Went in to see Aunt Dot after work, about 4.
Had also gotten a call from Sunbridge that she slipped out of bed. They think she was trying to get up and just slid off the bed. A nurse was walking by and saw her. One of her alarms was going off but the really loud one was still attached. Apparently a long cord! Anyway she seemed fine. they took her vitals while I was there. 159/82. They will take them every 15 for an hour just to keep an eye on her.
I took her into dinner and she was very talkative. Really did seem ok. They will call if there are any changes.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Went in last Thursday with Ella to visit Aunt Dot. Took her a card that came in the mail from Bumpaous and also a Poinsettia. She thought the flower was beautiful and really seemed happy to see Ella. Ella pointed out to Aunt Dot that "you don't talk as good as last time I saw you"
It was a nice, short visit.
Tuesday the 22 Sunbridge is having a resident party. Need to get in a gift for Aunt Dot.
It was a nice, short visit.
Tuesday the 22 Sunbridge is having a resident party. Need to get in a gift for Aunt Dot.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, December 2
Went in to see Aunt Dot today. Took in more clothes, bathrobe, maybe some items she will recognize?? Took her best painting and hung it on the wall and put up her framed 8 x 10 of her and Uncle. Took in that white doll that Adreana gave her. Maybe she will find some comfort in these things. Going to take apart the collage pictures I have here in the house and put the pictures into a book. Maybe she will recognize some of the faces??
I did not get to visit with Aunt Dot. Pastor Tom was in the rec room with the residents singing Christmas carols and Aunt Dot was clear across the room, in her wheelchair, asleep!
I did not get to visit with Aunt Dot. Pastor Tom was in the rec room with the residents singing Christmas carols and Aunt Dot was clear across the room, in her wheelchair, asleep!
Tuesday, November 25
Met at Sunbridge with the care providers and was able to discuss Aunt Dot's care and health. They are seeing a decline. Sleeps a lot but they are also keeping her pretty doped up because of the wounds on her ankle and toe. They will probably not get better as there is barely any circulation in that leg. They recommended pictures and life reminders for her room.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Just getting back from Sunbridge.
Aunt Dot is about the same. Yes, she does "talk to you" but it is more like she mumbles and says an occasional word that you know. Norman. Last night. Mom.
But not forming coherant sentances. Just making noises. Only stayed about 30 minutes and then it was time to go into lunch.
Her right foot was shoe/sockless. Her 2nd toe had a bandage on it and the heel/ankle was wrapped in guaze.?? She kept pressing real hard on the right foot. Presing it onto the foot rest. Like it was hurting her and if she pressed on it it was better.
Really no changes from earlier in the week.
Keep her in your prayers. Thank you.
Rhonda
Aunt Dot is about the same. Yes, she does "talk to you" but it is more like she mumbles and says an occasional word that you know. Norman. Last night. Mom.
But not forming coherant sentances. Just making noises. Only stayed about 30 minutes and then it was time to go into lunch.
Her right foot was shoe/sockless. Her 2nd toe had a bandage on it and the heel/ankle was wrapped in guaze.?? She kept pressing real hard on the right foot. Presing it onto the foot rest. Like it was hurting her and if she pressed on it it was better.
Really no changes from earlier in the week.
Keep her in your prayers. Thank you.
Rhonda
Friday, November 7, 2008
Hospice care
While I was on vacation, Sunbridge called Patty and recommended Hospice. Patty chose Legacy. I met with Legacy Hospice and we are starting hospice care for Aunt Dot. These ladies seemed really great and caring. I am hoping with more visitors for Aunt Dot she will come back. She is pretty out of it. They are keeping her doped up due to pain and she sleeps alot. You have to wake her each time you go in. she is always asleep.
The nurse that I talked with from Legacy, Terri Lynn, says that the pain that patients with dimentia feel is different, but it is there. I had been told that these patients do not feel pain. I was concerned about all the meds but they (nurses and doctor) do seem to know a bit more about it than I do!
