I asked William if a regular routine is a good thing. He said "yes". He likes to know that each morning is the same.

We get up and get ready for the pool. No surprises there.

William usually gets up and says where are we going. I just have to reply. We are going to the pool. Sort of boring...but the routine works.

William does get a reprieve when I need to work the morning shift. this is usually only a couple of days of the week.

The handicapped bathroom at the YMCA is broken. but, fortunately Williamis able to use the regular one now. I just bring the bathroom chair over to the other shower. This one does not have grab rails. But, I do bring in the quad cane and he is able to use that for the support that the grab rails provide. A few months ago...we were not able to do this. Fortunately, this problem with the handicapped restroom is allowing us to see that Wm is getting better. It is scary and more work...but it is doable.

I have started a couple of new exercises in the pool.

I have Wm rock from the left leg to the right leg. Just rocking back and forth between the two legs.

While i have Wm's arms against the pool ...we are facing the edge. I have him tap the pool with the right leg and then the tap the pool with the left leg.

We did this exercise with Wm's back against the pool...Now, I have just turned him around and he has to balance a bit more and kick the foot.

While facing the edge...I also tell him that he needs to lift the knee up...20 times with both legs.

This is just an update....Still walking and bending...But, just a couple of additions and modifications.

I need to say that stroke recovery is sooooooo sloooow. But, with persistence...I do see improvement.

Ruth