Santo Rugger (RIP Santo Rugger)

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
962

Thanks for the updates SR’s Mom!

963

I’m really glad to hear that he’s continuing to make progress.

964

Hi Everyone! I wanted to take a moment to update you all on Santo’s progress. We continue to see improvement in his swallowing and his initial gag reflex is getting stronger. He has been well and made it through the holidays without any illnesses! His response time is shorter when asked to do simple things - thumbs up, life his hand towards his chin, put his lips together, etc. These small movements used to take forever!

We continue to advocate strongly for Pat, but we have been unable to get in-home therapy for him and it’s become harder and harder to hire qualified caregivers. Four years of constant care is beginning to take its toll on the Rugger family.

We have made the tough decision to place Pat in a center where he will get 24/7 care plus speech therapy, OT, and PT. He will still be in town and we can go every day and also take him on outings. My hope is that we will actually have more energy to be present for him and he might enjoy us more:) I also feel that he will enjoy the interaction with different people.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we transition to this new phase. I have not posted this on Facebook; in fact we have not even had a chance to tell all our family members. But I wanted to let you all know because I know many of have a special place in your heart for our rough, tough rugger!!

Thank you all for your support! I’m not good about posting updates because I’m just so danged tired all the time…

965

Best wishes for Pat and the Rugger family.

Thank you for keeping us informed. :slight_smile:

966

Thanks for the update. Frankly, you’re all rough, tough ruggers.

967

It’s always so good to hear news about Santo! Thanks for the update, SRM!

I know I’m not alone (as evidenced by dozens if not hundreds of posts in this very thread) in saying that I think of y’all Ruggers often and continue to wish y’all the very best.

968

Thanks so much for the update!

969

I’m sure a 24/7 residential unit will be a big step forward for everyone by the sounds of it SRM. And it’s great to hear that Pat continues to get better and better…thanks for keeping us posted.

You keep yourself well too, and all the best from way downunder.

kam :slight_smile:

970

Thanks for the update. Glad Pat is progressing.

971

Thanks so much for the continued updates. My best wishes are with you, Pat and your family - a residential unit sounds like a very positive move for everyone and I hope we will soon be hearing plenty more good news on Pat’s progress!

972

Thanks for the update! Glad he’s making such good progress – tell him we’re still waiting for him to bring the damn pie.

973

Praying that he will thrive in his new environment!!** (((Rugger Mom)))**

974

You are helping to open up his world again and to get more consistent therapeutic care. And you will be close enough to keep an eye on him, but without the full and constant need to provide all of the care, all of the time, which is a nearly impossible task you’ve been performing for an incredibly long time. This is such a positive move forward for all of you. Best of luck

975

SantoRuggersMom I want to second what the above posters said since your last update. It’s great to hear about Santo’s progress! Your decision to move him to residential care may have been difficult, but you did the best thing for all of you. I hope you get some time to relax and take care of yourself, as well as Santo. I must say that y’all do bring toughness to new levels!

976

Thanks for the update SRM. It’s good to hear that Pat is continuing to improve. I was just wondering how he was doing a couple of days ago. I know the decision to move him to a full time care facility must have been hard, but it sounds like it is the best choice for everyone. And let me echo everyone’s comments on the rugger family toughness. You guys are amazing.

977

It takes a village, and I think that is an old wisdom that is dawning on our society more and more. I’m confident that the staff at his new place will soon become part of your and Pat’s chosen family.

978

I’m so glad to hear continued good news about Pat. You know I think of him often and am certain one day he’ll be talking your ears off and doing all sorts of things. Sending you all the best wishes in the world.

979

I am posting an update, with permission from SantoRuggersMom This is from her Facebook today, I’m not sure what else to add right now…

980

i just saw that on Facebook.

may his memory be eternal.

981

Thanks Butterscotch. Rugger family, I am so sorry you are going through all of this.