Mom Update, November 17, 2011, Thursday

Mom’s update November 17, 2011

OK! I definitely need a vacation! I left mom this morning and I went to a school to consult. I walked into a classroom and sat down and opened up my laptop and found the student’s file where I type anecdotal notes. I started to type………Mom’s update November 17, 2011!!! Holy Mackerel! Can you believe it?!

Well with that being said, I started the day with mom and she was in a good mood. I did the usual, put her hearing aids in and put her glasses on. I set up her breakfast. I brought her low fat turkey kielbasa. I forgot to mention that when I arrived, mom was already in her wheelchair and sitting at her tray table. I spoke to her CNA and she said that she wanted to use the bathroom first thing in the morning, so they took her and got her ready for the day. I had to leave because I had to get to a school early today. (You know how that went!)

Anthony came to see mom. He said she was in a good mood. Mom stood 3 times with Anthony alone and then another 4 times with dad. Anthony worked on physical things today and he told her to turn the anger into motivation. She didn’t cry but when Anthony went to leave she asked, “Why do you have to leave?”

Dad came to see mom and did PT with her. The physical therapist has been coming to the room to work with dad and mom. Mom stood straight up 7 times in front of the PT. They walked in the hallway about 10 feet. Dad worked with the OT and PT to get mom out of bed. Mom lifted herself up and swung her legs off the bed and dad assisted her into the wheelchair. Mom did the pivot for him and the PT.

I came in the evening with Jean. Jean sang for mom and her roommate. He sang “Fly Me To The Moon” and Billy Joel’s “For The Longest Time.” They loved it and they both clapped. Jean came to drive dad home. He had told us he hasn’t been sleeping well and that he was tired, so since it was dark and rainy I thought he would appreciate being driven home.

Mom and I did a Life Skill worksheet. It was a “Weekend Calendar of Events” and questions regarding what events are on what night and how much did they cost, etc. I then did a 100 piece puzzle with mom. She was able to get a few pieces in the right place and when she did she would let out a squeal of excitement. Next, we played the “Logic Links” game. She did better than I have ever seen. She still needed prompting, but she was able to place a few chips in the correct spot.

The CNA’s came in to put mom to bed. I sat with her and watched “Chopped” on food network. She kept telling me to go home and that I didn’t look good, I looked tired! (thanks mom!) I turned off the sound on the TV and we reminisced. We spoke about when we were little and mom would take a pepper out of the garden and core out the stem and seeds and make a pepper cup which she filled with ice cold water. Then I asked her if she remembered the bus stop and she said, “Sure, across the street.” I asked her where I use to stand and she said, “In my coat!” She used to unbutton her coat and I would snuggle next to her and she would button up the coat over me. I also reminded her of how we use to pretend that her bed was a boat and we would close the windows on the boat to feel cozy, so before I put her to bed for the night, I closed the “windows” on the “boat” and she laughed. I said a prayer and then left for the night.

The next passage is from Kathy, she spoke to dad this morning and dad shared with her what he did with mom last night. I didn’t get a chance to call him last night.

~Claud


Dad reported that yesterday, he and mom did OT and PT together again. He was very excited to say that he did EVERYTHING involved in getting mom to the bathroom all alone!!! The OT only watched from afar but did not assist him or mom in any way. Mom also walked 10-15 feet using the walker, but she still won't stand up straight. Dad feels that the rug is difficult for mom to walk on (she catches her sneakers on the rug because she doesn't always lift her feet). Dad said that mom also tends to hold the walker too far out in front of her which then lends itself to her posture being stooped over rather than straight. Dad did say that mom is using her legs and feet much better this week compared to last week (Claudia has been working on the "Old School" methods we used to use on mom when she couldn't do much). Finally, Dad reported that he had mom stand from the wheelchair while holding the hallway wall rail 3 times and stand straight up ("belly to the wall" is our verbal prompt) for a count of 50 each time. Dad said, "I also try to do things with mom when I'm there and not just sit around, but I can't do it like you kids do."

We are also working on trying to get dad to allow mom to emote...cry. Mom needs to cry. Crying is normal, natural and therapeutic but dad continually tells mom to "stop crying and smile." Claudia tried to explain it dad by saying, "Dad, remember the first summer when you were upset and cried really badly? We all came over to hold you and comfort you and to let you cry and get it out. Well, imagine what it would have been like for you, if we arrived and told you to stop crying and smile." Great analogy!! Mom herself had a bit of that type of philosophy at times too. I can remember her telling me many times growing up, "Never mind. Be a brave soldier" about this or that. But bottom line...they both need to cry. Crying is a tool of cleansing.

"I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word." Psalm 119:147