Date: 18 February 2008 14:02:38
Well, it's not that far from Dublin for world travellers such as Felicia Fogg and it wasn't exactly my destination but the next morning I was off in that general direction by coach. I was being met by my aunt and her neighbour at a particular drop-off point which I had been told would be busy. I asked the driver to alert me when we reached it which he did - and I was deposited in what looked to be a deserted lay-by. I was just beginning to wonder how to contact someone (as I didn't have any mobile phone numbers for the two ladies) when they drew up. After the usual greetings and wotnot, I had to ask to be taken to a pharmacy. The odd thing was that only the night before I had been thinking about how I hadn't had a cold for ages - and thanks to this blog - I was able to remember when it was as I had drunk a homemade blackberry remedy.
Sitting on the coach, looking at the Wicklow Mountains and catching glimpses of the Irish Sea as we travelled south, I had been able to feel some sort of chest/throat infection travelling northwards in my body towards the back of my throat. I suspect it was (is) Danish in origin as the Great Dane had complained of a developing cold at the end of the weekend.
The rest of the week was spent taking advantage of Jack the Lass's advice and expertise in the area of healthcare provision for the elderly. Using a few snazzy phrases, I was able to determine my elderly aunt's situation by visiting her bank, her doctor, the district nurse, meeting her home help and others. The upshot seems to be that Auntie is quite vulnerable and needs to have professional care. I made a quick trip to a care home and started to gently introduce her to the idea of leaving the home she loves. It's tough, so tough, as she doesn't want to go into residential care, but nor does she wish to return to England. I have a feeling that a return trip or two will be required to the Emerald Isle.