It has been a long time since the last post. As you know, Dad passed away one month ago today. Many thanks to everyone for your kindness during that time and for joining in the celebration at his memorial service. We will not forget him.
I'm posting now, because Mom continues to have ups and downs -- more downs than ups. She seems to spend most of her time just lying on her bed; no interest in much of anything. Yesterday was a bit better as Liz got her to the gym(!) and found out that they have been taking her out to sit in the sunroom to read the paper. Definitely better than lying in bed all day. However, today she had another fall. They found her on the bathroom floor -- banged up pretty good, but other than that OK. Amazing that with all these falls she has not broken anything.
BTW, it was wonderful to have her out with Aunt Bet, Uncle G, and Uncle John Sunday -- bright spot in the month.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Rebound
Apparently this morning Dad was awake and his nurse decided he should get up! They got him dressed and took him out to sit in the sun porch for a couple of hours where he listened to the music program, doing a little singing (in his whisper-of-a-voice) and tapping along. Did not expect that! They also gave him a half cup or so of thickened water -- not much, but at least something. The nurse said that she would give him some thickened juice later. We think he had less morphine today, which may account for him being more awake.
Liz came in the afternoon knowing he had been up in the morning and was now back in his bed. She expected he would be worn out and asleep, but he was awake a good bit of the time. He still has a low fever, but the nurse said his chest was less congested. They had a nice visit, listening to some old Men of RV music. Liz and Julie McG. stopped by, too -- nice surprise. I imagine they were a little surprised themselves since we've led people to expect the worst.
Perhaps this good day was an anomaly, but we'll take it.
Liz came in the afternoon knowing he had been up in the morning and was now back in his bed. She expected he would be worn out and asleep, but he was awake a good bit of the time. He still has a low fever, but the nurse said his chest was less congested. They had a nice visit, listening to some old Men of RV music. Liz and Julie McG. stopped by, too -- nice surprise. I imagine they were a little surprised themselves since we've led people to expect the worst.
Perhaps this good day was an anomaly, but we'll take it.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Dad
I apologize for not providing an update in a while. I really need to now.
Dad is in very bad shape. Over the past month he had declined a bit, and somewhere during that time they put him on oxygen (permanently). Then this past Thursday, Liz called to say that he was coughing a lot and having severe breathing problems, scaring himself and Mom. His lungs are filled with gunk, no doubt caused by aspiration. They have him on a little bit of morphine to open his airways (not for pain) and some other stuff to help dry up the gunk, but the doctor says he is likely not going to come through this. He has a bit of a temperature which the doctor says is the beginning of pneumonia. They are not giving him food or water at this time (or ever?) because it will just exacerbate the problem, though it seems to be allowable to give him some ice chips. He is getting very dehydrated as you might imagine. Hospice is involved now to help keep him comfortable. Mostly, he sleeps.
Thursday when it was exceptionally bad, all of us siblings came down to be with him and Mom. Fortunately, the terrible coughing stopped around that time and the morphine started to help his breathing. It was good to all be together. We played some 'Dad music' and he tapped his fingers along with the songs. Josh, Lauren, and Rebekah came up to see him Friday morn, which he liked. Sharon stopped by, too. Some of the time his eyes were open and he was alert. Most of the time, he was resting with eyes closed but listening and would answer briefly and quietly when we spoke to him. MB and I came down with Luke and Jake today (Luke home for fall break). Dor had been there earlier. He had his eyes closed almost the whole time, but still was mostly conscious and listening to us. It just takes a lot energy to talk or open his eyes.
Mom -- who BTW has permanently moved into the room -- seems to be OK other than being scared when he was having trouble breathing. She understands where this is headed. She is in the room with him almost all the time now, but unfortunately she cannot easily get up and go over to him. We did get her to come, sit with him, and hold his hand for a while today. That meant a great deal to Dad. Having her there makes him so happy -- you can tell even when he doesn't open his eyes -- though she doesn't really understand it. He somehow summoned enough energy to put both his hands on hers and pull her over for a kiss -- not an easy maneuver for either of them at this stage.
Seems that time is very short. Glad that many of the grandkids have gotten to see him. Also very thankful for Liz who is there so much and for the kindness of the folks at Lima. And thank you for your prayers.
Dad is in very bad shape. Over the past month he had declined a bit, and somewhere during that time they put him on oxygen (permanently). Then this past Thursday, Liz called to say that he was coughing a lot and having severe breathing problems, scaring himself and Mom. His lungs are filled with gunk, no doubt caused by aspiration. They have him on a little bit of morphine to open his airways (not for pain) and some other stuff to help dry up the gunk, but the doctor says he is likely not going to come through this. He has a bit of a temperature which the doctor says is the beginning of pneumonia. They are not giving him food or water at this time (or ever?) because it will just exacerbate the problem, though it seems to be allowable to give him some ice chips. He is getting very dehydrated as you might imagine. Hospice is involved now to help keep him comfortable. Mostly, he sleeps.
Thursday when it was exceptionally bad, all of us siblings came down to be with him and Mom. Fortunately, the terrible coughing stopped around that time and the morphine started to help his breathing. It was good to all be together. We played some 'Dad music' and he tapped his fingers along with the songs. Josh, Lauren, and Rebekah came up to see him Friday morn, which he liked. Sharon stopped by, too. Some of the time his eyes were open and he was alert. Most of the time, he was resting with eyes closed but listening and would answer briefly and quietly when we spoke to him. MB and I came down with Luke and Jake today (Luke home for fall break). Dor had been there earlier. He had his eyes closed almost the whole time, but still was mostly conscious and listening to us. It just takes a lot energy to talk or open his eyes.
Mom -- who BTW has permanently moved into the room -- seems to be OK other than being scared when he was having trouble breathing. She understands where this is headed. She is in the room with him almost all the time now, but unfortunately she cannot easily get up and go over to him. We did get her to come, sit with him, and hold his hand for a while today. That meant a great deal to Dad. Having her there makes him so happy -- you can tell even when he doesn't open his eyes -- though she doesn't really understand it. He somehow summoned enough energy to put both his hands on hers and pull her over for a kiss -- not an easy maneuver for either of them at this stage.
Seems that time is very short. Glad that many of the grandkids have gotten to see him. Also very thankful for Liz who is there so much and for the kindness of the folks at Lima. And thank you for your prayers.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Dad in Hospital (briefly?)
Friday, Dad was admitted to the hospital because he was having some chest pain. They said his heart looks fine and he has had a flare-up of his COPD. They've been giving him some steroids and he is on oxygen. We saw him today, and he is feeling good. Sounds like there is a good chance he will be able to leave the hospital tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Mom and Dad Together Again!
There has been more action since my last report. As reported by Liz, who has been wonderful in handling all this:
First, last week they moved Mom to a room closer to the nurse's station so that they could keep an eye her. She had "eloped" again - went to a music program in the independent-living area without telling anyone, let alone taking the required escort. They also asked if we could have a hired aide accompany her from 6-7PM daily, since that is an important hour in her daily routine, when she wants to leave dinner, go back to her room to get changed for bed and watch the PBS news. Unfortunately, the other aides are still helping others finish their dinners and other tasks that occur right at that time. Mom is impatient and has just walked back to her room by herself (and had a fall in her room then). Anyway, she now has an aide at that hour.
Then today they called to say that Mom's new room isn't working out. There is some conflict between the two roommates' TV remotes (Nancy called it "dueling remotes"), and also Mom's roommate is apparently bothered by the alarm that goes off when Mom gets up without assistance. (I'm guessing that means that Mom does that too often.) Anyway, the good news is that they want to move both Mom and Dad into a different room, #19, today sometime. I expressed that I don't want Mom to think this means they are aiming for her to be a permanent resident in the skilled nursing area, and Nancy was reassuring. This room is also under the care of Dad's usual nurse, Sophie, who is wonderful - and Dad won't have to adjust to a new nurse. Sophie will now have to adjust to caring for Mom! Mom will have the bed by the door, and Dad the one by the window. If Mom moves back to assisted living , Dad will have gained a window bed (which I think is nicer). He will then get a random roommate, but I don't think that should be a problem, judging by the current residents, who all seem pretty nice. More important, Dad is not in his room during the day anyway. Besides, (don't want to jinx her by saying this) Mom may be a while before enough safety and medical issues are sufficiently resolved that they will allow her back to assisted living, if ever.
I assume they will transfer her phone number as before, and they are going to bring Dad's dresser back from Oakbridge (where they moved it so I could fix the leg - which is done). I'll look at hanging some pictures, etc. when I go down next (probably tomorrow). Dad's phone should also be transferred, which won't affect anyone since you can't get him on the phone anyway. We'll have to see whether their activities change at all once they're living together again. I sort of don't expect any changes that way.
I ordered Dad some soled slippers with velcro closures, which should come in tomorrow or so. I know Dorrie knows about this, but I can't remember if I told the rest of you - Dad has a small sore on his toe, which is taking a while healing, and his feet have been swollen, so the podiatrist ordered that he not wear shoes until it's healed. Dor has been taking him to church in his slipper-socks, which has presented no problem as long as the weather is warm. I brought both of them to see Dorrie in "The King and I" at the theater in Shannondell (home to the King of Prussia players) last Saturday (Dad in his slipper-socks), which they enjoyed very much, but not as much as I did!! Oh, it was so well done! Gary's parents came down for the show, and Lizzer was up from DC also.
I forgot to say that I think Mom is tolerating the medicine buildup (increasing by one more pill will reach full dose). I haven't heard of any blood pressure drops. Keep your fingers crossed. I think she is moving better, more smoothly, with less-noticeable freeze-ups (and shorter). But sometimes the improvement seems erratic. Also, I am not convinced that this improvement in movement will actually change her risk of falls. Willowbrooke seem of the opinion that she is not capable of good safety judgement. I know she doesn't act in a safe manner, but I can't tell whether it's a mental incapacity or hardheadedness (and not accepting her own limitations). Gary says that she's just so darned logical (and knows it) that if you can't trump her logic or show her the flaws, then she won't really believe you. As Mom would say, "I wouldn't be surprised."
One other little thing (Rick speaking again): MB, Josh, Lauren, and I got down to have dinner with M&D the weekend before last. It was very nice and M&D were in good spirits. Dad was also looking like he's put some meat on his bones. Seems to be eating much better -- even ate the pureed fish! Amazing since he never used to eat any fish. Asked Mom about her falls. Was kind of wondering whether she was still falling backwards as before or it the falling was different now that she had the walker. So I asked, "Mom, which way are you falling?" Her answer, of course, "Down."
