post from Robin regarding his and Sally's recent visit

Hello All,

Sally and I visited Helen from Thursday 14/1 to Sunday 17/1. Helen is in the Mater Private Rehab hospital and seems to be getting as good care as we would hope for. The staff were friendly and helpful. We stayed in the Dorelle flats under Louis' care - very comfortable and convenient.

We generally visited Helen morning and afternoon and spent time talking or just sitting/reading while she slept. We had a couple of outings with wheel-chair. Sally gave a bit more useful care than the average visitor and also following Louis' example, helped Helen through her somewhat negative attitude to eating. We had some good conversation at times when Helen seemed very much herself in voice and smile. Then at times she would struggle with finding words to say something, get out a few disconnected words with effort, then shake her head, smile, relax and say "it doesn't matter" - relief. I read out some excerpts from Helen's book by William McInnes "A man's got to have a hobby" and that was fun.

She does some exercise (she realises she should) - walking with a frame, up and down the corridor. She tires easily. Eating and showering are an effort.

Overall it seems to me she is gradually slipping away. She has some minor irritations at times but is not in pain and the care is good. What more could we expect?

I am very glad to have had this visit.

Love, Robin

Some thoughts from Helen's brother Robin following his visit

"It was good having time with Helen. We had some reminiscences and I think some good talks, going slowly. Helen is clearly not what she was but she is still there inside. Quite a lot of quiet time. She seems not much interested in reading although she does appreciate cards. Margaret sent a nice one with a couple of family pics and Chloe & Cloud at Princess St. I found some of the cards very touching, especially Helen Peake's. She is an artist and clearly a good friend.

The morning at the pool was very enjoyable for all I think. Natasha blew in after breakfast, announced the plan and off we went.

I copy this to others as an update.

As the blog indicates Helen has slowed down, apparently in talking, thinking and walking but she is still doing all these things, including stair-climbing as an exercise. She does not like the idea of talking on the phone although a conversation with Margaret seemed to go quite well.

The attached directions tell how to get to the flats from the airport. Helen and Natasha are in flats 1 and 2 on the ground floor and Louis is in flat 8 upstairs.

I stayed in a good quality backpackers which Louis introduced me to at 61 Gladstone Rd, quite nearby.

It was good to be there for Louis' birthday party last Friday night. Rain held off, a very pleasant warm evening with spectacular clouds and lightning - very nice sitting on the rooftop chatting with Louis' friends and enjoying a splendid Bouillabaisse prepared by Natasha.

Natasha and Louis have made arrangements and are daily providing the best of care for Helen as she goes through this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you both as well as with Helen."