The nurse that I talked with from Legacy, Terri Lynn, says that the pain that patients with dimentia feel is different, but it is there. I had been told that these patients do not feel pain. I was concerned about all the meds but they (nurses and doctor) do seem to know a bit more about it than I do!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Comments
Don't forget. You can click on comment on the bottom on the post and write something. It will be available for all to see. If you have a question for me you can email me at: rhonda@ymcinc.com
Well, the times have changed!
We have sold the place on Road 64. To a Mr. Justin Taylor. Does anyone know him?
I was told he lived just around the corner, Road 62. His address if 6213 W Melville.
I tried to get the Cristianos to purchase the place. I know that Norman would have wanted it that way. But it apparently was not meant to be. I hope that everything works out well for all of the neighbors with this sell.
Unfortunately there is no reason for us to drive back to Pasco! We may have to just go for a visit..
Just so that everyone knows. When Aunt Dot passes away we will have her cremated here in Boise and then make arrangements to have a memorial service in Pasco. With Bruce Lee. We will let everyone know when that time comes.
Well, feel free to post any comments on this site. I would love to hear from you all.
Take care and thanks for taking an interest in Aunt Dots condition.
We have sold the place on Road 64. To a Mr. Justin Taylor. Does anyone know him?
I was told he lived just around the corner, Road 62. His address if 6213 W Melville.
I tried to get the Cristianos to purchase the place. I know that Norman would have wanted it that way. But it apparently was not meant to be. I hope that everything works out well for all of the neighbors with this sell.
Unfortunately there is no reason for us to drive back to Pasco! We may have to just go for a visit..
Just so that everyone knows. When Aunt Dot passes away we will have her cremated here in Boise and then make arrangements to have a memorial service in Pasco. With Bruce Lee. We will let everyone know when that time comes.
Well, feel free to post any comments on this site. I would love to hear from you all.
Take care and thanks for taking an interest in Aunt Dots condition.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Been a while. A lot has changed.
Aunt Dot fell and broke her left hip while at Grace. Went into the hospital. Had a pin put in place to hold it and we took her from Grace to Sunbridge Rehabilitation / Assisted Living Center. She was in the hospital for a week.
As of today: She is in her 3rd room change at Sunbridge. As her level of care/needs change, so does her room. Her mental health and her health itself have gone up and down over the last 2 months. I had gone on vacation and when I went in on Tuesday to see her I was a bit surprised. But then, maybe it was just that I had not seen her in 10 days?
She was awake but no recognition of me at all. She did smile at me but I could tell it was different. The nurses got her into the wheelchair and I pushed her around the facility, talking about everything we saw but there was no communication between us. She did not acknowledge any of the things we saw or that I said. Off and on sleep (or maybe I was boring her and she was faking!)
We are meeting with a new Hospice group to go over her care. I will keep you posted.
Thanks for caring for Aunt Dot.
Aunt Dot fell and broke her left hip while at Grace. Went into the hospital. Had a pin put in place to hold it and we took her from Grace to Sunbridge Rehabilitation / Assisted Living Center. She was in the hospital for a week.
As of today: She is in her 3rd room change at Sunbridge. As her level of care/needs change, so does her room. Her mental health and her health itself have gone up and down over the last 2 months. I had gone on vacation and when I went in on Tuesday to see her I was a bit surprised. But then, maybe it was just that I had not seen her in 10 days?
She was awake but no recognition of me at all. She did smile at me but I could tell it was different. The nurses got her into the wheelchair and I pushed her around the facility, talking about everything we saw but there was no communication between us. She did not acknowledge any of the things we saw or that I said. Off and on sleep (or maybe I was boring her and she was faking!)
We are meeting with a new Hospice group to go over her care. I will keep you posted.
