Update on Joyce Houghton

Hello all

First of all - hi Wendy! The photos are terrific. I have got a few too that I will scan on in a quiet moment.

Mum was taken into hospital on Tuesday 9 October. She is currently in Clyst Ward, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter. A scan shows significant damage caused by a blood clot in the brain resulting in a surrounding bleed. (I am not medically trained - hope that makes sense). She has movement in all of her limbs but lacks strength. Mentally she is really confused and is muddling the past with the present, but lives mostly in the past. In the first few days in hospital she demonstrated a bit of character and smiled quite a bit. As time goes on she seems more distracted and tends to drift off unable to maintain concentration.

I have visited her everyday and have tried to ensure her comfort and make sure her basic needs are catered for. She needs assistance to eat and is fed liquidised food. The doctors are currently doing a few minor tests, I understand that Mum is now waiting for a place at Budleigh Salterton Hospital (an old cottage style establishment) where she will be rehabilitated as far as she can be. At the moment the view of nurses at the hospital is that because of her confusion it would be unlikely to see a return home. However, I am keeping her home ready for her and will remain optimistic (but realistic).

I have been taking in lots of photos to show both Mum and the staff - everyone in the ward is elderly and grey haired so it is good to give her her own identity. The staff have now got the measure of Mum's love of dogs and indeed Spotty, her 81 year old Dalmation Nightdress Case that Aunty Gertie gave her is on the bed and is much admired and usually stroked by all who pass!!

I would love to write more cheery things - maybe I will be able to next time.

Love to all who read this.

Sally