First, last week they moved Mom to a room closer to the nurse's station so that they could keep an eye her. She had "eloped" again - went to a music program in the independent-living area without telling anyone, let alone taking the required escort. They also asked if we could have a hired aide accompany her from 6-7PM daily, since that is an important hour in her daily routine, when she wants to leave dinner, go back to her room to get changed for bed and watch the PBS news. Unfortunately, the other aides are still helping others finish their dinners and other tasks that occur right at that time. Mom is impatient and has just walked back to her room by herself (and had a fall in her room then). Anyway, she now has an aide at that hour.
Then today they called to say that Mom's new room isn't working out. There is some conflict between the two roommates' TV remotes (Nancy called it "dueling remotes"), and also Mom's roommate is apparently bothered by the alarm that goes off when Mom gets up without assistance. (I'm guessing that means that Mom does that too often.) Anyway, the good news is that they want to move both Mom and Dad into a different room, #19, today sometime. I expressed that I don't want Mom to think this means they are aiming for her to be a permanent resident in the skilled nursing area, and Nancy was reassuring. This room is also under the care of Dad's usual nurse, Sophie, who is wonderful - and Dad won't have to adjust to a new nurse. Sophie will now have to adjust to caring for Mom! Mom will have the bed by the door, and Dad the one by the window. If Mom moves back to assisted living , Dad will have gained a window bed (which I think is nicer). He will then get a random roommate, but I don't think that should be a problem, judging by the current residents, who all seem pretty nice. More important, Dad is not in his room during the day anyway. Besides, (don't want to jinx her by saying this) Mom may be a while before enough safety and medical issues are sufficiently resolved that they will allow her back to assisted living, if ever.
I assume they will transfer her phone number as before, and they are going to bring Dad's dresser back from Oakbridge (where they moved it so I could fix the leg - which is done). I'll look at hanging some pictures, etc. when I go down next (probably tomorrow). Dad's phone should also be transferred, which won't affect anyone since you can't get him on the phone anyway. We'll have to see whether their activities change at all once they're living together again. I sort of don't expect any changes that way.
I ordered Dad some soled slippers with velcro closures, which should come in tomorrow or so. I know Dorrie knows about this, but I can't remember if I told the rest of you - Dad has a small sore on his toe, which is taking a while healing, and his feet have been swollen, so the podiatrist ordered that he not wear shoes until it's healed. Dor has been taking him to church in his slipper-socks, which has presented no problem as long as the weather is warm. I brought both of them to see Dorrie in "The King and I" at the theater in Shannondell (home to the King of Prussia players) last Saturday (Dad in his slipper-socks), which they enjoyed very much, but not as much as I did!! Oh, it was so well done! Gary's parents came down for the show, and Lizzer was up from DC also.
I forgot to say that I think Mom is tolerating the medicine buildup (increasing by one more pill will reach full dose). I haven't heard of any blood pressure drops. Keep your fingers crossed. I think she is moving better, more smoothly, with less-noticeable freeze-ups (and shorter). But sometimes the improvement seems erratic. Also, I am not convinced that this improvement in movement will actually change her risk of falls. Willowbrooke seem of the opinion that she is not capable of good safety judgement. I know she doesn't act in a safe manner, but I can't tell whether it's a mental incapacity or hardheadedness (and not accepting her own limitations). Gary says that she's just so darned logical (and knows it) that if you can't trump her logic or show her the flaws, then she won't really believe you. As Mom would say, "I wouldn't be surprised."
One other little thing (Rick speaking again): MB, Josh, Lauren, and I got down to have dinner with M&D the weekend before last. It was very nice and M&D were in good spirits. Dad was also looking like he's put some meat on his bones. Seems to be eating much better -- even ate the pureed fish! Amazing since he never used to eat any fish. Asked Mom about her falls. Was kind of wondering whether she was still falling backwards as before or it the falling was different now that she had the walker. So I asked, "Mom, which way are you falling?" Her answer, of course, "Down."
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Phone Working
Mom's phone is working again. I'm sure she'd love to get calls (she won't talk long:)
Unlike Dad, she is in her room a fair amount.
Unlike Dad, she is in her room a fair amount.
Mom still in Willowbrooke
Sorry I haven't updated this in a while. Spoke with Liz last night and she filled me in on the current status.
First of all, Mom is still in Willowbrooke since she hasn't shown signs of improvement. Though they transferred her phone to the new room, it hasn't been working right. Is supposed to be fixed by today(?) Anyway, if you have tried to reach her and haven't been able to, that might explain it.
Since Willowbrooke can handle people with needs like Mom's, she no long needs the full time aide. That's good from a cost perspective, though I imagine she misses the company. The move to Willowbrooke is hopefully temporary, the idea being that if they get her on the right medication she will show some improvement (less falling, etc.). So far, though, the Parkinson's medication they've tried hasn't helped. (They could only put her on half dose, since it makes her blood pressure drop.) At this point, Liz is trying to get in touch with the doctor to find out what's next. I guess either she doesn't have Parkinson's or perhaps a different medication would work better.
Along with the falling issue and the problem of her legs getting 'stuck' when walking, Mom also is not able to stand up by herself from a sitting position. She had been having some trouble with it for a while, and according to Liz it seems she can't really do it at all any more. Though she still walks, she also gets around some by wheelchair now if the distances are too long for walking.
The last note on Mom is that the woman in charge of activities talked to her for a while to see what kinds of things interest her, and sadly there isn't much. She likes going to church, talking to family, and watching her news program, but not much else. Shows less interest in things she used to enjoy such as books and puzzles. Hope that changes.
Not much to say about Dad. He seems happy and is pretty stable, for which we are very thankful. Has had some problems with feet swelling and sores on his toes(?), but that is all Liz could think of.
Funny how these posts were all about Dad for so long and now they are all about Mom.
First of all, Mom is still in Willowbrooke since she hasn't shown signs of improvement. Though they transferred her phone to the new room, it hasn't been working right. Is supposed to be fixed by today(?) Anyway, if you have tried to reach her and haven't been able to, that might explain it.
Since Willowbrooke can handle people with needs like Mom's, she no long needs the full time aide. That's good from a cost perspective, though I imagine she misses the company. The move to Willowbrooke is hopefully temporary, the idea being that if they get her on the right medication she will show some improvement (less falling, etc.). So far, though, the Parkinson's medication they've tried hasn't helped. (They could only put her on half dose, since it makes her blood pressure drop.) At this point, Liz is trying to get in touch with the doctor to find out what's next. I guess either she doesn't have Parkinson's or perhaps a different medication would work better.
Along with the falling issue and the problem of her legs getting 'stuck' when walking, Mom also is not able to stand up by herself from a sitting position. She had been having some trouble with it for a while, and according to Liz it seems she can't really do it at all any more. Though she still walks, she also gets around some by wheelchair now if the distances are too long for walking.
The last note on Mom is that the woman in charge of activities talked to her for a while to see what kinds of things interest her, and sadly there isn't much. She likes going to church, talking to family, and watching her news program, but not much else. Shows less interest in things she used to enjoy such as books and puzzles. Hope that changes.
Not much to say about Dad. He seems happy and is pretty stable, for which we are very thankful. Has had some problems with feet swelling and sores on his toes(?), but that is all Liz could think of.
Funny how these posts were all about Dad for so long and now they are all about Mom.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Parkinson's(?) and the Full Time Aide
Liz called last night to talk about what is going on with Mom. I'll summarize it the best I can.
Mom has been falling a lot and, as you probably know, everyone is concerned about this. She also has a problem that I think was mentioned before: she sometimes cannot get her feet to move when she is trying to walk. She'll be walking fine, pause for some reason, and then be unable to start walking again. A number of people have suggested that this and the falling sound like Parkinson's, though she does not have some other typical Parkinson's symptoms. The doctor (on Monday?) started her on Parkinson's medication to see if that makes a difference. Liz tells me that it should be pretty obvious in a few days whether the medication is helping.
Meanwhile, Lima said that with all the falling they don't want her alone and she should have an aide 24/7. So, now she has full time aide. The hope is that the Parkinson's medication will help her significantly such that she will not need the aide for more than a short time. The 24/7 care is not cheap and so far as I know it is not covered by Medicare (if anyone knows otherwise, let us know!). One good thing is that her aide (at least the one Liz mentioned) is very nice and has been good company for Mom.
There was also some talk about whether she could/should move out of assisted living and into the unit that provides a higher level of care. Currently, there are no openings like that in Lima (where Dad is) so she would have to go to a different facility. I think we all hope she can stay in assisted living, but we'll see.
Anyway, that is pretty much it for now. I expect to report back once we know whether the new medication is helping.
Oh, and Liz spent a lot of time with Dad yesterday going over all the cards and letters people sent for his 85th. Thanks to all of you who did that!
Mom has been falling a lot and, as you probably know, everyone is concerned about this. She also has a problem that I think was mentioned before: she sometimes cannot get her feet to move when she is trying to walk. She'll be walking fine, pause for some reason, and then be unable to start walking again. A number of people have suggested that this and the falling sound like Parkinson's, though she does not have some other typical Parkinson's symptoms. The doctor (on Monday?) started her on Parkinson's medication to see if that makes a difference. Liz tells me that it should be pretty obvious in a few days whether the medication is helping.
Meanwhile, Lima said that with all the falling they don't want her alone and she should have an aide 24/7. So, now she has full time aide. The hope is that the Parkinson's medication will help her significantly such that she will not need the aide for more than a short time. The 24/7 care is not cheap and so far as I know it is not covered by Medicare (if anyone knows otherwise, let us know!). One good thing is that her aide (at least the one Liz mentioned) is very nice and has been good company for Mom.
There was also some talk about whether she could/should move out of assisted living and into the unit that provides a higher level of care. Currently, there are no openings like that in Lima (where Dad is) so she would have to go to a different facility. I think we all hope she can stay in assisted living, but we'll see.
Anyway, that is pretty much it for now. I expect to report back once we know whether the new medication is helping.
Oh, and Liz spent a lot of time with Dad yesterday going over all the cards and letters people sent for his 85th. Thanks to all of you who did that!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Birthdays and yet more falls
We all got together for birthdays on Saturday at Liz's (dad was 85 -- thanks to all who sent a note!). Beautiful day and we had a great time. Neat to get Mom and Dad out. I think they had a lot of fun and it was good for all of us to see them, though we kept them up past bed time.
