The Week Ending 8/31/2014 - OR Where Are We?

Wow!  I have more photos from Monday, so I hope you'll forgive me for posting a couple  more of them...I just discovered I'd taken many more than I'd thought!

This morning, I went to pick Mom up for Mass.  When I arrived, the Med-Aide was already putting on her stockings!  Yay!  She asked if I'd rather do it, I smiled and politely refused.  It's nice to see how Mom reacts to someone else doing the chore.  
   It would seem that Mom had fallen asleep at the breakfast table, and she complained that there were just too many people going in and out of her room all night long.

Mom with Bernie's son, Josh (her grandnephew)

     Oh dear.  The hallucinations are beginning to rear their head again.

Mom told me, as she was getting herself ready, that this morning Dad had stopped by and they'd chatted.
     "About what?" I inquired.
     "Just things married people talk about.  Nothing really all that interesting," was her response.  "Then he left to check things out in another part of the building, but he hasn't returned.  We should probably wait for him."
     "Well, we can do that, but we're already late.  If he wants to come, then he can meet us there."
  She responded positively to this.

I asked her about her week and she told me that I owed her an apology.  I was supposed to take her to see family yesterday.  I reminded her of Monday, but she told me that was all talk; it never happened, and was supposed to have happened yesterday.  <sigh>

Little Pete and his wife, Alicia and grandchildren

   On our way to Mass, she inquired about her mother.  She wanted to know if she was invited to lunch with us, as our grandmother had always been fond of Jean and vice versa.
    "I doubt it.  I believe Gag (our grandmother's nickname) has other plans."
    "Well, she wouldn't if she'd known!" was her response.  I then segued to her BINGO game.  The trick worked.
    Later, at Jean's, she demanded I phone my grandmother and invite her over.  So I faked a call and left a "voice message" for my grandmother.  I suggested she was out shopping, possibly with Jean's mom.  Jean went along with this.
    Mom kept bringing up people as though they were still alive, and that she'd visited with them this week.  Her grandmother, her mother, my dad, her brother.  She even told me I was out of line when she asked about Dad's siblings and mother, and how they were doing.  I told her Uncle Bob was dead, and she thought I was just awful!  So, we played along.
     Her stockings seem to be another sticking point for her.  She told me they needed to be changed every hour.  Then, later, it became every 8 hours.
    She told Jean that it was necessary, with these compression stockings, they be hand-washed nightly, and then dried in the forest on trees and such.  I believe Jean asked her to clarify this, and thought, perhaps, it made more sense to dry them in the shower, but Mom told us that it was supposed to be in the woods!
     Okay.
   We had a pleasant lunch, and then we headed back.  Mom was tired.
   I had spoken to the staff a little over a week ago about her clothes and having them all cleaned.  They needed the time, on Sunday, for me to  take her out so they could go through her things and get all the dirty items from her closet and drawers (Mom is oblivious to dirt on her outer clothing - her undergarments, I believe, she won't wear more than once without laundering).  She has been wearing clothes that she hides from them (so they won't wash them - I know, it's odd), so this was imperative.  I cannot have my mother going out with food clotted clothes!
    When we came home, though, she had folded towels on her bed, all the clothes in the closet were clean and hanging, and there was a sense of freshness all around.
     Mom was upset they had gone through her laundry hamper!
     Oh Oh.  Well, at least her clothes are clean.

Mom has a bamboo orchid in her room, now.  

So, it's off to another week for her.

She is walking more with Mo, at the facility, but her energy levels are dropping, it would seem.  Not sure why.
   We're trying to keep her away from so many sweets, as well, so the RLC will be looking into alternative treats (perhaps the dried cherries and blueberries in her upper cabinets would do....).  She was out of oranges because, she stated, people have been stealing them!  Truth is, it's been over a month since I bought any, and I realized she hadn't put any in the drawers or cupboards or boxes in the closet - so she had actually eaten them!  So, this week I probably should swing by with a bunch.

I'm hoping there is a plateau in this hallucinatory chapter - but I fear not.  This could become the norm, now.  I sense frustration in her, then a sense of calm, knowing everyone is still around.  Her brother is teaching at University of Washington on a sabbatical, all her other relatives are about, and Dad is visiting her.  This is actually somewhat comforting rather than disturbing.  If you need to know why, I'll let you think on it.

Till next week.

Ciao.

Effects of Music on Dementia Patients

Playing in theatres, at this time, is the documentary, "Alive Inside",   In this film, produced through Music and Memory.org.

