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
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