Dad seemed the same or better than the last few times I've seen him. Mom is having more trouble. It took a long time just to walk to the house from the car because her legs simply would not move for her. Once she got rolling, it was not too bad, but if she stopped it was hard to get them going again.
Then she fell later that night (@ 2 AM) on the way to the bathroom and again the next afternoon by the elevator. According to Liz:
Brenda (the nurse who called after the second fall) said she thinks Mom mostly falls backwards and lands on her back. She looked up the results of the urine test from last week (apparently they did some other tests as well, I don't know what), and the results of all were negative. Too bad, in a way. She said the symptoms remind her of Parkinson's, so I think I'll ask the neurologist about that this week. I believe they must've ruled it out earlier on, but what's to say that something new hasn't developed? Anyway, there aren't blood tests for this sort of thing, so it's possible it wasn't obvious earlier. Or something. Who knows.
Dad seemed the same or better than the last few times I've seen him. Mom is having more trouble. It took a long time just to walk to the house from the car because her legs simply would not move for her. Once she got rolling, it was not too bad, but if she stopped it was hard to get them going again.
Then she fell later that night (@ 2 AM) on the way to the bathroom and again the next afternoon by the elevator. According to Liz:
Brenda (the nurse who called after the second fall) said she thinks Mom mostly falls backwards and lands on her back. She looked up the results of the urine test from last week (apparently they did some other tests as well, I don't know what), and the results of all were negative. Too bad, in a way. She said the symptoms remind her of Parkinson's, so I think I'll ask the neurologist about that this week. I believe they must've ruled it out earlier on, but what's to say that something new hasn't developed? Anyway, there aren't blood tests for this sort of thing, so it's possible it wasn't obvious earlier. Or something. Who knows.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Yet Another Fall
Just got this from Liz:
Just a short report here - Mom apparently had another fall last Fri. morning. I got a message from the nurse, but it was too late to get hold of them for any details. The message said they had found her sitting on the bathroom floor, checked her over, she looked OK, no head-bumping this time. When I mentioned it to Mom, she said it wasn't a fall, that she was sitting on the toilet, having summoned them to help her with changing her pants. Today when I was over there, I said to her that she seemed to be having much more trouble moving around than usual, and she admitted that her side hurt quite a lot. So I looked, and she has a large blackish bruise (with a bit fading to yellow) over her left ribs under her arm, right under the bra line. We went to the nurse's office, and they think the looks of the bruise matches the timing of the Fri. fall, which Mom apparently doesn't remember. We made arrangements for her to have some Tylenol regularly for a few days (and they gave her the first dose), then we went to CVS. But she was having trouble moving her limbs well again. It reminded me of her condition the morning of Uncle Tom's funeral service, when she was coming down with bronchitis. Remember how her limbs didn't seem to move "on command" and she was so-o slow? It's very worrisome. The walker got a bit too far out ahead of her a few times, and she got "frozen" and couldn't make her legs catch up. I was sorry we had even gone anywhere - I didn't let go of her arm the whole time. She did say that "things had gone downhill" recently, which presumably means "since last Fri. morning," but she doesn't really know. She said the bruised area was causing her difficulty with many actions, like lying herself down on the bed and standing up from sitting on the bed, so I hope that pain and stiffness is the cause of all the sluggish movement. I went back to the nurse's office later (by myself) and told them I was worried and asked them to keep a closer eye on her than usual for a few days. Because of the fall, she is already having her vitals checked daily, so they will notice if her temp rises (if she's starting some other infection). They also said that if she is still complaining of pain tomorrow or so, they may see about a rib xray.
Just a short report here - Mom apparently had another fall last Fri. morning. I got a message from the nurse, but it was too late to get hold of them for any details. The message said they had found her sitting on the bathroom floor, checked her over, she looked OK, no head-bumping this time. When I mentioned it to Mom, she said it wasn't a fall, that she was sitting on the toilet, having summoned them to help her with changing her pants. Today when I was over there, I said to her that she seemed to be having much more trouble moving around than usual, and she admitted that her side hurt quite a lot. So I looked, and she has a large blackish bruise (with a bit fading to yellow) over her left ribs under her arm, right under the bra line. We went to the nurse's office, and they think the looks of the bruise matches the timing of the Fri. fall, which Mom apparently doesn't remember. We made arrangements for her to have some Tylenol regularly for a few days (and they gave her the first dose), then we went to CVS. But she was having trouble moving her limbs well again. It reminded me of her condition the morning of Uncle Tom's funeral service, when she was coming down with bronchitis. Remember how her limbs didn't seem to move "on command" and she was so-o slow? It's very worrisome. The walker got a bit too far out ahead of her a few times, and she got "frozen" and couldn't make her legs catch up. I was sorry we had even gone anywhere - I didn't let go of her arm the whole time. She did say that "things had gone downhill" recently, which presumably means "since last Fri. morning," but she doesn't really know. She said the bruised area was causing her difficulty with many actions, like lying herself down on the bed and standing up from sitting on the bed, so I hope that pain and stiffness is the cause of all the sluggish movement. I went back to the nurse's office later (by myself) and told them I was worried and asked them to keep a closer eye on her than usual for a few days. Because of the fall, she is already having her vitals checked daily, so they will notice if her temp rises (if she's starting some other infection). They also said that if she is still complaining of pain tomorrow or so, they may see about a rib xray.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Dad is Home
Talked with Liz. He came home yesterday afternoon. Doing OK on the major things, but his bedsore is worse. Sounds like is was very tired and went right to sleep.
On another note, Mom had another fall yesterday morn. I think nothing too serious, but she banged her knee and head again. Sounded like it may have had to do with the fact that her bed is kind of high so she can't sit on it with her feet on the floor. The PT folks are going to see what they can do to remedy that. Mom did get out for a long day with book club friends after that and was pretty shot by the end of the day according to my sources.
On another note, Mom had another fall yesterday morn. I think nothing too serious, but she banged her knee and head again. Sounded like it may have had to do with the fact that her bed is kind of high so she can't sit on it with her feet on the floor. The PT folks are going to see what they can do to remedy that. Mom did get out for a long day with book club friends after that and was pretty shot by the end of the day according to my sources.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Dad Doing OK
The doctor just called Liz and said that Dad is improving. They plan to keep him in the hospital over the weekend and hope to send him home Monday.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Dad Back in the Hospital
Got this from Liz yesterday morn:
"The nurse at Willowbrooke called me last night at 2:30AM to say that they had just sent Dad to the hospital. She had called Mom also. It seems that Dad started with a hard, moist cough yesterday (Sun.) morning, which led to a temperature of 101.8 at 6:00PM. They called his doctor, gave him breathing treatments, and put him on oxygen. The doc ordered antibiotics and an xray (for Mon.). At 2:30AM or so, Dad was very agitated and his temp didn't respond to Tylenol - went up a bit, in fact. So they sent him to Riddle Hospital - Sophie said the antibiotics would take some time to be effective, and they didn't want to wait for that."
I talked with Liz (and a little with Dad) later. After doing time in ER, he was admitted. He has pneumonia, which is not surprising. He also has a bedsore (which they had been tending at Lima). Liz and Mom visited him yesterday afternoon. Rebek also stopped by on her way to Maryland (with a car full of belongings since she is moving!). Dad's temp is down and he seemed in pretty good spirits. I think Liz said they are doing some cultures to determine further treatment. We are really hoping this stay is a lot shorter than last time.
"The nurse at Willowbrooke called me last night at 2:30AM to say that they had just sent Dad to the hospital. She had called Mom also. It seems that Dad started with a hard, moist cough yesterday (Sun.) morning, which led to a temperature of 101.8 at 6:00PM. They called his doctor, gave him breathing treatments, and put him on oxygen. The doc ordered antibiotics and an xray (for Mon.). At 2:30AM or so, Dad was very agitated and his temp didn't respond to Tylenol - went up a bit, in fact. So they sent him to Riddle Hospital - Sophie said the antibiotics would take some time to be effective, and they didn't want to wait for that."
I talked with Liz (and a little with Dad) later. After doing time in ER, he was admitted. He has pneumonia, which is not surprising. He also has a bedsore (which they had been tending at Lima). Liz and Mom visited him yesterday afternoon. Rebek also stopped by on her way to Maryland (with a car full of belongings since she is moving!). Dad's temp is down and he seemed in pretty good spirits. I think Liz said they are doing some cultures to determine further treatment. We are really hoping this stay is a lot shorter than last time.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Small Update
Well, it's been almost two weeks since I last wrote, so I feel like I ought to report something even though there is not a whole lot to say health-wise (mostly a good thing).
Mom has been doing pretty well -- seems back to her usual self.
Dad is doing OK, but he still is not back to walking after the stay in the hospital. I think he is back to daily PT, since the stay in the hospital resets the clock for Medicare with regard to paying for PT. He is of course on the soft food/thickened liquid diet that he doesn't really care for. Hope he is getting enough calories.
This past weekend was 'family time'. Saturday we moved everything out of the apartment (Liz and MB had packed it all in a marathon session last week). Most of it went into a rental truck that went to Dor's house. Then Sunday, we all got together for March b-day celebrations at Dor's at which time people rummaged through the truck-load of memories to figure out who wanted what. Josh and Lauren were able to come up and they picked up Mom and Dad on the way. It was fun and productive, but there is still a pile of stuff cluttering Dor's house. Although Mom and Dad were glad, as always, to see all of the family, I think the big get-together is kind of hard for them, especially for Dad -- too much going on and it goes too late for them.
Mom has been doing pretty well -- seems back to her usual self.
Dad is doing OK, but he still is not back to walking after the stay in the hospital. I think he is back to daily PT, since the stay in the hospital resets the clock for Medicare with regard to paying for PT. He is of course on the soft food/thickened liquid diet that he doesn't really care for. Hope he is getting enough calories.
This past weekend was 'family time'. Saturday we moved everything out of the apartment (Liz and MB had packed it all in a marathon session last week). Most of it went into a rental truck that went to Dor's house. Then Sunday, we all got together for March b-day celebrations at Dor's at which time people rummaged through the truck-load of memories to figure out who wanted what. Josh and Lauren were able to come up and they picked up Mom and Dad on the way. It was fun and productive, but there is still a pile of stuff cluttering Dor's house. Although Mom and Dad were glad, as always, to see all of the family, I think the big get-together is kind of hard for them, especially for Dad -- too much going on and it goes too late for them.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Dad's Back & More Mom News
Spoke with Liz tonight. (She had a busy day today -- seems to be par for the course.)
