Hi Everyone. Hope this finds you well today and you had a good week. After one heck of a week, I am in West Yarmouth (Cape Cod) for a mini vacation - thank you to my sister Marion. I watched daylight come over the salt marsh this morning as the ducks floated on by - so peaceful. The only thing wrong with the picture this morning is the coffee maker in the room does not work so I'm drinking water...LOL!
As I mentioned above, what a week it's been. My mom is home from the nursing home and we've had quite a week together. Because of all the snow we had recently and the way the service road was plowed, there was no room for the transport people to get up the road. They are so good at their job, they wheeled her on a gurney up the service road, to the ramp and onto the porch. They wrapped her up tightly for the journey and told her she was queen for the day and did not need to do anything. As the back hall is extremely tight and would not accommodate the gurney, they transferred her to a carry chair and carried her into her room. She was laughing as they kept calling her the queen. As they got her settled into her room, she told me the room was pretty. (This is my father's old bedroom that is more accommodating than her old bedroom.) I know my dad is watching over us as almost every day a picture of him popped up as a memory in FB.
Well, we are both adjusting to new routines and ways of doing business. She has completely different needs than my dad ever did. Thank goodness my BFF is here to help and support (huge Thank You) as I create a new norm. Getting ready in the morning is never easy although I don't have her on the kind of schedule they had at the nursing home. She is ready to get dressed by the time the hospice aid arrives, but still hates the process of getting dressed. She has been eating fairly well and can find almost every bit of shredded medication I give her. My BFF and I looked like a Three Stooges segment the other day trying to get her to take meds, but we did it.
Although the geri chair fitted (barely) through the bedroom door, the door to the room itself was removed yesterday for ease of access. The geri chair can be adjusted so my mom is not in the same position all day. She has been able to sit at the table and have a nice meal each day - perhaps it's why she is eating a little better (at least the food looks and tastes a bit better). She loves her sweets (I am my mother's daughter) - it's a good way to hide medicine. Don't you love when food which is not good for you can be used for good intentions? I know she is definitely drinking more fluids than she did in the nursing home.
My mom has been funny about going to bed. The other night she could barely keep her eyes open so I asked her a couple of time if she wanted to go to bed. She replied NO! The last time she said, "what? are you trying to get rid of me?" I said no you just look tired. Now I wait until I'm almost ready for bed and announce it's time for bed - then she's willing to go the bedroom.
I am slowly getting outside help - you know me I have to research and study before I feel good about making a decision (especially one this important). I am blessed to know people who know people so to speak. So a schedule is being developed for evening and weekend aids. A home hairdresser has also been found so a schedule will begin...I just need to see if I can take back one of the smaller wheelchairs I gave away to make it easier.
Lady is a bit confused and not sure what to make of everything. She has been so clingy although she does let my BFF take her out for walks and even sleeps outside her room most nights. My mom just looks at Lady and does not say much except when Lady barks out the window (or for a snack), then my mom jumps.
Yes, I'm a little sleep deprived as I keep one ear open to the sounds of mom. I'm sleeping in her room at the moment (I think for me as much as her). Again, as we adjust to schedules I'm sure napping/rest time for me will be included. I learn every day something new about caregiving, my mom and myself.
A huge thank you to all who check up/in with me. This has been a big transition so I have not reached out too much. Now that I am getting a better schedule/pattern of the day I'll be able to get back to people and head back to group meditation. This has been a soul searching journey and I am ready to accept what happens. How long it will be, is definitely up to the angels.
As to what is happening outside my small world, I am paying partial attention. I will say my mind was blown by the showing of support and attendance at the March For Our Lives across the country. Plymouth had a peaceful gathering as well. I believe change is coming (as always) and it will be this generation that will lead the way in many ways.
A huge Happy Birthday (30 March) to my BFF Patti - big milestone!
I am going to leave it here for today. We will be heading further down the cape to explore today - check out the Cape Cod National Seashore (some parts are not accessible due to so much damage from the winter storms). No worries we will be dressed warmly as snow showers are predicted and the temps are in the 30s. Where is spring? Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“Some days there won’t be a song in your heart. Sing anyway.” - –Emory Austin
“One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value.” - –Jim Rohn
“Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you; they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.” - –Bernice Johnson Reagon