New development..... wondering

[ibake&pray]

Deb,
Where Mom and Dad were, they tended to put the band on the ankle as opposed to the wrist just because it wasn't so visable and it didn't create as much of an attraction. Mom never even knew she had it on her ankle. They were always good to twist it to make sure that she wasn't laying on it when she was in bed. She did wonder how they got to her so fast, though....and trust me Mom was fast. The one thing I saw noted in her records on every page was " Dorris is extremely fast on her feet." Almost a litany.. serves them right.

So your dad is to be marked as an accomplice, eh? Your Dad is the Robin Hood of the home... 15-20 in the slammer i bet... LOL. You might ask them about putting it on the ankle if this happens again....what a hoot. Your Mom may not be able to cope with keeping him in the apt....

I'm always grateful for staff like yours at the front desk. They save the residents that need help. Dad's desk staff was good like that. I received several calls from them over the months as daddy slipped in his grooming..."Jill, it's Terry at the front desk" I was both thankful and sad every time I would hear that voice....

I'm praying your dad's guardian angels fly fast...

[DGabriel10]

When it rains it pours. My sister called early this morning while I was enjoying the last few feet of my dream reel. Mom fell this morning and could not get up. She was transported by ambulance to the ER complaining of pain her her neck and head. We have no clue how it happened but she does have a UTI which explains her confusion yesterday, and contusions and a sprained neck. Dad's meds did not arrive today and he's still "showing off" so I am spending the night to keep watch on him while she sleeps. Never a dull moment...

love, deb

[DGabriel10]

I am back home with more questions than answers. Evidently it was not just the UTI that was Mom's problem. They also had Mom on a narcotic based cough syrup and were giving her Halcion for sleep. She was so out of it this weekend that she could not walk. Needless to say I discontinued both of these medications and it was not long before she woke up. I will bet money that is the reason for her fall rather than the UTI.

I also found out that they were waking her up to giving her Fosamax at 6 am while she was still in bed and then letting her go back to sleep immediately afterwards even though the instructions specifically say that she needs to sit or stand for 30 minutes following this med due to potential esophageal problem. I also discontinued this med while I was there. She has had four rounds of antibiotics since mid December and three of them were the same exact prescription. Now she has major digestive problems including refulx and has been unable to eat and even has trouble taking crushed meds in apple sauce.

When I got back home and researched their medication bills I found out that Dad had been switched from Namenda and Aricept to Cerfolin even though he has anemia and a history of ulcers and for some reason he is not getting his Prilosec for his ulcers, Plavix which is his blood thinner, and Pletal for his leg circulation.

They took Dad off Remerol and Ativan because he was sleeping too much and then put him right back on it.

His monitoring devide is attached to a bulky gold chain with coated wire that is crimped together. I know why he tried to cut it off. It was scratching Mom while they slept. I don't think he needs it to start with and it is definitely unacceptable as it is.

My sister is fearful that I am going to piss off people. I did the best I could while I was there and have informed her of my other questions. I may be headed back if she doesn't act and fast and I will probably piss off people!

It has not been a good 4 days.....

Love, deb

[Martha H]

Dear Deb,

I am getting to be a very old lady (nearly 69) and have had a LOT of experience with doctors and nurses, having raised 3 children and having had full care of Mom for 5 years, and then Mom in a nursing Home for 2.5 years before her death.

There is a way to talk to staff, without annoying them. You can tell then anything, express every fear and every confusion about why this medication and why not that one. But you have to do it in a way that does not feel to them as if you have no respect for them and their work. It is a fine line to tread - but it can be done.

Someone told me to use the ''sandwich method." You sandwich the criticism between two layers of compliments. "I really admire you for the hard work you do here with patients. But it is unclear to me why my father has to have this irritating chain on his leg. He is adjusting so well to being here, and they are both beginning to feel really at home here, but that chain irritaties my Mother when they are sleeping. I know that you will find a better way; you are so good with patients."

It may be time consuming, but the person goes away from that conversation motivated to try someothing better, not annoyed at the "know it all" who keeps putting her down.

Good luck!

Martha

[sunnydaze1]

Deb, I'm so sorry you've been going through this. Like you, I've had an awful few days as my mom is now in the hospital with pneumonia and keeps pulling out the IV's. They did a procedure where the IV is in her neck now...went well, I was there to hold her hand.

I'm glad I'm not working right now, I don't know how people do it and take care of all this hospital stuff at the same time.

Well, my best to you and know I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.