Thanks for caring for Aunt Dot.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24. Took Aunt to the Doc for a check up on her leg. It is lookng so much better. Have another apt scheduled for the 29th just to make sure it is healing as should be.
Thankful to be getting all of this leg stuff under control!
Bought her some new shoes this morning. Bigger sized. And some socks also. Don't know if they are shrinking or just the swollen feet. Took them in about 10. (Took several pairs so that Aunt Dot could find one that fit) She chose one and had it on when I left. It was about 11:30. When Renae went in about 1:30 she had taken them off and had on her bedroom slippers.!
When I was in there she had no red tennis shoes, no plaid slip ons and 1 slipper. Just the right one. I don't know where her shoes keep going. Does she stash them somewhere or do other residents take them from her room?
From what I saw this morning and the report from Renae, Aunt Dot was in very good spirits and feeling so much better.
Going to take in a pan and some Epsom salts. Whenever one of the girls are in to visit I will ask them to soak her feet.
I did not realize that Alzheimer's patients do not know pain. There is something there, and it makes them crabby, but they can not tell you it is pain. Now, it you poke on a pained spot they will react, but not the other. I wondered why no one was giving the pain meds. They are on an as needed basis. She is continually asked if she is in pain and she always says no.
Today I learned something else. They cannot distinguish black and white on the pavement. When it comes to the darker concrete or the asphalt it looks like a deep cavern to them. That is why all of the hesitation when walking. They think they are walking off a cliff or something!
The mind is an amazing thing!!!!!!!!!!
Aunt Dot got a letter from Jack and Adriena. She was pleased to get it. I had to open it for her. She thought someone had left there own mail in her room. And in the note was a picture of Jack and Adriena along with a line stating "we are friends from Pasco".
That helps so much... Thank you so much for writing to her.
Well - again - that for taking an interest in Aunt Dot. It means a lot. Have a good weekend.
Thankful to be getting all of this leg stuff under control!
Bought her some new shoes this morning. Bigger sized. And some socks also. Don't know if they are shrinking or just the swollen feet. Took them in about 10. (Took several pairs so that Aunt Dot could find one that fit) She chose one and had it on when I left. It was about 11:30. When Renae went in about 1:30 she had taken them off and had on her bedroom slippers.!
When I was in there she had no red tennis shoes, no plaid slip ons and 1 slipper. Just the right one. I don't know where her shoes keep going. Does she stash them somewhere or do other residents take them from her room?
From what I saw this morning and the report from Renae, Aunt Dot was in very good spirits and feeling so much better.
Going to take in a pan and some Epsom salts. Whenever one of the girls are in to visit I will ask them to soak her feet.
I did not realize that Alzheimer's patients do not know pain. There is something there, and it makes them crabby, but they can not tell you it is pain. Now, it you poke on a pained spot they will react, but not the other. I wondered why no one was giving the pain meds. They are on an as needed basis. She is continually asked if she is in pain and she always says no.
Today I learned something else. They cannot distinguish black and white on the pavement. When it comes to the darker concrete or the asphalt it looks like a deep cavern to them. That is why all of the hesitation when walking. They think they are walking off a cliff or something!
The mind is an amazing thing!!!!!!!!!!
Aunt Dot got a letter from Jack and Adriena. She was pleased to get it. I had to open it for her. She thought someone had left there own mail in her room. And in the note was a picture of Jack and Adriena along with a line stating "we are friends from Pasco".
That helps so much... Thank you so much for writing to her.
Well - again - that for taking an interest in Aunt Dot. It means a lot. Have a good weekend.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Medicines
So this is what I discovered on Tuesday.
The Doctor, on Monday, had switched Aunt Dots pain aid and also her antibiodic from what the ER doc on Thursday had recommended. To a pain med that is easier for older people to handle and an antibiotic that is more specific to her cellulitius. What they had her on made her climb the walls and the anti was just very general.