Dad was discharged from the hospital today. Yay! She drove him back to Lima. He's weak and tired, but back eating a bit. Hope he can get his weight up.
Mom fell again over night. They found her face down on the bathroom floor this morn. Sounds like she was there 3 hours -- not good. She went to the doctor who said she might have bronchitis. She had had a bit of a fever. She also had been having some trouble moving her limbs, worrying us that she might have had a small stroke, but the doctor thinks the bronchitis may have just made her weak and unstable. He has her on antibiotics, I think. Liz said she seemed to be moving better today than yesterday, so we are hoping the doctor is right and she will be back to 'normal' once she gets over the bronchitis. Meanwhile she has been told to call for help when she needs to get out of bed for any reason (such as going to the bathroom). She told Liz, 'yes, dear.' We'll see.
Dad was discharged from the hospital today. Yay! She drove him back to Lima. He's weak and tired, but back eating a bit. Hope he can get his weight up.
Mom fell again over night. They found her face down on the bathroom floor this morn. Sounds like she was there 3 hours -- not good. She went to the doctor who said she might have bronchitis. She had had a bit of a fever. She also had been having some trouble moving her limbs, worrying us that she might have had a small stroke, but the doctor thinks the bronchitis may have just made her weak and unstable. He has her on antibiotics, I think. Liz said she seemed to be moving better today than yesterday, so we are hoping the doctor is right and she will be back to 'normal' once she gets over the bronchitis. Meanwhile she has been told to call for help when she needs to get out of bed for any reason (such as going to the bathroom). She told Liz, 'yes, dear.' We'll see.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Full Day
Yesterday was Uncle Tom's memorial gathering -- a good time to remember him and enjoy seeing family on that side that we don't see enough. Enjoyed hearing Lynn and Merit's memories. Dorrie taped it so that can show it to Dad.
Mom had a fall yesterday morn. Someone found her on her knees on the floor of her room. Not sure how long she was there. She hurt her knee and also her rear, so we're not quite sure what happened. She was able to come to the memorial gathering -- Dor picked her up -- but she was moving incredibly slowly. In hind sight, she should have come in a wheelchair. I spoke to her this morning and she sounded very tired and said that her knees felt OK but her lower back hurt.
After the service, Liz took Mom back for lunch and we went to visit Dad. Sharon was there and later Ted stopped by with Aunt Mary. Merit had stopped by the day before. Nice for Dad to have all these surprise visitors -- he really enjoyed them.
At the hospital we spoke quite a bit with Ben the 'swallowing guy' who told us in detail about Dad's video swallowing tests and everything related to his problem -- very informative. Dad 'failed' his swallowing test Monday, but they are beginning to feed him anyway (as we asked). It did feel like it was good we were there in person to ask about him getting food. Seemed like it might not have happened otherwise, though I don't really know. Things tend to slip through the cracks.
Went back to Lima after a while where Liz and MB worked on going through things in the apartment with help from Mom. Full day.
Mom had a fall yesterday morn. Someone found her on her knees on the floor of her room. Not sure how long she was there. She hurt her knee and also her rear, so we're not quite sure what happened. She was able to come to the memorial gathering -- Dor picked her up -- but she was moving incredibly slowly. In hind sight, she should have come in a wheelchair. I spoke to her this morning and she sounded very tired and said that her knees felt OK but her lower back hurt.
After the service, Liz took Mom back for lunch and we went to visit Dad. Sharon was there and later Ted stopped by with Aunt Mary. Merit had stopped by the day before. Nice for Dad to have all these surprise visitors -- he really enjoyed them.
At the hospital we spoke quite a bit with Ben the 'swallowing guy' who told us in detail about Dad's video swallowing tests and everything related to his problem -- very informative. Dad 'failed' his swallowing test Monday, but they are beginning to feed him anyway (as we asked). It did feel like it was good we were there in person to ask about him getting food. Seemed like it might not have happened otherwise, though I don't really know. Things tend to slip through the cracks.
Went back to Lima after a while where Liz and MB worked on going through things in the apartment with help from Mom. Full day.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Too Much Hospital
Sorry to be slow in posting, particularly since there was a lot I should have said.
The past week did not turn out as expected, and the reason (I think) was not anything unusual with Dad. From my perspective, it seems the people at Crozer were seeing Dad's swallowing issues for the first time and responded aggressively. The social worker called a meeting of the whole family on Friday (the doctor finally showed up after 45 minutes). It was one of these end-of-life type discussions -- we may need to make a decision about whether he will be permanently on a feeding tube if the swallowing is not improving, or does he want to just go for quality-of-life. They were talking about under what circumstances he might go into hospice, etc. Unfortunately, David and I both had to attend by cell phone and it was hard to catch everything, though I did catch up with Liz later for clarification. Dad was alert and listening during the meeting, but didn't say much. I think it is very difficult for him to follow a discussion like that with a lot of people in the room.
What is odd and frustrating to me is that I don't believe Dad's swallowing problem is any different than it was before he went in the hospital (he went in for a stomach virus from which he recovered quickly). He shows no signs of dying -- at least not today. Yes, the swallowing is a problem. Yes, he could have aspiration which is dangerous. But they were dealing with this at Lima and I think they can continue to deal with it. He may have aspiration -- not sure that can be helped. (Somehow through what I think has been a pretty long time with this swallowing problem, he has amazingly not gotten pneumonia.) Not sure how being in the hospital is helping unless he wants a feeding tube, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't. As of tomorrow, he will have been in the hospital a week since recovering from the stomach virus. Part of that time they weren't feeding him at all, then finally they gave him a nutrition IV. They are waiting to do a video swallowing test tomorrow. Meanwhile, his digestive system is not being exercised and he is not getting physical exercise (they may have finally started some PT yesterday).
I think the family agrees that him staying in the hospital this long was a mistake -- we should have been more pro-active in getting him out. What I expect will happen is that after the swallowing test tomorrow, they will slowly start getting him back on pureed food and he will have to go through this whole process all over again -- not being able to eat food he likes for a while and needing a lot of PT. As David pointed out, even if the swallowing test looks bad we/he will probably recommend that he eats anyway, so why have they bothered putting him through all of this? Aargh.
On top of everything else, Uncle Tom's memorial gathering will be Tuesday and Dad won't be out of the hospital by then. Fortunately, it sounded like Lynn and Merit will probably stop by to see him (as will we).
So, please continue your prayers! Sorry to be so cranky.
The past week did not turn out as expected, and the reason (I think) was not anything unusual with Dad. From my perspective, it seems the people at Crozer were seeing Dad's swallowing issues for the first time and responded aggressively. The social worker called a meeting of the whole family on Friday (the doctor finally showed up after 45 minutes). It was one of these end-of-life type discussions -- we may need to make a decision about whether he will be permanently on a feeding tube if the swallowing is not improving, or does he want to just go for quality-of-life. They were talking about under what circumstances he might go into hospice, etc. Unfortunately, David and I both had to attend by cell phone and it was hard to catch everything, though I did catch up with Liz later for clarification. Dad was alert and listening during the meeting, but didn't say much. I think it is very difficult for him to follow a discussion like that with a lot of people in the room.
What is odd and frustrating to me is that I don't believe Dad's swallowing problem is any different than it was before he went in the hospital (he went in for a stomach virus from which he recovered quickly). He shows no signs of dying -- at least not today. Yes, the swallowing is a problem. Yes, he could have aspiration which is dangerous. But they were dealing with this at Lima and I think they can continue to deal with it. He may have aspiration -- not sure that can be helped. (Somehow through what I think has been a pretty long time with this swallowing problem, he has amazingly not gotten pneumonia.) Not sure how being in the hospital is helping unless he wants a feeding tube, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't. As of tomorrow, he will have been in the hospital a week since recovering from the stomach virus. Part of that time they weren't feeding him at all, then finally they gave him a nutrition IV. They are waiting to do a video swallowing test tomorrow. Meanwhile, his digestive system is not being exercised and he is not getting physical exercise (they may have finally started some PT yesterday).
I think the family agrees that him staying in the hospital this long was a mistake -- we should have been more pro-active in getting him out. What I expect will happen is that after the swallowing test tomorrow, they will slowly start getting him back on pureed food and he will have to go through this whole process all over again -- not being able to eat food he likes for a while and needing a lot of PT. As David pointed out, even if the swallowing test looks bad we/he will probably recommend that he eats anyway, so why have they bothered putting him through all of this? Aargh.
On top of everything else, Uncle Tom's memorial gathering will be Tuesday and Dad won't be out of the hospital by then. Fortunately, it sounded like Lynn and Merit will probably stop by to see him (as will we).
So, please continue your prayers! Sorry to be so cranky.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Uncle Tom
We heard yesterday that Uncle Tom passed away. Not unexpected, but still sad. Continue to keep Lynn and Merit in your prayers. I imagine it will have an especially big impact on Lynn since she has been caring for him all along. Liz told us that there will be a memorial gathering for him Tuesday.
Dad is doing OK, though the news saddened him. Liz and Mom were there to tell him.
Dad is still in the hospital. They are concerned about his swallowing so he has no solid food now at all (just nutritional IV) and won't be able to leave until they believe he can eat OK. Hope that is soon.
Dad is doing OK, though the news saddened him. Liz and Mom were there to tell him.
Dad is still in the hospital. They are concerned about his swallowing so he has no solid food now at all (just nutritional IV) and won't be able to leave until they believe he can eat OK. Hope that is soon.
Monday, February 14, 2011
More on Dad -- also Uncle Tom
Dad is still in the hospital. Hoping they discharge him soon (today?). Seems like they ought to, but who knows.
We were down with Liz on Saturday to visit, bring Mom for a visit, and try to make some progress with the apartment. (We did get Dad's dresser and recliner moved down to his room, which I think he'll appreciate.) The visits were kind of funny. MB was there first and had a nice time with him watching a movie. When Liz, Mom, and I showed up he was much crabbier. Seemed like it had to do with the lunch, which he found unappetizing and which Liz was pushing him to eat; maybe also be because he needed to go to the bathroom. Anyway, MB & I came back in the evening and he was in fine spirits. We watched part of a movie with him and he talked nostalgically about the old days.
He seemed to us pretty much ready to be discharged (though he still had the catheter), but then Liz told us yesterday that he had started with a cough. Guess we'll see today. MB is headed down to visit and to work with Mom on sorting things out in the apartment some more. It's a process.
