Today was a day of "care training" where I was taught how to move my mom around. The therapist met me in my mom's room and asked her permission to talk frankly about my mom...my mom said "sure". The therapist said that my mom is dealing with confusion and needs some cues to sequens whatever she is doing. That she would not be able to left alone at home as she isn't always safe, that she gets up and starts walking without her walker and when using the walker she tends to stay far away from it which could lead to a fall. Someone would have to sleep in the same room as her to make sure she would know where to go if she needed to use the restrom and that we would have to be right there while she showered - prompting her to get the job done and then helping her transition out of the shower and help her dress. I was mentally exhausted after this session and a bit scared. She seemed a bit "off" today...not as strong as usual. She has lost another 9 pounds which makes her weight loss a total of 49lbs. The main nurse called me today about that and said that they were upping her power shake because of it. I asked about the new medication they started that should increase her appetite...they said it doesn't take effect for about 3 weeks but that her appetite would totally change. I sure hope so as I know that the weight loss and lack of eating are making her tired and weak...a bad combination when she has so much to do to get better.
We transferred my mom into my car...this turned out to be frustrating for my mom as she was confused by the instruction but she figured it out and got in and then out again. She thought she was going home right then but I reminded her that there were 2 more days left. Aleisha, the PT brought us back in and we went into the dining room where Ann and Ray were sitting (they had been there during the training). I asked to talk to Aleisha outside as I was feeling totally overwhelmed with the thought of all that my mom would need at home. How was this going to go? I can't be there 24/7 and I know that she doesn't want anyone there 24/7 but right now it doesn't seem that we have a choice. I need a bit of normalcy for my kids (and me for that matter) so I knew that I would have to hire some help as well as our friends help....it takes a village to care for Lis.
I think about all that has to occur before she comes home....groceries, meals made (I am not a cook), showers, appointments about long-term solutions and trying to get all things she needs. Learning how to use the oxygen tanks...finding places for myself and 3 kids to sleep at her house....packing for the 4 of us. Making sure my mom understands the importance of her own safety....talking to the med-alert people to get "the button" for her. Interviewing help, developing a plan, a schedule, a staff flow-chart....man....there is a lot. In the blink of an eye many lives have been changed forever...I am tired.
But as always the stuff will get done, we will find the right people, the village will be assembled. I am off for the next 2 days...to mobilize the troops and get the stuff in order. I will keep you posted. Good night all
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