Darvasat is a narcotic. So they can not fax it to the home. It has to be a hard copy. But no one shares this with me on Monday so I think everything is fine. I find out this information on Tuesday morning so I am in the process of getting back my car so that I can go pick up the prescription and have it filled and get it to Grace. I call Grace to let them know and they say she is doing fine and that they are still giving her the original antibiotic so she is not going without.
Later I call and find out that the doc did indeed fax over the prescriptions but that Grace has to have the hard copy when the meds are delivered. Since we spent all afternoon in the ER I figure Grace can handle it with the pharmacy!
I still have not been to the doc office! Aunt has an apt this morning so I am just going to wait. Wouldn't it be great to get Hospice, Grace staff and the doctors and nurses all together so that we were all on the same page!
The Doctor, on Monday, had switched Aunt Dots pain aid and also her antibiodic from what the ER doc on Thursday had recommended. To a pain med that is easier for older people to handle and an antibiotic that is more specific to her cellulitius. What they had her on made her climb the walls and the anti was just very general.
Darvasat is a narcotic. So they can not fax it to the home. It has to be a hard copy. But no one shares this with me on Monday so I think everything is fine. I find out this information on Tuesday morning so I am in the process of getting back my car so that I can go pick up the prescription and have it filled and get it to Grace. I call Grace to let them know and they say she is doing fine and that they are still giving her the original antibiotic so she is not going without.
Later I call and find out that the doc did indeed fax over the prescriptions but that Grace has to have the hard copy when the meds are delivered. Since we spent all afternoon in the ER I figure Grace can handle it with the pharmacy!
I still have not been to the doc office! Aunt has an apt this morning so I am just going to wait. Wouldn't it be great to get Hospice, Grace staff and the doctors and nurses all together so that we were all on the same page!
Another fall
Tuesday, July 22, Aunt Dot fell. She was in the dining room having her nails painted. The girls left her in her chair while they assisted another resident to the restroom and when they came back Aunt Dot was on the floor. Flat on her back. They tried to get her up but she complained of pain in her left hip so they had to leave her and call 911. Standard procedure for a fall. Ambulance took her to ER where they x-rayed her hip. There is nothing wrong. Took her back to Grace where she immediately went to the table for dinner.
I try and try to remind her that her foot-leg is sore and that she cannot walk on it. She acted like she would remember now but today is a new day! I will keep you posted!
I try and try to remind her that her foot-leg is sore and that she cannot walk on it. She acted like she would remember now but today is a new day! I will keep you posted!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
July 17
Call from Grace. Aunt Dots leg is pretty swollen and red, felt feverish. They felt like I should get her to the doc or into the emergency. Took her into St Luke's ER. She has cellulitis (I am not sure of the spelling) which is an infection under the skin. Not sure how she got it. Somehow related to when she twisted her ankle a bit ago due to the corn on the bottom of her foot. Hospice felt that she was trying to keep her weight off the corn. Anyway-she got a prescription for pain and an antibiotics. On Monday they called and felt it had gotten worse. No fever but bigger and redder. She went back into Doc and was given a new antibiotic and pain aid.
I don't know where the miscommunication lies when dealing with Nursing Homes. I feel like between Renae, Patty, and myself we are there quite a bit. Yet I still feel unsettled about it. I got an e-mail from Grace about 9pm last night saying Aunt was in a lot of pain and they were doing what they could for her. When I called to check on her I discovered that the new orders for pain and antibiotics were not received so the prescriptions were never filled. WHY NOT? The doc office was faxing it to Grace who would send it to their pharmacy that brings them right to the home. Easy as can be. Only Grace did not have it. Did the doc office not send it? Did Grace not get it to the pharmacy? Did the pharmacy not deliver it? I wont have any answers until they all get up this morning. But I will find out.
Like when Patty took her to the doc office. The doc says they did not know that she had been to the emergency room on Thursday. Grace says they talked to the doc office. Who do you believe? I want to believe Grace as that is who we have trusted to care for Aunt Dot but it does make you wonder. Well, I will get it all straightened out.
