health does seem wobbly and that is so sad about his daughter. He is lucky to have you as his neighbour.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
His health is not good and the day is fast coming when he is moved into permanent care. It's very sad about the daughter, hopefully she'll realise that having to choose between her Dad and her partner is not a position anyone should put her in
DeleteSome people are prone to saying they're fine and they don't need any more check-ups. My mum used to say that quite often. Good that you're keeping an eye on him.
ReplyDelete