Rosie the Owl.

I took the Old Lady out to lunch today and invited her favourite carer to join us. Another day of "nice chats" and "followed care plans". Head Office did know about this as she was officially helping us view the prospective care home - but - they didn't like it.

The Lodge is a new purpose built premises, corridors bright and airy and wide enough for two wheel chairs to pass (c.f. the bee space in a hive). The accommodation is also spacious with en suite wet rooms.
Most homes are large old houses that have been adapted and, with the best will in the world, they can only be competitive on price. Although TOL is not happy about leaving her home of the last thirty years she is surprisingly well disposed towards this particular possibility and readily put herself on the waiting list; she doesn't know how she's going to afford the fees but will slowly come to realise that they will be offset by the savings of both the cost of her present carers and that of maintaining her present house.

Owls are a consistent theme at the lodge, there are stuffed toys, ornaments and pictures all over the place; I assume that there is an implication that the residents may be old and forgetful, but they are also wise.

It was a successful day.