Setbacks Galore

Dad called me on Friday around noon saying that Mom was on her way to St. Vincent's Hospital. Seems she had been getting increasingly weaker over the previous two days, which culminated in her falling in the bathroom and being unable to get back up. The paramedics were called when she was too weak to sand again and she was taken to room 923.

The doctor observed her and seemed to give her clearance to go home Sunday morning, and she looked good when we saw her on Saturday (if a little tired and spacey), but when I called today to find out what arrangements had been made for her release, Dad said the doctor asked for her to stay another three days. Seems she actually chose to get up and go to the bathroom unaided in the night and fell. Details are unclear, but the doctor feels that this continuing impulsive behavior is going to lead to more injury if it continues, so he wants to do more observation and testing to see what the recommended next steps will be.

Quiet But Eventful

Been laying low trying to get back to the rigor of life so sorry for the lack of updates. Mom is doing well at home, though she actually HAS fallen a couple of times. The good news is that she's been able to get herself back up (with and without Dad's assistance) so the outlook is pretty favorable at the moment. Physical therapists have been coming to the house to work with Mom and Dad and the neighbors have been bringing them all kinds of delicious food. Between that, Netflix and the coffees I bring them after work, they are looking and doing great.

Quick Update

Over 12 hours and nearly as many potty visits later, we are at ZERO falls! So far, this time home is a rousing success!!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

It's been a long couple of days and I'm pretty worn out, but the picture above says it all. Mom is home once again and thrilled to be there...and based on her strength and perseverance just in the time she's been home so far, I think it's going to stick this time.

Some highlights of the past 48 hours:

* Phim from Maryville has agreed to take care of Mom from midnight to 7 AM for the first month of being home, assisting with bathroom visits and whatever else is needed. This is a huge weight off Dad's shoulders and once we arrange for some day visits from home care staff, Mom will have the coverage she needs and Dad will be able to get out and about for errands when needed.

* We took the door off the bathroom and knocked out both door frames to make it easier to get in and out with Mom's wheelchair, a change that has already made a difference in two bathroom visits.

* We removed the bed frame which brings the bed lower and makes it more manageable for Mom (i.e., closer to the height she's been used to for the past 25 years).

* Mom's visit to the audiology doc at Costco went off without a hitch, but Mom needs to go back in two weeks once the molds are done to get fitted and have it tuned. This took them both by surprise, but I think it's going to be ok. But in the meantime...

* At Ed the Renter's suggestion, we picked up a sound amplification device that Mom can wear around her check and use with headphones. It's a little conspicuous but Mom really doesn't care, and at $25 (vs. the $899 for the hearing aid), it's a steal...she can hear better with it that she did with her previous hearing aid (which went missing over a month ago), and it's stereo to boot! She seems absolutely thrilled.

* Guy graveled the driveway and it looks flat and terrific. We've also got all the cars out of the way so even before we get a nice concrete landing pad installed, it's great for picking up and dropping off at the end of the ramp:


(Please ignore the cat in the picture...we try to.)

There's of course lots still to do and we're all a little nervous about this second try, but all things are looking really positive. Thank you all for your continued support, and thank you Eydie, Chris and Kathy for your continued culinary contributions!

Take Two

We're rounding out the week in a positive way, but with a few changes.

First, some good news: Mom's visit with Dr. Unger went well and he said she looked just great. Not bad for a follow-up! He feels she is ready to be home but is deferring to the Maryville staff for their assessment.

Now, Monday is the day Mom goes in for audiology appointment and to be fitted for a new hearing aid (for those who don't know, hers mysteriously disappeared when she was staying at Maryville last), and we had it set up for her to come home that same day. But it turns out there is an odd regulation whereby a patient at Maryville can't be released on the same day as their final assessment with the physical therapist, and the final assessment can't happen until Monday (for reasons I'm not entirely understanding other than I guess scheduling).

SO

Mom will have her assessment at 9 on Monday, then go to the audiology appointment at 11:15. Then rather than be released, she'll stay overnight and be released on Tuesday.

Dates to Remember

TOMORROW: Gary and Dad take Mom to Dr. Unger's office for a checkup.

MONDAY: Dad and I take Mom to Costco for an audiology appointment and to get her a new hearing aid.

ALSO MONDAY: Mom comes home!

Mom and Dad had a dual session of therapy today and they went over techniques for helping Mom get back on her feet if she falls. Based on their accounts and on glowing praise from the staff, Mom and Dad both passed with flying colors and with one more session on Friday, Mom will be cleared to come home after the weekend!

Prepping the House

We are calling around to Home Care Agencies to give Mom some assistance options when she comes home next, and we've installed a number of bars around the house (around the toilet, the walls, etc.) that will help support Mom as she gets around. Mom is looking well but clearly not wanting to be back at Maryville (as you might expect). She did however make a new mealtime friend named Irene, and she's great company for Mom.

If you have any helpful hints about searching for Home Care staff, please let me know.

Back to the Drawing Board

Mom's back in room 214, but in a different bed. Still, that change isn't enough to make her stay there any more interesting, and she wants to be home just as badly as she did the first time. Still, there is a lot to do at the house to make the inside more safe--namely, grips, bars and handles everywhere we can put them--and we will be focusing on that over the next week.