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.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
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!
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