Candes Saint-Martin, my favourite spot in La Touraine.

Saturday 8 November 2014

New window

Right now, my mother is having a new window installed in my former bedroom. The room is facing north-west and the old window frame has suffered a lot over the last 20 years or so, especially during winter. Moreover, the window wasn't closing properly any longer, meaning that a fierce gale could have blown it open ... and burglars would have had easy access.


Photo from the internet

We put in the order for the new window frame a few weeks before we learnt that a service flat will soon be available in our village. Yet, we decided to have the work done anyway. 

We will be visiting the flat next Friday, but the chances that my mother will get it, are almost non-existent, because there are at least five people who have a better place on the waiting list. Yet, it is a step in the right direction: finding a comfortable place for her to live, other than our huge family home which is way too large for her to upkeep. Not to mention the garden, which she loves. I'm sure she will miss it. The garden and the pretty stray cat that sits every day waiting in an old flower pot, until my mother comes out to give it the leftovers of her meals-on-wheels lunch.

7 comments:

Susan said...

My parents have just had an assessment done which is the first step to them getting accommodation in the local retirement home. It won't be for a while yet as we want them to stay in their own home for as long as possible, but if you don't have the assessment done you are not even in the queue.

chm said...

I hope for your mother to stay in her own home as long as she can. When you get older, especially at our age, it is always hard to get used to new environments. But, sometimes, there is no other way. Wish her well.

Ken Broadhurst said...

My mother sold her house in 2005 and moved into an apartment in a nearby retirement complex. She was 75 years old. She says she really doesn't miss the old house, even though she had lived there for 54 years and the last 15 of those alone. Maintenance was a constant worry and often expensive. I think moving into the apartment was a liberating experience, and MA says she is very happy in het current digs. BTW, Walt's grandmother had a similar experience a few years ago, at age 87, and said she wished she hadn't hesitated for so long before making the move.

The Broad said...

My parents moved into a wonderful retirement center in 2004 after over 30 years in their house -- which was in much need of repairs and general upkeep. My husband and I stayed with them that final year in order to facilitate things. My mother never really missed the old place and as my father died the year following the move, it was fortunate that she did not have the burden of a big move. She absolutely loved her apartment and the complex where she lived -- and not having to cook and clean were right up her street!

ladybird said...

Susan, We had the assessment of our family home done last February, although it isn't mandatory in Belgium. I hope your parents can enjoy their home for many more years.

Chm, I agree with you and I want to keep my mother close by as long as possible, but unfortunately there comes a time when it's no longer sensible. Especially with the garden, the stairs, etc.

Ken, My mother is getting used to the idea that she'll have to move into a service flat. And she has accepted it. Now we have to wait and see what happens tomorrow when we visit the flat, which probably has already been given to someone who's higher on the waiting list.

Kathie, The complex my mother has a chance of moving into doesn't offer cooking and cleaning. But that doesn't matter as since last year she has her lunch delivered (except on weekends when I do the cooking) and she has a cleaning lady. She'll miss her garden though.



VirginiaC said...

When your Mum does move into a service flat, a few potted plants will certainly brighten her day....who knows maybe a stray cat will show up to visit her.

ladybird said...

Virginia, The flat has a small balcony, large enough put put a comfortable chair and some potted plants. The cat would have to have some good climbing skills, because the flat is located on the first floor :)