What about another kind of seat cushion in his chair that slopes to the side (one side thick one side thin) you want him to be which should make him be sitting straight up?? Or you can fold a regular cushion uneven a bit and tape it together keeping it from unfolding on him. I did that kind of seating in my early days after I got home. I used to want to lean over the side to pick up stuff from the floor and paper rack by my big chair and the remote sometimes!.

Ray had the leaning to the left too. The nursing home did two things, they used a foam sling to take the weight off his bad shoulder and also put a cushion under that arm. That helped to keep him upright as long as they kept an eye on him and readjusted the cushion when he slipped over the top of it. The main idea was to keep him from damaging the arm and shoulder more. I have seen him sideways, almost out of the chair, with his hand on the ground. That was not good at all.But the staff were always so busy.

Enjoy your time with your friend. It is great to have adult conversation for a while and a relax at the end of the day with someone who knows you and likes you.

Sue.

Donna: I am sorry about the recent change. I was wondering myself if mine wasn't depression. You can always give it a try and after maybe two months, decide if it is helping or not. She is someone you trust and value her opinion, so maybe give it a shot.

You already have some good advice about Lauren's tilting. I can only add maybe a seatbelt.

Enjoy your time with your friend. Sounds like the timing is perfect and those visits are rare. Blog when you can and let us know. Good week. Have some laughs and fun. Debbie

Donna, I think Larry leaned also in his chair at first. Larry has left side neglect and I always have to tell him to pull his chair up on the left, pull his pants up on the left, etc. He also cannot turn his head too far to the left but he does not lean to left now.

I noticed you are from the "show me" state too. You also probably know about tornados. I have never been in one and we have been lucky here so far.

Have a good visit with your friend and best wishes on Lauren's recovery.

Julie

you know i have wrote about me and my antidepressant before --- i tell you i have been on it - didnt think it really mattered, then went off.. not consciencley, the script ran out.. and i dint refill... slowly the depression or lack of ability to handle stress set in and then i was under the bus so to speak... got back on my setraline... and i can make it through the days... so i have had both sides of experience... in general the stuff for me is safe, cheap and makes life bearable -- those highs and lows don't hit the "extremes" peaks and valley-- more of a even keel... now, no doubt it is a big decision , but for me it sure saves a lot crying and maybe a heart attack to ... nancyl

Donna :

As a survivor in the beginning I resisted taking anti-depressants since I thought it was natural to feel the grief over loss of my left side of the body, but after coming home from rehab & still could not stop crying & look beyond grief of mine to cater need of our small kido. I decided to take anti-depressant, and it was amazing, that black cloud lifted & I could see bright future again. Though I strongly feel along with antidepressant, this online support group & blogging helped me deal with my new normal in better way. Slowly I weaned myself off antidepressant pills. Today I feel I much better equipped with dealing life's ups & downs.

Asha