The bad news of the day is that Dorrie got a call from Merit that Uncle Tom is in very bad shape. He had a TIA a week ago and though some associated paralysis resolved quickly, he then had some pneumonia (also resolved?) and rapidly advancing dementia. Things got worse as he started with non-stop coughing and became barely communicative. Can't eat at all and will be moving to hospice. Please pray for him, Lynn and Merit.
We were down with Liz on Saturday to visit, bring Mom for a visit, and try to make some progress with the apartment. (We did get Dad's dresser and recliner moved down to his room, which I think he'll appreciate.) The visits were kind of funny. MB was there first and had a nice time with him watching a movie. When Liz, Mom, and I showed up he was much crabbier. Seemed like it had to do with the lunch, which he found unappetizing and which Liz was pushing him to eat; maybe also be because he needed to go to the bathroom. Anyway, MB & I came back in the evening and he was in fine spirits. We watched part of a movie with him and he talked nostalgically about the old days.
He seemed to us pretty much ready to be discharged (though he still had the catheter), but then Liz told us yesterday that he had started with a cough. Guess we'll see today. MB is headed down to visit and to work with Mom on sorting things out in the apartment some more. It's a process.
The bad news of the day is that Dorrie got a call from Merit that Uncle Tom is in very bad shape. He had a TIA a week ago and though some associated paralysis resolved quickly, he then had some pneumonia (also resolved?) and rapidly advancing dementia. Things got worse as he started with non-stop coughing and became barely communicative. Can't eat at all and will be moving to hospice. Please pray for him, Lynn and Merit.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Doing Well!
Just got off the phone with Liz:
She spoke with the nurse this morn who said he is doing well in all areas. His blood pressure is back up and stayed up after they took him off the medication to boost it. Fever is gone. White blood count dropped in half. Lactic acid, which had been high, is more normal. Another chest X-ray looked good -- no pneumonia. He was sitting up, alert, watching TV.
He even ate a good lunch (sans teeth, since they forgot his fixodent). Expect to take him off the IV tonight.
Liz took Mom over to see him this afternoon for a short time and Dave and Dor will be visiting again later. Dad was tired of watching TV and wanted to read, which seems to me a good thing.
Tonight they plan to move him to a regular room.
All sounds like an answer to prayer.
She spoke with the nurse this morn who said he is doing well in all areas. His blood pressure is back up and stayed up after they took him off the medication to boost it. Fever is gone. White blood count dropped in half. Lactic acid, which had been high, is more normal. Another chest X-ray looked good -- no pneumonia. He was sitting up, alert, watching TV.
He even ate a good lunch (sans teeth, since they forgot his fixodent). Expect to take him off the IV tonight.
Liz took Mom over to see him this afternoon for a short time and Dave and Dor will be visiting again later. Dad was tired of watching TV and wanted to read, which seems to me a good thing.
Tonight they plan to move him to a regular room.
All sounds like an answer to prayer.
Morning Update
Dad reportedly had a good night. Stable vitals, still on oxygen, on IV fluids and antibiotics, reduced the dosage of the blood pressure med (norepenephrine), no fever, pretty much slept thru, moving arms and legs fine when asked, heart rate in the 50's (the nurse thought this might be a little low, but didn't know what is normal for him), urine output a little low, did chest xray and labs this AM (results pending), and will do a swallowing test probably today. She also said he was quiet and appropriate.
(This is all via an automated system where you can call in and get a daily update on your favorite patient!)
(This is all via an automated system where you can call in and get a daily update on your favorite patient!)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Back in the Hospital
I just spoke with Liz who is finally on her way home after a very long day (it's 10:30 now). Her report (hope I do not mess anything up in the translation):
Dad spent the day in the ER at Crozier and finally got into a room in the ICU cardio vascular unit this evening. At least the ER was not so bad and he slept most of the day.
After the vomiting, he was dehydrated and had a temperature. His blood pressure was low, heart rate and respiration high. They put him on IV, oxygen, antibiotics, and increased steroids. Also back on the catheter, I think to monitor his output. His vitals got back to normal, except the BP which was still low (95/37). They then put him on something else to raise it. It went up some, but would be good if it went even higher.
They think there is some infection -- probably pneumonia. Chest Xray showed no food (aspiration could get food in lungs), but maybe it wouldn't show. He may have septicemia/sepsis or be on the cusp of it. That would lower the BP. They took a culture and will know more in 24-48 hrs. Meanwhile, they are keeping a close eye on him.
This is all pretty bad, particularly since Dad is so frail to start. I'm really glad Liz could stay with him through all of this and Dor, Julie, and David came tonight, too. Visiting hours in ICU are fairly restricted (12:30-2:30, 4-6, 7:30-8:30). I think someone -- probably Liz -- will bring Mom over tomorrow.
Hang in there Dad!
Dad spent the day in the ER at Crozier and finally got into a room in the ICU cardio vascular unit this evening. At least the ER was not so bad and he slept most of the day.
After the vomiting, he was dehydrated and had a temperature. His blood pressure was low, heart rate and respiration high. They put him on IV, oxygen, antibiotics, and increased steroids. Also back on the catheter, I think to monitor his output. His vitals got back to normal, except the BP which was still low (95/37). They then put him on something else to raise it. It went up some, but would be good if it went even higher.
They think there is some infection -- probably pneumonia. Chest Xray showed no food (aspiration could get food in lungs), but maybe it wouldn't show. He may have septicemia/sepsis or be on the cusp of it. That would lower the BP. They took a culture and will know more in 24-48 hrs. Meanwhile, they are keeping a close eye on him.
This is all pretty bad, particularly since Dad is so frail to start. I'm really glad Liz could stay with him through all of this and Dor, Julie, and David came tonight, too. Visiting hours in ICU are fairly restricted (12:30-2:30, 4-6, 7:30-8:30). I think someone -- probably Liz -- will bring Mom over tomorrow.
Hang in there Dad!
Settled and Sick
Just a few things to report (mostly because I don't have much time):
- M&D came to the family birthday party Sunday. Nice time and good for them to be out.
- Dad is in his new room (with his roommate, Frank) and it is viewed as his long term home. I've heard about it, but have not been there yet (though Liz, Dor, and even Rebek have been there). A few of us hope to get down this weekend to get some of his furniture moved down to his room and to work on cleaning out the apartment.
- Good news -- Mom is indeed eating dinner now with Dad (and Peggy, who they knew previously).
- Bad news -- Liz called this morning and said that Dad was sick last night. I think she said vomiting and some fever(?) He is going to Crozier Hospital. I think they are worried about aspiration. Liz (and maybe Dor?) are going over there. Pray for him!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
A Few Changes for Dad
Liz called today to report a couple of things (she had been visiting M&D):
First, they will be moving Dad tomorrow into a double room where he will have a roommate. If you remember, his current single room was only temporary. We've been told that his roommate is a very nice guy and we're hoping that this is a positive change for Dad. Not sure he realizes that this will be his 'permanent' home, but he probably does. Since this is permanent, I expect that they will tell us very soon that we need to move everything out of the apartment. Guess we'd better get going on that soon! It will be good to get some of Dad's furniture into the room so it feels more like home.
Second, Dad no longer needs his eating supervised so he will now be dining in the non-supervised dining room. He is a bit concerned about the move, since he will be eating with 'new' people, but we think it is a good thing as the people in there are higher functioning and should be more interesting to him. I hope he continues to eat well without being supervised. And... LeeAnne asked Mom if she would come eat with Dad now that he is in the non-supervised dining room and she said she would! Hope that works out for real.
First, they will be moving Dad tomorrow into a double room where he will have a roommate. If you remember, his current single room was only temporary. We've been told that his roommate is a very nice guy and we're hoping that this is a positive change for Dad. Not sure he realizes that this will be his 'permanent' home, but he probably does. Since this is permanent, I expect that they will tell us very soon that we need to move everything out of the apartment. Guess we'd better get going on that soon! It will be good to get some of Dad's furniture into the room so it feels more like home.
Second, Dad no longer needs his eating supervised so he will now be dining in the non-supervised dining room. He is a bit concerned about the move, since he will be eating with 'new' people, but we think it is a good thing as the people in there are higher functioning and should be more interesting to him. I hope he continues to eat well without being supervised. And... LeeAnne asked Mom if she would come eat with Dad now that he is in the non-supervised dining room and she said she would! Hope that works out for real.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Elopement!
You just have to laugh...
From Liz:
I received a phone call from Barbara (Wellness Ctr) to tell me that, this afternoon, Mom decided she needed some cough drops (a particular type) and would walk over to CVS to buy some. She dressed warmly, took her walker, and left Oakbridge on foot - didn't sign out or tell anyone where she was going. She was going to walk a block up Rte 352, down Rte 452 about 2 blocks, and cross Baltimore Pike to the CVS, a total of about 0.8 miles. (Then back again, of course.) The guard at the gate saw her, but apparently remembered her walking out to 352 in the past, to be picked up for a ride, so he didn't make much of it this time. Barbara said the walker should've been a red flag. Anyway, some incoming employees noticed her walking up the street and mentioned it to the guard. Then it gets a little confused - I think the employees tried to pick her up but she refused to come with them. The guard then sprinted off down 352 to intercept her. A passing stranger offered to drive them back to Lima - but Mom refused again and insisted she had to go to CVS. Eventually they persuaded her, but only by promising to take her to CVS first. By the time they persuaded her, she had reached the library on 452, about 0.6 miles from Oakbridge Terrace. So this stranger drove her and the guard (and maybe a nurse's aide - this part is unclear) to the CVS, the guard went with her to look for the cough drops (which the CVS didn't have!), then the stranger drove them back to Lima. Keep in mind here that there are still banks of plowed snow at the roadsides, and probably no sidewalks (that I remember, anyway - you can bet I'm going to look Tues.).
From Liz:
I received a phone call from Barbara (Wellness Ctr) to tell me that, this afternoon, Mom decided she needed some cough drops (a particular type) and would walk over to CVS to buy some. She dressed warmly, took her walker, and left Oakbridge on foot - didn't sign out or tell anyone where she was going. She was going to walk a block up Rte 352, down Rte 452 about 2 blocks, and cross Baltimore Pike to the CVS, a total of about 0.8 miles. (Then back again, of course.) The guard at the gate saw her, but apparently remembered her walking out to 352 in the past, to be picked up for a ride, so he didn't make much of it this time. Barbara said the walker should've been a red flag. Anyway, some incoming employees noticed her walking up the street and mentioned it to the guard. Then it gets a little confused - I think the employees tried to pick her up but she refused to come with them. The guard then sprinted off down 352 to intercept her. A passing stranger offered to drive them back to Lima - but Mom refused again and insisted she had to go to CVS. Eventually they persuaded her, but only by promising to take her to CVS first. By the time they persuaded her, she had reached the library on 452, about 0.6 miles from Oakbridge Terrace. So this stranger drove her and the guard (and maybe a nurse's aide - this part is unclear) to the CVS, the guard went with her to look for the cough drops (which the CVS didn't have!), then the stranger drove them back to Lima. Keep in mind here that there are still banks of plowed snow at the roadsides, and probably no sidewalks (that I remember, anyway - you can bet I'm going to look Tues.).
