Whew!   It was an exciting day for mom- moving day- going home day.    I was there at 10:30 per the phone call I received – mom was chosen to do a survey and one of the family members was required to do a section of it.   So, I was there early- to get that out of the way.  It was the typical questions for any survey- how was the “customer service”, the overall experience etc., etc.  The interesting to me was the nurse who was giving the survey was at her computer on the site and asking me the questions.   She would then click in or type in the answer I gave.  I wonder if my answers would have been different if I was doing the survey myself and reading it to myself.   Either or- I gave a good review and was ready to move on.   

Dorothy had to get her vitals checked-get her walker- while I got her meds- signed a few papers-and made sure I had all of her belongings.   She was Free!  Her exact words were “I’m Free!” when I asked her outside how she was doing.  LOL, we got in the car-and headed to Brookdale. I stopped at Wendy’s on the way to get her a sandwich and a frosty- for lunch- since we would be arriving around the time lunch was served at her place- I figured it best to have her eat on the way.

When we pulled up- her friend Chuck was sitting outside waiting on her. When he recognized me – he got up and started walking towards mom-who was just getting out of the car.  Watching the scene unfold was so cool, just like in the movies.  They were walking towards each other smiling, as soon as they could the embraced and kissed- it actually brought tears to my eyes.   It was so sweet!     They stood and visited for a few minutes and we moved on into the building.  She was stopped several times and greeted with hugs and welcome home wishes on the way to her room.  When we got to her room- there was a sign on the door that said, “Welcome Home Dorothy- there is a new rule in this room- No more monkey’s jumping on the bed.”   This is what I had told them happed to her- she was like the Nursey Rhyme “10 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed- that she must have been jumping on the bed and fell off.  No one will ever know how she fell- so might as well make something fun up.  (-:

In the moments it was very touching for her and she was much appreciative of all the attention, support and love. They did not fix her brain- so she does not remember any of it.   Sigh.

The first thing she wanted to do was get in the shower – so she did- I did not assist only made sure she was safe. And she did just fine- she finished her routine- finally, she must have put cream on her face and combed her hair 5 times- this explains why she goes through cream and toothpaste so fast. (-:     After she was dressed, I encouraged her to take a nap for an hour or so- but she insisted that if she took a nap she would not sleep at night.   So, we walked up to the common area where her friends were, and I left her in good hands.

When I arrived a few hours later to check up on her- Stella was there- she had just woken her up from a nap. She was confused and exhausted, but it was time for dinner so – we walked her to dinner.  I did not stay- she was surrounded by doting friends- I was not needed.   (-:

Love & Light,

Cheryl Doreen

It’s July 5^th– Happy Belated Birthday America!    I’m proud to be an American and so grateful for all the opportunities this great country offers- and to all of those who help keep it a Free Nation. 

Today is the day Dorothy gets to go back to her comfort zone.  Her apartment, her things, her friends, her world.  I’m so excited for her- she has worked hard in rehab – which has been easier because she has always been active- and the reward is an early release from a chaotic environment.   Mom is used to a calmer, quieter environment- she likes excitement only when she chooses. I wonder if she remembers she is going home today? 

The first thing I’m going to do for her is let her get in the shower and just let the water run over her as long as she wants.  I know everyone will be glad to see her and  I’m hoping she will settle right back into her routine.  Which will be somewhat interrupted with continued PT- but that will be there an should be “fun” for her. 

I stopped by yesterday morning at her apartment and made sure there were no spider webs- and that she had the correct clothes- pull ups shorts will be her wardrobe for the next few months.  She informed me that she did not want to wear dresses when she got back to her place- and it will be interesting to see if she hold to that- dresses are so much more comfortable in the summer.   

Before I left her apartment-I stopped in to see her friends at the lunch table.   They all know me and were happy to see me- and the best thing was seeing their faces some light up when I told them “Dorothy would be coming home tomorrow”.   We visited for a few minutes and I headed out to see mom.

She was up and her roommate was talking her to death. LOLO,  Oh it’s too funny- this woman has so much to talk about.     Mom and I went for a walk and ended outside ““SOAKing UP THE SUN” Sheryl Crow- “ While it’s still free- I’m gonna soak up the sun – before it goes out on me.””

Love & Light,

Cheryl Doreen

Dorothy now has a roommate- and she is the total opposite- and they do not attract each other LOL, to mom she is like finger nails on the chalkboard. She’s a loud talker on the phone- “all day and night”- per mom- and I’ve noticed that she’s very talkative when she’s off the phone.   Just another reason it’s time for mom to go back home- which now she references home as her apartment- which I’m so happy about.  

