Mum’s first week

Bloody hell – we are KNACKERED!

10 days of getting off the floor mattress, getting mum up, washed & dressed, tablets done, downstairs, breakfast & tea, then throwing clothes on ourselves – and doing it all again in reverse order at night – is no mean feat. Really pleased and relieved that Mum is now somewhere I have to worry far less about, so it's well worth it, but still quite a toughie when you work yourself as well.

Oh yes, and are still mid renovation, 3 weeks to Christmas and can't decide what colour to paint the front door or what level the wire baskets in the new cupboards should be, to fit a cereal box in, let alone whether the recycling men will still take our massive plastic tubs if we have to cut one of the handles off to fit in in the bloody cupboards….

Thankfully, Mum's new magic helpers have now been interviewed and appointed – Nicole and Silviya – who are now coming three times a day. Amazing how Mum goes from barely being able to sit up on the sofa when I am there, to managing to climb the entire flight of stairs and put herself to bed, to avoid the carer doing it for the first time! Sneaky old lady – taught me everything I know.

So, think things will be much easier from now on. It's definitely clear that she's not going to be able to go back to her old flat, so this is the new 54 Stroud Road – should keep the burglars away at least. And it is nice to have her so close after all these years – although as you can tell from the pic, I think H is worried he's lost his bed & sofa forever!