Hope everyone is doing fine. Thanks for being interested. Have a great day. Rhonda
Call from Grace. Aunt Dots leg is pretty swollen and red, felt feverish. They felt like I should get her to the doc or into the emergency. Took her into St Luke's ER. She has cellulitis (I am not sure of the spelling) which is an infection under the skin. Not sure how she got it. Somehow related to when she twisted her ankle a bit ago due to the corn on the bottom of her foot. Hospice felt that she was trying to keep her weight off the corn. Anyway-she got a prescription for pain and an antibiotics. On Monday they called and felt it had gotten worse. No fever but bigger and redder. She went back into Doc and was given a new antibiotic and pain aid.
I don't know where the miscommunication lies when dealing with Nursing Homes. I feel like between Renae, Patty, and myself we are there quite a bit. Yet I still feel unsettled about it. I got an e-mail from Grace about 9pm last night saying Aunt was in a lot of pain and they were doing what they could for her. When I called to check on her I discovered that the new orders for pain and antibiotics were not received so the prescriptions were never filled. WHY NOT? The doc office was faxing it to Grace who would send it to their pharmacy that brings them right to the home. Easy as can be. Only Grace did not have it. Did the doc office not send it? Did Grace not get it to the pharmacy? Did the pharmacy not deliver it? I wont have any answers until they all get up this morning. But I will find out.
Like when Patty took her to the doc office. The doc says they did not know that she had been to the emergency room on Thursday. Grace says they talked to the doc office. Who do you believe? I want to believe Grace as that is who we have trusted to care for Aunt Dot but it does make you wonder. Well, I will get it all straightened out.
Hope everyone is doing fine. Thanks for being interested. Have a great day. Rhonda
Monday, July 14, 2008
Just a quick update.
Hospice has been such a help. They are constantly calling me with updates and letting me know how Aunt Dot is feeling and doing. Last week was pretty bad. Hospice called and said that she was so upset. Crying. Wanting to know where her mom was. Insisting that she was going to meet her mom and dad. (This is generally all she refers to. Mom and Dad. She never mentions any sister or brother) I left work on Wednesday and went to see her and it was such a great visit. We set on her bed facing each other and talked. I got her a half sandwich, which we shared, and stayed for about an hour. She was in good spirits and doing great. Her foot was hurting her but she knew that and was staying off of it. Said it hurts her every year at this time and that it would be better in the morning.
Went back on Thursday afternoon with my granddaughter, Ella, and it was like night and day. She was cursing and beligerant. Cranky, crabby, mean. BUT she had company already and it was warm in her room. I think we made too much noise and it was overwhelming. Ella had brought her harmonica and thought the two of them would play a tune together. No go. We did not stay long and when I left I checked with the nurses. She was way overdue for her pain meds. I am not a big believer in pills but no old lady should be in that kind of pain that she does not even know what is going on.
Went back on Friday and she was good again. Getting ready for dinner. We visited and she was nice and did not even know there was anything wrong with her foot. Feeling that much better.
One thing I have learned through this is to harden up. I can not go in there and take everything personally. She has good days, bad days and GREAT days. You just have to gamble on what you are going to get and handle accordingly.
Thanks for being interested. Have a great day.
Hospice has been such a help. They are constantly calling me with updates and letting me know how Aunt Dot is feeling and doing. Last week was pretty bad. Hospice called and said that she was so upset. Crying. Wanting to know where her mom was. Insisting that she was going to meet her mom and dad. (This is generally all she refers to. Mom and Dad. She never mentions any sister or brother) I left work on Wednesday and went to see her and it was such a great visit. We set on her bed facing each other and talked. I got her a half sandwich, which we shared, and stayed for about an hour. She was in good spirits and doing great. Her foot was hurting her but she knew that and was staying off of it. Said it hurts her every year at this time and that it would be better in the morning.