I went over yesterday afternoon and walked her down the hall to the social worker and we asked her- since she’s in charge- when mom could go home.   She responded correctly by saying “It just so happens that we are having a meeting tomorrow to discuss her progress”.  I said “great!” I’d like to be here, what time?  She said I could join in on a phone conversation- so, I’m anxious for 10 AM to be here this morning. Hopefully with a good report. 

Mom and I then went down the street to Kohls – just to get her out.  She used her walker and did not have any issues getting in and out of the car by herself.  When we got inside the store- we used the wheelchair- I’m not a very good wheel chair driver-LOL – the good thing is she did not get injured. (-:

We were out and about an hour or so- just looking- not buying anything.  She didn’t complain once- which is a good thing.    We went back to the Rehab world and she was ready for dinner.  

I’m happy that this chapter is almost over.

Love & Light!

Cheryl Doreen

It’s day # 10 for Dorothy at rehab and it’s another beautiful hot, sunny day in Atlanta, GA.  I walk in and she’s sound asleep- it’s 11:30 am.  I stand silently for a few moments and wonder if I should wake her.  I choose to let her rest, I quietly gather her dirty clothes and put away the clean ones brought with me.  I’m almost done when I hear “Cheryl is that you”?   

I turn around and greet her with a smile and a good morning!    She throws off the blanket and starts to get up right away.   This is a good!  Yay!  I replace her wheel chair with her walker and we take off down the hall.       I am curious as to how far she can walk- she needs to be able to walk from her rooms to the dining hall at her Assisted Living Home before they will release her– and she needs to walk that distance here before she can break out.  We walk up and down the hall with no problem, I stop to visit with her nurse for a quick update and mom keeps moving down the hall.  When she gets to the end a PT stops her and asks her if she has been cleared to walk by herself.  Busted!  LOL !!     I totally get it- they want all their patients to be safe and walk with a buddy- but mom was doing so well, and the nurse and I were right down the hall, I felt that she would be ok.  (-:    She has walked way longer than the distance needed for her escape.

We visit with the PT for a moment and head to the lunch room.  As we walk in- mom turns to me and asks if I can take her “out” for lunch. Sure! Let me ask if that’s okay.  The answer is yes, as long as I sign her out. So, I sign her out, grab my purse and we are out the door.  She is so excited to get out the fresh air and Sunshine renews her soul.     

We call Paul to see if he wants to join us and of course he does.  We are in the car about 20 minutes she doesn’t say much- I don’t either- we just enjoy the ride.    We get out of the car and she uses her walker to navigate up to the door.    We make it to the table, and she is in pretty good shape- not winded or worn out which is happy news.

We have a nice, talkative visit with Paul and we all laugh a lot- we tell her about the hospital stay and she talks about her friends at Brookdale.  She’s excited and ready to get back with them- that’s where all the fun is.   (-:  

 I’m excited for her to get back there too- everyone knows that you do so much better at recovery at home.  It’s so depressing and boring in the hospital and rehab.  My call in the morning will be to the PT folks first- to get a report to see if I can get her moved back to her apartment- her safety is #1.  Brookdale has PT 3 times a week t- so, I’m hoping she can continue her therapy there.

When we get back to rehab- she is worn out.  I’m happy that she got her blood flowing and some fresh air and sunshine.   She headed straight for the bed and a much-needed nap.

I headed to see my grandsons and some much-needed play time.  (-:

Love and Light,

Cheryl Doreen

Dorothy’s ride to the surgeon to get her staples removed was a delight for her.  She soaked up the sun, the fresh air, and the clouds.  She complained all the way to his office about pain and sourness in her left leg.  She asked me several times what happened to it.  I explained every time like it was the first time.  And listened to her ask me why she can’t remember that this happened. 

 When we got to the office- I had to help her out of the car and into her wheelchair- then I had to leave her alone in the shade to go and park the car- and pray that she wouldn’t wonder where she was and wheel off somewhere.    This was a first for me – I never pictured myself pushing mom in a wheel chair.  

 We made our way up to the office and as she sat in the wheel chair with her head was hung low- she looked very uncomfortable and old- all of her light was gone.  It was tough for me to see her like this- to watch her get so old right before my eyes.

When they came to get her- her eyes brightened- she sat straighter in her chair and greeted them with her beautiful smile.   They took her to X-ray and took all her vitals.   They brought the x-ray in just before the surgeon walked in.  We saw where she had broken her hip in two places- which was interesting to me – because they kept saying it was a broken leg.  You can see two rods (they told us they were only putting one in her femur) and just looking at the picture made me hurt.   The surgeon was in and out in two minutes- his first question was “are you in any pain”- she replied “no”- which I couldn’t believe. Dementia- it sucks!   He took her off of the pain pills and kept her on Tylenol and told her he’d see her in 4 weeks.  His assistant came in and helped mom up on the table to remove her 23 stables.   She took it like a champ- only said “ouch” once.   

