I'm doing Double Duty..... - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

sunnydaze1 · 10-29-2008, 05:28 PM

As many of you know, my mom has been in a NH for the better part of a year with Dementia.

My aunt, her sister whom is even older, just had her hip-replacement surgery yesterday. She's amazingly alert and like herself unlike my mom when she had her hip done. Mom already was showing signs of confusion and it just progressed it.

At my aunt's age of 82, she's phenominal with her memory and still is post surgery. I thank God

that I don't think I'll have to deal with her having problems going home and being on her own after rehab.

She will be going to the same facility as my mom as they have a rehab unit for this kind of surgery. I'm doing fine, so far, with taking care of all the paperwork etc.

It just amazes me that sometimes when it rains, it pours. My husband's brother passed away yesterday at the tender age of 54 due to many health-related problems including cancer. We know he's in Heaven with his mom and other brothers.

Funeral is Friday, the same day as my aunt will be discharged from the hospital to rehab. I have to be at the funeral that same day. I've made arrangements with the hospital and rehab facility to let them know that I probably won't be there for the transfer. They assured me that it's okay and not to worry.

Like I said; rains it pours...but that's life, right?!

ibake&pray · 10-29-2008, 05:58 PM

Come on Sunny, just spread the towel out a little farther and spin around and I'm sure that you can get to all of the functions at once!

I'm sorry about the brother...Is he boeing buried close enough that you can do a dash from one spot to another to check on your aunt? How utterly true to form that this would happen. Only with our group, you're right! But your aunt will be tired and they will cover for you.. and you can check by phone. Get the number of the nurses station so you can call to see how she is doing so at least you can keep tabs on her that way until you can get over to see her..

and BTY, you family is in my prayersss. and do take a clean towel along with you....

Gabriel · 10-29-2008, 09:38 PM

Yes Sunny.... that is EXACTLY how it happen..... all at once!!!

I am truly sorry about your brother in law. Take the time to be with your DH. He will need you. Then you can take care of your Aunt. Yep, she will need you too. Then you can swing by to check on Mom. She always needs you. After that... throw up your feet, grab a glass of wine and take care of yourself for an hour.... until you fall asleep.

The hospital and NH will take care of your Aunt's transfer. Get the number of the nurses station at both places and give them your cell number. Or just tell your Aunt to call if necessary. Do a little preplanning and it will all go well. I will throw in a clean stack of towels to add to IBakes..... Hang on to the blue one because we have the other end of it.

You have an incredible attitude and you will be tired but ok when it is all over. I will keep you in my prayers for the energy and creativity to accomplish all that you need to do. I will keep your hubby, aunt, mom, and the rest of your family in my thoughts and prayers as well.

Love, deb

sunnydaze1 · 11-02-2008, 08:22 AM

Thank you both so much for your condolences and just being there to listen to my tale of woe.

I'm happy to say that the transfer from the hospital to the NH went as planned while I attended the funeral.

Today I'm not going to go visiting...I came down with a cold that I probably picked up from the NH...they're all coughing and sneezing over there including my mom. I'm most worried about her as I'm so afraid she'll get worse with it, but yesterday she seemed somewhat better.

My aunt in the rehab section is being her usual stubborn self. While she's able to walk pretty well after just having her hip replaced five days ago, she refused to go to OT/PT yesterday morning because she said it hurts too much and she needs to get some sleep. She seems to think she's going home by this Thursday! She's nowhere ready for that and I certainly cannot move in with her to care for her. Hopefully, I can talk some sense into her next week about leaving so soon. Last time she had her other hip done, she signed herself out of the rehab center before they wanted her to leave. Luckily, she did manage on her own once I got her home...of course, I kept check on her by phone and regular visits. But she's 7 years older now and to be honest, I'm running on empty myself.

This is so tiring, isn't it?

Well, thanks much again and my thoughts are with you both.

Martha H · 11-02-2008, 02:43 PM

It is no wonder you caught a cold -- we seem to lose our natural defenses when we are under stress, and the germs know just when to attack!

I hope you are feeling very much better soon.

I do hope your Aunt can be persuaded (or forced!) to stay at Rehab as long as needed!

Take care of yourself. Tea with honey may help!

Love,

Martha