Went back on Thursday afternoon with my granddaughter, Ella, and it was like night and day. She was cursing and beligerant. Cranky, crabby, mean. BUT she had company already and it was warm in her room. I think we made too much noise and it was overwhelming. Ella had brought her harmonica and thought the two of them would play a tune together. No go. We did not stay long and when I left I checked with the nurses. She was way overdue for her pain meds. I am not a big believer in pills but no old lady should be in that kind of pain that she does not even know what is going on.
Went back on Friday and she was good again. Getting ready for dinner. We visited and she was nice and did not even know there was anything wrong with her foot. Feeling that much better.
One thing I have learned through this is to harden up. I can not go in there and take everything personally. She has good days, bad days and GREAT days. You just have to gamble on what you are going to get and handle accordingly.
Thanks for being interested. Have a great day.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Apology
Sorry Renae. I did not catch the misspell until now and I don't know how to get back in to edit. SORRY!!!
Hospice Care
May 20
Took Aunt Dot into the doc. Nothing wrong, just need to get her set up with a Doc on record for the home. Found Dr. Eastman. He was very nice and helpful.
Aunt Dots weight has dropped considerably. On March 17, in Pasco, she weighed 155lbs. On May 20, in Meridian, she weighed in at 130. Thats a bunch!
Even with her last 3 months history with all of the changes in her life they feel that is a concern. Her oxygen level was very low.
In Grace they have had some concerns. Some days she did not want to get out of bed. Sleeps most of the day.
She wont stay in bed if we get in to see her which is just one more reason why we need to visit her daily.
But - the Doc recommended Hospice care. That would have totally shocked me had the home not already mentioned it. Hospice is typically end of life care. BUT there are many, many cases where Hospice gets involved and with all the extra care the patient gets better. This is what I believe will happen with Aunt Dot. Her dementia is not so advanced that she can receiver care based upon it. It is her weight. They consider her "failure to thrive".
May 22
I have made arrangements with XL Hospice and they have been wonderful. And quick to sit with me and let me know that with all this extra attention she is going to receive, she will probably be removed from their care soon. They evaluate in 90 days and then decide. And when her situation changes and she needs more care again, they will come back.
Right now they have someone to come in 3 times a week to give Aunt Dot a bath, a Chaplin that has been in to visit, nurse once a week to check her out, phycologist to sit and visit and she is also available to us kids here 24/7, and then volunteers. They have someone lined up to bring in pets and another that likes to paint and will try to get Aunt Dot interested in something. They have just swooped in and taken over. It has been awesome.
It really lightens up my load and I am so grateful that they are on board.
Just some extra attention to help her settle.
Reane and Patty are both back from vacation so as soon as they can get back into a routine they will be back to visit her. YEA
(Renae went in on Wednesday to do Aunt Dots nails again. It is her "standing" apointment)
Hopefully will get Theresa and Mike on board to help real soon...
Took Aunt Dot into the doc. Nothing wrong, just need to get her set up with a Doc on record for the home. Found Dr. Eastman. He was very nice and helpful.
Aunt Dots weight has dropped considerably. On March 17, in Pasco, she weighed 155lbs. On May 20, in Meridian, she weighed in at 130. Thats a bunch!
Even with her last 3 months history with all of the changes in her life they feel that is a concern. Her oxygen level was very low.
In Grace they have had some concerns. Some days she did not want to get out of bed. Sleeps most of the day.
She wont stay in bed if we get in to see her which is just one more reason why we need to visit her daily.
But - the Doc recommended Hospice care. That would have totally shocked me had the home not already mentioned it. Hospice is typically end of life care. BUT there are many, many cases where Hospice gets involved and with all the extra care the patient gets better. This is what I believe will happen with Aunt Dot. Her dementia is not so advanced that she can receiver care based upon it. It is her weight. They consider her "failure to thrive".