After the assistant left, we just sat and relaxed for a few minutes before leaving the room.  I wanted to make sure that she wasn’t going to pass out or get sick from what just took place.   As we were talking and I was looking in her eyes I was trying to find her, she wasn’t in there.  Her eyes were “gone” and she looked at me and asked me where she was and if I could take her home now.   This literally broke my heart and the tears started to flow.  I almost hopped into the wheelchair with-her, I hugged her tight and told her I loved her and calmed myself down.  I could not lose it here. 

We made our exit and again I had to put her in the shade and hope she didn’t escape before I returned with the car.   We headed back to the Rehab center- I made a stop on the way to go in and get her a Snickers, and she was like a little kid when I gave it to her.  “A candy bar!”  She was so excited!

It was an exhausting afternoon for mom, so when we returned to her room all she wanted to do was lay down and take a nap.     I hope she rested well.

I hope she can graduate from Rehab and go back to her apartment and her friends.

Love and Light,

Cheryl Doreen

Dorothy is settled in and settled down.   She seems to be adjusting and is interacting good with PT and OT and is making friends with some of the other rehabbers.  I saw her on Friday- but Saturday I took a much-needed break.  

The nurse called late Saturday afternoon and informed me that mom had “lost” her catheter.  No-one is sure if she pulled it out or if it fell out when she was walking.  Either way, I look at it as a God Wink- obviously he didn’t’ think she needed it either. There were no repercussions from the loss, and she is doing great without it. And the UTI has cleared up so,- in this arena – life is good.

Sunday, I went for a visit and she was still “confused as to where, why, and what not”.  She was exhausted- she is restless every night until about 3:00 am- then up by 7:30, plus her body is beat up- of course she’s exhausted.   Late  Sunday evening, I got a call from the sitter -around 10:30- and a long story short they quit- yep, just walked out- leaving mom unattended with a sitter- I’ll tell the story another day.    I called and informed the nurse and asked  if I needed to come and stay the night with her- and they said no- they had it covered.   Monday morning, I was on the phone with the “office staff” finding a new sitter.  It all worked out – hopefully the new sitter will only be with her for a few more days.  Dorothy is doing amazing! – getting in and out of bed- getting to the bathroom- with her walker- and back to bed or the chair.  She is even getting dressed herself – even her baggy gym shorts aren’t giving her any problem- and she doesn’t have a problem brushing her teeth or hair. It’s just taking a little longer. (-:

Today I went for a visit and it was “when can I get out of here”?  LOL, she was very happy to see me.  Paul was there earlier in the morning- but, she doesn’t’ remember. She just doesn’t remember. She did 1 ½ hours of PT in the afternoon- so by the time I saw her she was flat worn out. 

  She asked me to stay for supper, which I did- it was tough keeping her awake.   Right after dinner we went back to her room and she got ready for bed.  I helped her get in bed- she was too tired to raise her hurt leg-I was happy to help.   I propped her bad leg up on pillows -tucker her in – hugged her neck, kissed her ,told her I love her and I’m pretty sure she was long gone before I hit the front door.

She won’t remember any of it- but, I will. 

Today was a good day- and tomorrow will be another good day.

Love & Light,

Cheryl Doreen

A long story short- they released mom on Thursday to rehab.  It was a bitter sweet day for me.  I was very glad for her to be leaving the hospital- and I understand that what is on the horizon is going to be difficult.  The ride in the ambulance was uneventful.  I, of course drove separately and had so many mixed feelings and emotions about what we would be facing next. I took several deep breaths and enjoyed the skyview on the way.

We arrived around 3:30 Thursday afternoon.   It was a good transition for the most part- except for the part where she was left alone for a few minutes.  A nurse was with her and I told her that I need to run right across the street to get her some gym shorts for rehab- (a lady can’t do exercises on the floor with a dress without gymshorts on). I was gone 25 minutes and when I got back, I found that the nurse and mom were both gone. After the nurse was finished with what she came to do she left the room with mom alone.  Mom was confused and in a state of panic and did not remember where she was or why-so she stood up and walked out of her room with no walker with her catheter dragging behind her.  

Dorothy made it out of her room and down the hall before she was caught.  One of the workers noticed her and quickly helped her in a wheelchair.  She was then moved down to the nurse’s station for safe keeping where she sat fuming.  When I walked down to get her- it was like I was 8 years old – that look of “you are in so much trouble” was seeping from every core of her being. “You and I young lady are going to have a conversation” was the first thing out of her mouth- with her index finger pointing right at me.   “Who do you think you are just dropping me off and leaving me alone”?   I did not want to continue this conversation out in public- so I cheerfully said, “Mom- let me take you back to your room”. She then turned to one of  the nurses- and informed her in a strong, authority sounding voice that she would be talking to her later- the nurse also she got the pointy finger.     The nurse and I shared a smiling exchange.  