LeeAnn called me a while ago to say that this is referred to as an "elopement." (Don't tell Dad; he'll think she's seeing another man!) Lima has to report the incident to Dr. Wertheimer and the Dept. of Public Welfare (which oversees assisted living facilities). They must take some steps immediately to show they are ensuring her safety. The first step is to see if there is any physical problem, like illness, that would contribute. They will do a urinalysis to test for any infection that might be brewing - remember LeeAnn told us that, in the elderly, infection can have immediate cognitive effects, even before any fever shows. Also, they will put an alarm sensor floor mat outside her door after she goes to bed at night. (LeeAnn said Mom will not like this - I'm sure that's true, if she ever finds out! Maybe they'll remove it before she arises.) There is only one nurse's aide on duty all night, and she covers both floors, so this will alert her if Mom leaves her room in the middle of the night. LeeAnn asked that we let her know if we have any additional ideas for safety measures. The regulations of an assisted living facility permit the residents to sign themselves out of the facility and leave the premises on their own say-so. I gather that this is part of what defines an assisted living facility, so if you need different rules then you don't belong there. They hope that explaining to Mom why this was an unsafe action and poor judgement will make this a one-time event. Mom apparently said to them that she had no idea it would cause such a fuss. Until now, Mom has consistently signed herself out, so we don't know why this time she slipped up. Frankly, I'm not sure it matters if she signed out or not if no one asks her where she is going. She could have signed out and then gone off to CVS anyway. LeeAnn was also concerned that it took so much effort to persuade Mom to stop walking and get in the car - she was going to CVS, and that's all there was to that. Mom has an appointment with the neuro-psychologist this week for a 3-hour evaluation - I don't think they'll look at this as a good sign.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
More about Dad (mostly)
I spent a lot of time with Dad and some with Mom on Mon and Tues.
Overview:
Monday, Dad seemed pretty down. I sat with him at lunch and dinner. He really wasn't interested in eating much and had to be coaxed. Dentures kept flopping around making it hard. Also, he is generally picky -- has never been big on fish or vegetables. The meat is chopped; looked OK to me, but he finds it unappetizing just because of the way it looks. He is finally allowed to have thin liquids again so he was able to have ice cream! At least that was good. Anyway, the day was kind of a bummer, though he did cheer briefly when Liz came. He isn't particularly interested in TV and doesn't read much, so he spends a lot of time sitting asleep in his wheel chair (like many if not most of the residents in medical). He says his mind wanders all the time, but mostly to things that are not good.
Tuesday he seemed somewhat cheerier and he ate better. I think some of this was due to the improvement in his teeth (that I'll explain in a minute) as well as the fact that a lot was going on.
Mom was pretty much the same. (Years ago she told me that as you get older you get 'more the same' -- i.e., your personality traits get stronger. That is certainly the case for her!) She was glad to see us and seems pretty settled. It does seem like she doesn't do nearly as much as she used to, though -- lots of naps. She does have a smaller puzzle going, but it isn't going very fast. And she plans to get Christmas cards sent out some day.
Doctors and Dentists:
Monday Dad had a visit scheduled with the mobile dentist to start on getting his dentures fixed. Liz came specifically to be there for the dentist, but as it got late she called to find out where they were and they had no record of his appointment. In fact, they had no plans to be in the county that day. Since we had been considering the mobile dentist because we thought they might be quick to respond if needed in an emergency, we decided maybe we should reconsider. Liz called local dentist recommended by the Lima folks. They had a Tuesday cancellation, so she came back on Tues and took him. That went pretty well. He verified that Dad should have new dentures. It will take four visits (a month) to get them -- a long time when you are in pain -- but he made some temporary adjustments to Dad's current dentures that seemed to help and should be OK for a month. Eating seemed to go quite a bit better after that. Between this and being off of thickened liquids, I think/hope his eating and spirits will improve.
Liz also took Dad to the Urologist. (It worked well that she could do both apptmts the same day.) It was not great news -- he seemed to have a fuller bladder than they would like (amazing what they can do with ultra-sound) -- but it was not so bad that they will go back to the catheter quite yet. The doctor wants to see him again in a few months.
Therapy:
Because of the way Medicare works, both he and Mom are now down to three days a week of therapy. (I think you get five days for some period of time after you come out of the hospital.)
The PT seems to have helped Dad's walking. If he remembers -- needs a lot of reminding -- he will stand up straight like he is supposed to. We walked down to Mom's room, hung out a bit, and then walked back. I'm pretty sure that was a first for him. (The distance between rooms might be 40-50 yards? including an elevator ride) I think normally the only walking he does outside of PT is to and from the dining room, which is maybe 15-20 yards.
Speech therapy seems to be helping, too, or at least he is doing well enough that he can have thin liquids as mentioned before. (If you don't remember, this is not really about speech but about his ability to swallow w/o aspiration -- i.e., food going down the wrong way. ) He has been on 'supervised eating' meaning that someone keeps an eye on him as he eats. I think there are two reasons for this: watching out for aspiration and making sure he eats enough. For these reasons, they haven't wanted him eating anywhere but in his regular dining area. Good news is that the speech therapist says he doesn't need to be supervised any more from the aspiration perspective. Not sure yet about the other aspect. Anyway, when they say it is OK, he could go eat with Mom. That would be nice, but is still somewhat problematic. First, someone has to take him (I think Mom thinks she could, but I don't know if she can or if they will allow it). Second, someone has to encourage him to eat. The aide in the dining room normally does this. Not sure how that would go with Mom in charge, though I can sort of picture it...
Other stuff:
After way too much work, Dad finally has a regular land line phone. Yay! It seems that it will be much easier for him to get to and to operate. I canceled his cell phone. I hope this actually helps. Have been realizing that he doesn't actually spend a lot of time in his room so it may still be hard to reach him.
I put up a number of pictures in his room. Had to hang them by strings from the ceiling since we aren't supposed to put nails in the walls while he is temporarily in this room. Not great, but better than nothing. He seems to like it and that is what we are aiming for. (Dor, I cracked the glass on a picture of you. No offense. Will get it fixed:)
Am thinking I will order a transport chair (folding wheel chair) for when he goes out to doctor, church, etc. Lima does not really have a supply of them for borrowing, though we were lucky to borrow one a couple of times.
One last thing: I am pretty impressed with the folks at Lima. All things considered, they do a great job. And I am also very thankful that Mom pushed to get signed up there and to sell the house when they did. Things are not perfect, but they could be a lot worse. And Dad and Mom are very fortunate that Liz spends so much time visiting and watching out for them. Few residents seem to have that much family involvement and it makes a huge difference.
[P.S. I just got Dad on the phone -- finally. Figured he would be going to bed and he was. He seemed very sad -- on the verge of tears. Wishes he saw Mom more. Feels like he is 'holding everything up'. I'm guessing that probably means he feels like he should be good enough to move up to assisted living, but he is not and he thinks it is his fault. Please pray for him.]
Overview:
Monday, Dad seemed pretty down. I sat with him at lunch and dinner. He really wasn't interested in eating much and had to be coaxed. Dentures kept flopping around making it hard. Also, he is generally picky -- has never been big on fish or vegetables. The meat is chopped; looked OK to me, but he finds it unappetizing just because of the way it looks. He is finally allowed to have thin liquids again so he was able to have ice cream! At least that was good. Anyway, the day was kind of a bummer, though he did cheer briefly when Liz came. He isn't particularly interested in TV and doesn't read much, so he spends a lot of time sitting asleep in his wheel chair (like many if not most of the residents in medical). He says his mind wanders all the time, but mostly to things that are not good.
Tuesday he seemed somewhat cheerier and he ate better. I think some of this was due to the improvement in his teeth (that I'll explain in a minute) as well as the fact that a lot was going on.
Mom was pretty much the same. (Years ago she told me that as you get older you get 'more the same' -- i.e., your personality traits get stronger. That is certainly the case for her!) She was glad to see us and seems pretty settled. It does seem like she doesn't do nearly as much as she used to, though -- lots of naps. She does have a smaller puzzle going, but it isn't going very fast. And she plans to get Christmas cards sent out some day.
Doctors and Dentists:
Monday Dad had a visit scheduled with the mobile dentist to start on getting his dentures fixed. Liz came specifically to be there for the dentist, but as it got late she called to find out where they were and they had no record of his appointment. In fact, they had no plans to be in the county that day. Since we had been considering the mobile dentist because we thought they might be quick to respond if needed in an emergency, we decided maybe we should reconsider. Liz called local dentist recommended by the Lima folks. They had a Tuesday cancellation, so she came back on Tues and took him. That went pretty well. He verified that Dad should have new dentures. It will take four visits (a month) to get them -- a long time when you are in pain -- but he made some temporary adjustments to Dad's current dentures that seemed to help and should be OK for a month. Eating seemed to go quite a bit better after that. Between this and being off of thickened liquids, I think/hope his eating and spirits will improve.
Liz also took Dad to the Urologist. (It worked well that she could do both apptmts the same day.) It was not great news -- he seemed to have a fuller bladder than they would like (amazing what they can do with ultra-sound) -- but it was not so bad that they will go back to the catheter quite yet. The doctor wants to see him again in a few months.
Therapy:
Because of the way Medicare works, both he and Mom are now down to three days a week of therapy. (I think you get five days for some period of time after you come out of the hospital.)
The PT seems to have helped Dad's walking. If he remembers -- needs a lot of reminding -- he will stand up straight like he is supposed to. We walked down to Mom's room, hung out a bit, and then walked back. I'm pretty sure that was a first for him. (The distance between rooms might be 40-50 yards? including an elevator ride) I think normally the only walking he does outside of PT is to and from the dining room, which is maybe 15-20 yards.