May 22
I have made arrangements with XL Hospice and they have been wonderful. And quick to sit with me and let me know that with all this extra attention she is going to receive, she will probably be removed from their care soon. They evaluate in 90 days and then decide. And when her situation changes and she needs more care again, they will come back.
Right now they have someone to come in 3 times a week to give Aunt Dot a bath, a Chaplin that has been in to visit, nurse once a week to check her out, phycologist to sit and visit and she is also available to us kids here 24/7, and then volunteers. They have someone lined up to bring in pets and another that likes to paint and will try to get Aunt Dot interested in something. They have just swooped in and taken over. It has been awesome.
It really lightens up my load and I am so grateful that they are on board.
Just some extra attention to help her settle.
Reane and Patty are both back from vacation so as soon as they can get back into a routine they will be back to visit her. YEA
(Renae went in on Wednesday to do Aunt Dots nails again. It is her "standing" apointment)
Hopefully will get Theresa and Mike on board to help real soon...
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
May 14
Yesterday I went to see Aunt Dot and she seemed real good. We changed her clothes into a new outfit I had gotten her, picked out by my daughter. She commented that she had never seen anything like it, the mix of colors. (Is that good or bad?) She also told me to tell Christine, my daughter, thank you and that she had real good taste.. We went out to have lunch with the other residents and she appeared to enjoy being out there. Made a few comments about a certain resident that talks all the time and Aunt Dot does not like that. It was a good day.
Renae just called. She just left Grace. She has been doing Aunt Dots nails on Wednesdays. Today Aunt Dot did not get her nails done as she did not want to go to her room. She wanted to stay out in the common area with the other ladies. They had pie and coffee and visited - for about 2 hours! Renae did get back into Dots room to hang her pictures. She thought that Aunt Dot was doing great.
Things are looking good today! Keep her in your prayers.
Take care, Rhonda
Renae just called. She just left Grace. She has been doing Aunt Dots nails on Wednesdays. Today Aunt Dot did not get her nails done as she did not want to go to her room. She wanted to stay out in the common area with the other ladies. They had pie and coffee and visited - for about 2 hours! Renae did get back into Dots room to hang her pictures. She thought that Aunt Dot was doing great.
Things are looking good today! Keep her in your prayers.
Take care, Rhonda
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Welcome to Idaho
Hi Friends and Family
I created this space so that I can write how Aunt Dot is doing and anyone that is interested can keep tabs on her. I can't say how often I will update, you all know how the time gets away from me! But when something happens I will get on here and let you know.
We moved aunt Dot from Pasco to Meridian on May 2, friday. Got her settled into the nursing facility. She is at:
Grace Memory Unit
1946 N Lakes Place
Meridian, ID 83642
You are welcome to send her cards and or letters anytime you want. She would LOVE to get some mail.
Sunday, May 4
She is having a hard time. She wants to go home but that home is somewhere with her mom and dad. She is pretty insistent that they are waiting for her and wont know to come to Grace. There is also talk of train station. Must be where she was to meet them.
She does not know my name but she does recognize me when I come in and smiles. She says that the other ladies there are kindof "nose in the air" to her.
Tuesday, May 6
Aunt Dot fell going in to the bathroom. It was 5am and she had to potty and did not use her walker or her call button. They had to call 911 and take her to the hospital. 3-4 stitches in her lip and bruising on her chin. Hurt her right arm. Yet on Wednesday did not remember the fall.
Sunday, May 11
She fell again. I don't know all of the circumstances of this one. She did not hurt herself.
Tuesday, May 13
This is where we are so far. She is getting a bit depressed, I think. Wants to stay in bed and actually does sleep. She has to be REALLY encouraged to get up and leave her room. They seem to like her there and I hope that we are helping that by going often and also visiting with the nurses. I know one of them from days gone by and she keeps me pretty posted.