When we got to her room, I did get that good talking to. It was everything I could do to keep from laughing and crying at the same time. Oh my gosh!  To see your mom, fade away- not remembering anything- before your eyes is difficult   So, I sat there and took it- and apologized- but not for leaving her alone-  she was scolding me because she thought I was talking to everyone there about her – telling everyone her business-she informed me that I could not speak for her and to never ever do anything like this again. I realized that now the delusion is taking ahold -and that this is really going to suck!

I finally talked her back to “good” and I pushed her down the hall and out onto the courtyard.  The outside calms her soul- so I knew this was the best place for her.  Her dinner was brought to her outside and she ate like a champ unaware of what had taken place 30 minutes ago. By this time Paul was there and she was as calm and happy as a clam.

We stayed until 7:30- at 7:00 the sitter arrived, and we visited for a while- policy says that mom has to have a sitter for a few nights until they can determine if she is okay to say alone at night.  

Sleep comes easy this night for me- and I awake Friday to go see her one more time before I take a 54-hour break from it all.   

She will be fine- she is where she needs to be.

Peace & Love,

Cheryl Doreen

Dorothy ate breakfast, got out of bed and did her “business” and walked to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth.   I usually take these things for granted- but for mom, these are successes for the exit of her current situation.

The past few days I have made a few Target and Kohl’s runs- you know how it is when your child starts a new sport-or goes to camp- you have to get all the correct equipment for them to be comfortable and successful.   

Well, it’s the same way with older folks- (we go full circle) mom is headed to rehab and of course they have a list of “things to bring”.   They request gym shorts, pull on pants, sturdy on and off tennis shoes-etc.  Dorothy doesn’t have any of those things – she’s still a jeans lady- so the search begins.   I am a logical person, so- I’m thinking that “day” dresses will be better for her to navigate through the next several weeks.  So, I go on a hunt for them- can’t find them- so I end up purchasing pretty nightgowns that will be fine- as long as she pairs them with a sweater- which she will because she is always cold- she should be fine.   I can’t imagine pulling up and down shorts and having them rub against the huge incision on my leg- it would have to be painful and probably not good for the healing process.  The gym shorts will have to wait.    

Stay healthy and safe- getting hurt or being sick is very expensive.

(-:

Peace & Love,

Cheryl Doreen

It’s been an interesting day here at the hospital- it’s hump day!    The doctor came in and let us know that it will be a day or two before mom can go to rehab.   The UTI is the hold up and needs to be cultured so they can figure out what antibiotics to administer.   

She was up and active today- she walked and walked farther and farther each time.  She had a great day actually.   Around supper time she started getting anxious- so after supper I found the game show channels on TV- Family Feud, we watched that and laughed. When it was time for Wheel of Fortune – Paul and I made our exit.   I thought for sure – as tired as she was- that she would fall asleep watching TV.  

When I got back this morning- I found out that she was still awake at 2AM- too confused and anxious to sleep.  So, I will talk to the doctor today to see if the new “calm down “medication he put her on is acting in reverse.   There is no way she should have been up-she’s exhausted. She is groggy and confused- I hope she takes a good nap today.

On the way here this morning I witnessed a beautiful God Wink- a complete and vibrant double rainbow.  It was simply awesome!

Today will be a good day!

Peace & Love,

Cheryl Doreen

It’s a cloudy day (Eric Clapton lyrics from “Every Little Thing “from his “Old Sock” album) – on the ride to the hospital- but when I arrive at mom’s room she is up and eating breakfast. Happy News!   She is pretty much back to normal- as normal is- for her-and it’s good to see.   She has no idea where, what, when or why- but that’s ok.

 After breakfast it seemed like the perfect time to give her a “sit down” shower- so I took the liberty to make that happen (yes, I asked permission) Both of my kids have had extended stay in the hospital – so I have experience with giving showers and being careful to not get the open wounds wet.  

If you have the opportunity to give a shower or sponge bath to your loved one (and you can) do it. It will help relax you and them.  We all know this first hand, even lying in bed for a few days with the flu -or whatever, you feel so much better when you can stand under the warm, glorious water flowing over you.  It’s so refreshing and awakening- not to mention the feeling of pure happiness!   You can actually see the heaviness, stress, sorrow and sickness go down the drain.

Dorothy smells better, she is much calmer and more relaxed and should do much better today with PT and OT- now that she is a “new woman”.  

If you go with the flow it is easier on you- if you fight the current- you will never enjoy the drift. And the drift is so much more relaxing then the fight.

Peace & Love,

Cheryl Doreen