Speech therapy seems to be helping, too, or at least he is doing well enough that he can have thin liquids as mentioned before. (If you don't remember, this is not really about speech but about his ability to swallow w/o aspiration -- i.e., food going down the wrong way. ) He has been on 'supervised eating' meaning that someone keeps an eye on him as he eats. I think there are two reasons for this: watching out for aspiration and making sure he eats enough. For these reasons, they haven't wanted him eating anywhere but in his regular dining area. Good news is that the speech therapist says he doesn't need to be supervised any more from the aspiration perspective. Not sure yet about the other aspect. Anyway, when they say it is OK, he could go eat with Mom. That would be nice, but is still somewhat problematic. First, someone has to take him (I think Mom thinks she could, but I don't know if she can or if they will allow it). Second, someone has to encourage him to eat. The aide in the dining room normally does this. Not sure how that would go with Mom in charge, though I can sort of picture it...
Other stuff:
After way too much work, Dad finally has a regular land line phone. Yay! It seems that it will be much easier for him to get to and to operate. I canceled his cell phone. I hope this actually helps. Have been realizing that he doesn't actually spend a lot of time in his room so it may still be hard to reach him.
I put up a number of pictures in his room. Had to hang them by strings from the ceiling since we aren't supposed to put nails in the walls while he is temporarily in this room. Not great, but better than nothing. He seems to like it and that is what we are aiming for. (Dor, I cracked the glass on a picture of you. No offense. Will get it fixed:)
Am thinking I will order a transport chair (folding wheel chair) for when he goes out to doctor, church, etc. Lima does not really have a supply of them for borrowing, though we were lucky to borrow one a couple of times.
One last thing: I am pretty impressed with the folks at Lima. All things considered, they do a great job. And I am also very thankful that Mom pushed to get signed up there and to sell the house when they did. Things are not perfect, but they could be a lot worse. And Dad and Mom are very fortunate that Liz spends so much time visiting and watching out for them. Few residents seem to have that much family involvement and it makes a huge difference.
[P.S. I just got Dad on the phone -- finally. Figured he would be going to bed and he was. He seemed very sad -- on the verge of tears. Wishes he saw Mom more. Feels like he is 'holding everything up'. I'm guessing that probably means he feels like he should be good enough to move up to assisted living, but he is not and he thinks it is his fault. Please pray for him.]
Friday, January 21, 2011
Dad's Care Meeting
Lima holds a regular (monthly?) 'care' meeting for those in the medical unit (or at least for Dad). They had one yesterday. Liz and Mom were there. Dave and I were on the phone.
Here are notes from the meeting:
Present: Suzanne (nurse), Nancy C. (social services and activities), Karen (nutrition services mgr)
Therapy will be reduced from 5x/wk to 3x/wk starting tomorrow - not clear whether all therapies are affected (Phys, Speech, Occup.), need to ask the therapy dept
Diet same, mechanical-soft -- start thin liquids next week, with monitoring for aspiration (this change is as a result of the barium swallowing test on Wed.)
Weight 131 (measured weekly)
Dad complained about food:
He is still not permitted to eat at Oakbridge with Mom. The issue is not getting his special meal transferred, but that he still requires supervision while eating. I guess I should've asked what drives the need for supervision - will it continue after he has adjusted to thin liquids because of his other swallowing problems?
Dad has breakfast at 8, therapies during the morning, then lunch. Sometimes therapies aren't completed and are continued in the afternoon. There are "social activities" scheduled in the afternoon, too. Dad complained that he is sometimes taken to these activities without being asked if he wants to go. Suzann said she would arrange that he would be asked first.
Here are notes from the meeting:
Present: Suzanne (nurse), Nancy C. (social services and activities), Karen (nutrition services mgr)
Therapy will be reduced from 5x/wk to 3x/wk starting tomorrow - not clear whether all therapies are affected (Phys, Speech, Occup.), need to ask the therapy dept
- some discussion of medicare B - Medicare A is related to hospitalization, so any therapy that was related to the hospitalization was covered by Med A. The reason for hospitalization was a sugar low, and it sounded like they can't claim that as a reason for PT or OT any longer. May be able to stretch it for Speech Therapy. Again, said to ask the therapy dept.
Diet same, mechanical-soft -- start thin liquids next week, with monitoring for aspiration (this change is as a result of the barium swallowing test on Wed.)
- starting at beginning of week allows them to monitor (not around on weekends)
- permission for thin liquids is required for ice cream
Weight 131 (measured weekly)
Dad complained about food:
- about thickened liquid
- food doesn't look appetizing
He is still not permitted to eat at Oakbridge with Mom. The issue is not getting his special meal transferred, but that he still requires supervision while eating. I guess I should've asked what drives the need for supervision - will it continue after he has adjusted to thin liquids because of his other swallowing problems?
Dad has breakfast at 8, therapies during the morning, then lunch. Sometimes therapies aren't completed and are continued in the afternoon. There are "social activities" scheduled in the afternoon, too. Dad complained that he is sometimes taken to these activities without being asked if he wants to go. Suzann said she would arrange that he would be asked first.
I talked to Nancy R. (Dad's reg daytime nurse) after the meeting:
She said some of the bloodwork results are back (and look fine, a little low in protein due to diet probably), but not the zinc level results. If the zinc level is normal, she agreed he could use extra Fixodent until the dentures are fixed.
Blood sugar levels are consistently good - range from about 75 to 100.
Said she will cut his fingernails and check when the foot doctor last checked his feet and cut his toenails (answer: Dec 21, and he does this service every 2 months unless asked to come earlier).
She said it's fine to leave the nightstand where Dad can reach the phone.
She checked to see if Dad had standing doctor's orders permitting him to leave Willowbrooke for an outing (asked this because of the memorial service at the church Sat.). Answer was that he had no such orders - Nancy then called his doctor to arrange for those orders, so they are now in place.
Said that the alarm on Dad's chair/bed was a trial period (or a period of trial, to Dad), and I didn't see the alarm anywhere while I was there. I guess it was removed. But they found him standing in the bathroom this AM, on his feet but looking shaky, arms and legs spread for balance; he hadn't pushed the button to call the aide or nurse to supervise his getting out of bed. I asked Dad to please call them when he needs to get up, he asked "why?"
Monday, January 17, 2011
Status 1/17
MB and I visited today and Liz came down for the afternoon, too. We had lunch with Dad -- wanted to see what his issue is with the food. Mom did not eat with us, partly because she had to run out to book club but also because after eating there once she decided that the food is not good in Dad's dining room. I'm pretty sure that it is the same food that is served in her area, but who knows. MB and I also stayed around and had dinner with M&D in the regular upstairs (independent living area) dining room. It is very nice and once again a lot of people stopped by to say hello. I think this was the only time they've eaten together since the one time Mom tried out Dad's dining room.
Unfortunately, Dad is still in rather low spirits. He was glad to see us, of course, but he simply is not happy and that's bad for a lot of reasons. Many of the problems revolve around eating. A basic problem -- and maybe the most important one -- is that it hurts him to eat, apparently because his dentures don't fit well. Liz is working on the dental end of things to get this remedied. I hope it goes well and soon. Oddly, it seemed like today was the first time he mentioned that it really hurts him to eat. Also, he is still on the soft/pureed diet with thickener in his drinks so much of the food is not very appetizing. Between the pain and the food, he doesn't eat enough (and probably doesn't get enough liquid) which makes him feel even worse.
Dad liked Granite Farms much better. This is partly because Mom ate with him there, but there are other reasons, too. As Liz explained in an earlier post, the business with alarms on his bed and chair makes him feel like he is in prison; I can appreciate that. They won't let him try to go anywhere or do anything by himself. It doesn't really foster improvements in his ability to do things for himself. And many of the people in the area are parked in their wheel chairs schlumped in front of the TV in the common area -- it's not something to aspire to. It feels like the environment is dragging him down. Unfortunately, though he is in better shape than many in the medical area, he is not good enough for assisted living. So please pray for him.
Mom is OK. She seems reasonably happy and is fairly settled. She does get up to see Dad regularly, though we wish she would spend more time with him. It means a lot to him. Mom's room feels pretty much like home unlike Dad's room, which in spite of some touches of home still feels like a hospital room. David modified her puzzle board to fit on the fold-out desk area she has, so she has a puzzle going for the first time in a while. She got to church yesterday and book club today (Aunt Kathy picked her up), so she has a bit of social life. It also sounds like she keeps in touch with people by phone (said she talks with Aunt Bet pretty regularly).
I brought up the subject of selling the car today. Interestingly, she did not object to losing the car -- seems to have accepted that she won't be able to drive -- but she would rather keep the car in the family, perhaps giving it to one of the grand kids. I can understand this; it's nice to be able to pass your things along. Selling it isn't quite the same. But how to work out who gets the car? Seems easier to sell it. Have to figure that one out.
On the walker front, not much has changed. She was not using it in her room and when I asked she simply said that she does not use it in the room. (She knows she is supposed to.) There is no convincing her, so I didn't even argue (much). I did ask if she has had any falls. She said, "a few, but they were minor." Aiee, aiee, aiee.
On the positive side, MB, Liz, and I had a nice time with Dad in the afternoon (while Mom was at book club) going to the apartment, picking up a few things, and looking through old stuff. I found a couple of things that made Dad (and all of us) really laugh. These aren't relevant to M&D's health, but you might enjoy them. When our kids were little, we used to write down the really hilarious things they said. Apparently Mom and Midi did some of the same:
Unfortunately, Dad is still in rather low spirits. He was glad to see us, of course, but he simply is not happy and that's bad for a lot of reasons. Many of the problems revolve around eating. A basic problem -- and maybe the most important one -- is that it hurts him to eat, apparently because his dentures don't fit well. Liz is working on the dental end of things to get this remedied. I hope it goes well and soon. Oddly, it seemed like today was the first time he mentioned that it really hurts him to eat. Also, he is still on the soft/pureed diet with thickener in his drinks so much of the food is not very appetizing. Between the pain and the food, he doesn't eat enough (and probably doesn't get enough liquid) which makes him feel even worse.
Dad liked Granite Farms much better. This is partly because Mom ate with him there, but there are other reasons, too. As Liz explained in an earlier post, the business with alarms on his bed and chair makes him feel like he is in prison; I can appreciate that. They won't let him try to go anywhere or do anything by himself. It doesn't really foster improvements in his ability to do things for himself. And many of the people in the area are parked in their wheel chairs schlumped in front of the TV in the common area -- it's not something to aspire to. It feels like the environment is dragging him down. Unfortunately, though he is in better shape than many in the medical area, he is not good enough for assisted living. So please pray for him.