They tell me that they are worried about Aunt Dot. But it does take about a month to get settled. It is just that she started out so much better than she is right now. Yesterday she talked almost non stop to me but not a word of it made sense. A lot of mumbeling (is that a word?).
She gets her back up and refuses to use the wheelchair and the walker.
We still have her pictures to hang on her walls but she wont let us.
This is really a challenge! Yet it is getting easier because I finally realized that I am in the adult in my relationship with my Aunt. And it makes me sad. But it is as it has to be.
Patty has been out of town on a much needed vacation to Canada to have High Tea with her mother-in-law. She is due back on Wednesday. I have missed her! Another sister, Renae has truly been a blessing. She has been in to see Aunt Dot countless times and does her nails. It has been a great help to have her involved!!
It is important for us to get in daily to see Aunt Dot as it keeps her spirits up. Some days I only have a minute but they tell me that she does not know if I have been there an hour or a minute. The staff at Grace have been very good to us and I appreciate all that they have to do to work with these reisdents.
Well, I am off. I hope that I have given you some good information. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. rhonda@ymcinc.com or at 208-890-0526
All of you take care and stay tuned. I will try to get some pictures of Grace on here.
Have a wonderful day!
Love, Rhonda
I created this space so that I can write how Aunt Dot is doing and anyone that is interested can keep tabs on her. I can't say how often I will update, you all know how the time gets away from me! But when something happens I will get on here and let you know.
We moved aunt Dot from Pasco to Meridian on May 2, friday. Got her settled into the nursing facility. She is at:
Grace Memory Unit
1946 N Lakes Place
Meridian, ID 83642
You are welcome to send her cards and or letters anytime you want. She would LOVE to get some mail.
Sunday, May 4
She is having a hard time. She wants to go home but that home is somewhere with her mom and dad. She is pretty insistent that they are waiting for her and wont know to come to Grace. There is also talk of train station. Must be where she was to meet them.
She does not know my name but she does recognize me when I come in and smiles. She says that the other ladies there are kindof "nose in the air" to her.
Tuesday, May 6
Aunt Dot fell going in to the bathroom. It was 5am and she had to potty and did not use her walker or her call button. They had to call 911 and take her to the hospital. 3-4 stitches in her lip and bruising on her chin. Hurt her right arm. Yet on Wednesday did not remember the fall.
Sunday, May 11
She fell again. I don't know all of the circumstances of this one. She did not hurt herself.
Tuesday, May 13
This is where we are so far. She is getting a bit depressed, I think. Wants to stay in bed and actually does sleep. She has to be REALLY encouraged to get up and leave her room. They seem to like her there and I hope that we are helping that by going often and also visiting with the nurses. I know one of them from days gone by and she keeps me pretty posted.
They tell me that they are worried about Aunt Dot. But it does take about a month to get settled. It is just that she started out so much better than she is right now. Yesterday she talked almost non stop to me but not a word of it made sense. A lot of mumbeling (is that a word?).
She gets her back up and refuses to use the wheelchair and the walker.
We still have her pictures to hang on her walls but she wont let us.
This is really a challenge! Yet it is getting easier because I finally realized that I am in the adult in my relationship with my Aunt. And it makes me sad. But it is as it has to be.
Patty has been out of town on a much needed vacation to Canada to have High Tea with her mother-in-law. She is due back on Wednesday. I have missed her! Another sister, Renae has truly been a blessing. She has been in to see Aunt Dot countless times and does her nails. It has been a great help to have her involved!!
It is important for us to get in daily to see Aunt Dot as it keeps her spirits up. Some days I only have a minute but they tell me that she does not know if I have been there an hour or a minute. The staff at Grace have been very good to us and I appreciate all that they have to do to work with these reisdents.
Well, I am off. I hope that I have given you some good information. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. rhonda@ymcinc.com or at 208-890-0526
All of you take care and stay tuned. I will try to get some pictures of Grace on here.
Have a wonderful day!
Love, Rhonda
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)