Mom is OK. She seems reasonably happy and is fairly settled. She does get up to see Dad regularly, though we wish she would spend more time with him. It means a lot to him. Mom's room feels pretty much like home unlike Dad's room, which in spite of some touches of home still feels like a hospital room. David modified her puzzle board to fit on the fold-out desk area she has, so she has a puzzle going for the first time in a while. She got to church yesterday and book club today (Aunt Kathy picked her up), so she has a bit of social life. It also sounds like she keeps in touch with people by phone (said she talks with Aunt Bet pretty regularly).
I brought up the subject of selling the car today. Interestingly, she did not object to losing the car -- seems to have accepted that she won't be able to drive -- but she would rather keep the car in the family, perhaps giving it to one of the grand kids. I can understand this; it's nice to be able to pass your things along. Selling it isn't quite the same. But how to work out who gets the car? Seems easier to sell it. Have to figure that one out.
On the walker front, not much has changed. She was not using it in her room and when I asked she simply said that she does not use it in the room. (She knows she is supposed to.) There is no convincing her, so I didn't even argue (much). I did ask if she has had any falls. She said, "a few, but they were minor." Aiee, aiee, aiee.
On the positive side, MB, Liz, and I had a nice time with Dad in the afternoon (while Mom was at book club) going to the apartment, picking up a few things, and looking through old stuff. I found a couple of things that made Dad (and all of us) really laugh. These aren't relevant to M&D's health, but you might enjoy them. When our kids were little, we used to write down the really hilarious things they said. Apparently Mom and Midi did some of the same:
- Mom to Liz (when Liz was little): Isn't that Dorrie's money you have?
Liz: Well, when Dorrie isn't using it I call it mine.
(Gary, does she do this with you?)
- Something I said when I was 4 (written down by Midi): Mommie owns two great big phone books. She sure doesn't know a lot of people!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
A Little Improvement for Dad
From Liz (edited):
The last week has not been a particularly happy one for Dad, but today he was in a somewhat improved frame of mind. Not perfect, but better. Still didn't like his breakfast or lunch, but the new menus (with the upgraded-to-mechanical-soft diet) don't kick in until tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed.
On a good note (I hope), Dad had his catheter removed today at the urologist. Hooray! He has a follow-up appt in two weeks. They will do a scan of his bladder then. His prostate is only mildly enlarged, and he is to stay on the Flomax (which relaxes the prostate, I think he said). Hope he will do OK with getting to the bathroom.
And maybe it was just refreshing to get out of the Lima and wheel around over at the doc's office (at Riddle). There is a great view over the buildings and treetops from the breezeway from the parking garage - he always remarks on it. I wheeled him to the hair salon when we returned, arranged for them to cut his hair sometime this week, then right into PT, where Mom joined him and everyone was chatting. Oh, that reminds me...his speech therapist (Maggie) was there too and said that he is to have another swallowing test at Riddle next week, to see if he can get off the thickened liquids. Another good note.
And from Dor:
I think if nothing else the removal of the catheter will be good for his mental health - affirmation that he has "made progress" - and he worries so much that he is "failing." I can add a strong second on the "getting out and about" front too - when I got there Monday night, I took him down to visit Mom. Kind of unplanned - I had knocked on her door & gotten no response so I headed up to see him first. After talking a bit one of the things we did was "test" his phone - by calling Mom! She was indeed awake (though barely - the nurse told me later her regular bedtime is a pretty firm 8:00 ) so we went down to visit together. Sat there and read through some more Christmas cards and of course went over my "to do list" with Mom.
Anyway, point is it is great for him to be in that environment - he commented several times on the things in her room that feel like home. Also several folks in the hall or at their doors greeted us and he just perked up engaging with them a little. We talked on the way back about maybe bringing a few more things down from the apt to make his room feel more like home. I will ask tonight if we can hang anything on the walls. He would love to have the Rose Valley map & Aunt Kathy's painting. I think I could rig something from the ceiling trim - along string or yarn - that wouldn't do any damage to the walls. Keep thinking positive!
And from Dor:
I think if nothing else the removal of the catheter will be good for his mental health - affirmation that he has "made progress" - and he worries so much that he is "failing." I can add a strong second on the "getting out and about" front too - when I got there Monday night, I took him down to visit Mom. Kind of unplanned - I had knocked on her door & gotten no response so I headed up to see him first. After talking a bit one of the things we did was "test" his phone - by calling Mom! She was indeed awake (though barely - the nurse told me later her regular bedtime is a pretty firm 8:00 ) so we went down to visit together. Sat there and read through some more Christmas cards and of course went over my "to do list" with Mom.
Anyway, point is it is great for him to be in that environment - he commented several times on the things in her room that feel like home. Also several folks in the hall or at their doors greeted us and he just perked up engaging with them a little. We talked on the way back about maybe bringing a few more things down from the apt to make his room feel more like home. I will ask tonight if we can hang anything on the walls. He would love to have the Rose Valley map & Aunt Kathy's painting. I think I could rig something from the ceiling trim - along string or yarn - that wouldn't do any damage to the walls. Keep thinking positive!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Things Could be Better
Got this from Liz who has been busy with Mom and Dad ever since getting back from vacation:
Another little update. I talked to Karen (Clinical Coordinator) at the Wellness Center today. She is getting back to me with the fee info on laundering Mom's sheets. I asked her about Lifeline or Medalert, and she said that all those companies will respond to an alert by calling 911, which circumvents the Lima staff. The police would arrive. I'm not sure she's entirely right about that - thinking about some of David's stories. I had previously verified that Mom only needs to formally sign out of OBT if she is going outside of Lima Estates, but she is supposed to inform someone at the OBT desk of her destination any time she leaves OBT. I don't know if Mom really goes far from OBT often (like to the main lobby even), but she does go regularly to the computer room upstairs. Karen is putting the computer room on her chart, so that they would think to look there if they didn't know where she was. Karen also recommended that Mom be told that she has to formally sign out whenever she goes anywhere (Mom is going to love this), and Karen is going to tell OBT this.
I also talked to the PT dept today - I think Tricia is the main therapist, but Mike is also there (and Chris floats back and forth between Lima and Granite). Mike answered the phone, and I asked him about Dad's status with the walker. He said Dad is doing well with it and getting stronger, but is still on supervised-use only. Unlike at Granite (I think), Dad is not allowed to get up from anywhere (wheelchair or bed) without supervision. He has to push the call button from bed in the morning in order to arise. Lima even has pressure-sensitive pads that are put under him both on his wheelchair seat and in bed - if he gets up without calling someone an alarm goes off. This has happened at least a few times and Dad is upset. He says he can't even turn around without an alarm going off. Maybe it wasn't well-explained to him beforehand, or maybe he just didn't remember about it, but he's been a bit disturbed for the last few days. I didn't even know about the alarm until yesterday, so I explained to him then. Dad is just generally down on the whole business - the alarm, going to the activities where people next to him are asleep in their wheelchairs ("what good is that!"), said "this whole thing" doesn't seem to be working. Mike said he had a bit of a "meltdown" in therapy, expressing his unhappiness about stuff. Also, Dad is upset that he can't eat with Mom (which is because Mom won't come to Willowbrook to eat with him, and he can't eat at OBT because of the special diet). Mom apparently asked Mike repeatedly today who she should talk to that could allow Dad to come to OBT for meals. Mike tried to tell her to be patient, Dad has a special diet and still needs supervision, can't come to OBT yet. He thought Mom's pushing might be making Dad anxious. (M and D have therapy at the same time, when possible, so Dad was there too.) Also Dad got in "trouble" with the nurse yesterday because they couldn't find his lower dentures in the AM, went on a major hunt. He had put them in his pants pocket when getting ready for bed (because the denture cup was in the bathroom, which he didn't know) and they ended up in the dirty clothes bag. I have put the cup next to his bed now, but I bet I should've labelled it "keep at bedside" because a different aide is bound to think it should go in the bathroom.
There sure seems to be a lot more fuss going on with Dad at Lima than at Granite. I do think a lot of it comes down to the alarm (which Mike said would likely be removed next week) and Mom's attitude. I swear Mom is like a butterfly these days, flits around, comes to rest for only a minute or two at a time. She doesn't eat with Dad, but she goes over to see him a few times a day, I think. I imagine she wheels in, plunks down his mail, says three sentences, and leaves. "Here's your mail, Fred. Did you have therapy this morning? OK then. See you later." At 3:30 yesterday, as I was leaving, she kissed Dad and said "See you tomorrow." She was going to take a nap, as was he, and he offered her to nap on his bed while he took the recliner. She said she'd rather go back to "her place." I suggested she come over after dinner to watch the news with Dad. She said she watches it at "her place." Eventually she allowed that she might come watch the news - "we'll see." Then "see you tomorrow" again.
About eating meals together, Mom also told me that she figured she'd wait until Dad's swallowing was better and he could eat at OBT. I should have said earlier that she did eat dinner at Willowbrook with him on Tues. and did not have a good experience. The "service was bad" - that is, her food was slow in coming and she didn't think it was what she ordered. I have told her that they would do a good job of transferring her order if her dinners at Willowbrook were prescheduled - like, MonWedFri, or whatever. She eats dinners with some friends, but I don't know about lunch. Maybe we can talk her into lunches with Dad.
Maybe today will be a better day.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Dad is back at Lima
He moved yesterday with help from Liz and Dave. He is in a single room in the skilled care unit (Willowbrooke Court). I forget the room number at the moment but will post it soon.
It's starting to feel like maybe we are getting back to a steady state. Hoping that M&D will be able to see each other reasonably often. It's great that they are in the same facility, but they are farther apart than they were at Granite Farms. It is too far for Dad to walk, so it will be mostly up to Mom to visit him.
They've gotten out a little more lately -- Christmas at Dor's, belated Christmas family celebration the day before yesterday at David's, church, and book club at Aunt Kathy's (Mom).
Aunt Betty asked about Dad's urologist and endocrinologist reports. I will check with Liz and Dor who know better than I.
Oh, and the old land line phone number is now working in Mom's room.
It's starting to feel like maybe we are getting back to a steady state. Hoping that M&D will be able to see each other reasonably often. It's great that they are in the same facility, but they are farther apart than they were at Granite Farms. It is too far for Dad to walk, so it will be mostly up to Mom to visit him.
They've gotten out a little more lately -- Christmas at Dor's, belated Christmas family celebration the day before yesterday at David's, church, and book club at Aunt Kathy's (Mom).
Aunt Betty asked about Dad's urologist and endocrinologist reports. I will check with Liz and Dor who know better than I.
Oh, and the old land line phone number is now working in Mom's room.
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