The premise is exciting!  That one hour with music from the patient's past (played on an individually specialized playlist) can help patients with speech, memory, mood, and activity levels.   I have not seen the movie, but there are wonderful clips which, of course, demonstrate the impact.  One of the most vital is that of Henry, shown below: (please excuse the brief commercial before the clip)


There are other stories, which I hope to present, as well.

This is exciting.  This has made me think that, perhaps, there might be something to this for Mom, insofar as helping her reconnect to events in her past, and  rei-tie some of the synapses that have been dissolved by the lewy bodies.

The patients shown in this movie are all from different stages of dementia - many have lost the ability to communicate or even to interact with others.  The music seems to change all this.

Here is an explanation of the project, as it was being implemented in Toronto (once again, please forgive the commercial, should it appear):




While music seems an integral part of the programs involved in care facilities, this takes it one step further.  It's personal.

I'm not trying to plug the film, but it raises a great number of questions, and also possibilities.

It's fascinating!

Did you realize this is a project that is implemented in all 50 states, and in Canada?  Some states are rife with the program involvement at numerous facilities.  Alas, in Oregon there is but one, and it's not the one where Mom resides.  However, that could change....

If you visit the website, you might be impressed enough to help their cause, but no one will judge you if you don't.  You may even be interested in becoming involved in some manner.  Who knows?  You could awaken possibilities in so many lives.

Finally, I'm going to finish with an interview of the people behind the film.  I hope you find it as exciting as do I.

The Week Ending 8/24/2014 Plus One Day

This was a pretty good week, for Mom.

Let's see what she did!

1.  She went to the optometrist's office.  Her eyes are quite good!  Her macular degeneration is at a standstill, and there's no progression since our last visit!  Yippeee!
    The doctor gave her new eyedrops which should really help her eyes.  She told me and the doctor that when she puts the drops in, sometimes they harden, like glass, and nothing seems to penetrate her eyes;  she states that it's quite uncomfortable.   We aren't quite sure what this means.

2.   She won at BINGO!  She told me she always wins at BINGO.  This week she won some cookies, which she claims she hasn't completely finished off (I can't find any trace of them in her room - you decide!)

3.  She had a very rousing game of Scrabble with the RLC in the gazebo.  She loves those games!  Thank you ladies!

4.  She lost her stockings.  Yup.  She lost them.  Couldn't find them.  So, the RLC went hunting for them.  Wherever could they have gone?  Certainly not under the sink next to the refrigerator!?  Oh, so that's where they ran off to!  Naughty Stockings!   (Today I bought her a second pair, so the others can be washed and dried while she's wearing the other pair).

5.  Her brother, Peter, phoned.  They didn't talk, as Mom wasn't around then.  So, she's planning on phoning him back.  Tomorrow she's going to see him at Aunt Judy's 75th birthday party.  Mom's a little confused about that whole thing, but it doesn't matter.

6.  She's feeling rather queasy today.  She's just not right.  As of this morning, she rose late, ate breakfast when we should have been at church, and then we took a stroll around the grounds to see if the air helped.  It did - kind of - sort of.....

She was a funny, as well.  As we walked, I inquired as to how she was feeling.
 "I'm feeling more better," she quipped.
 "More Better?" I restated.
"Yes.  That's how my son likes to speak so I figured he would understand."
This was in response to my using the term, 'Gooder' for better...she hates it.   And, this also demonstrates that she's paying attention and it's sticking - kind of.

At dinner Sunday evening, she was quiet, and rather intimidated by the b-b-q ribs my brother served.  But, she made due.  She was very content.  She even loved the bowl of chocolate chip mint ice cream afterward.

She was confused, though, thinking we were then going to head to Judy's birthday party.  Alas, I had to tell her it wasn't happening for another day.  So, I was able to drop her off and 'tuck her in' as it were, until Monday.

Monday, 8/25/14
I picked Mom up around 12:30.  We went through her box of cards to see which one she would give her ex-sister-in-law for her birthday. ( Mom and Judy were always buddies) I had to stop her from using 'Sympathy' cards, and on one she determined it would be really good because Judy could add whatever she wanted it to say (It was blank!).

Finally, we found one, she wrote in it (I didn't get a chance to read it), and off we went to Champoeg State Park, about an hour from where Mom lives.

We got there and she was, first, hit by the heat (I kept telling her not to bring that sweater!).  Then she saw Judy, and she was happy!  Then her brother, Peter, turned around and she was ecstatic!

 Mom, Big Pete, and Rebecca, Pete's granddaughter

 Mom and Judy

 Mom and Little Pete

 Mom, Big Pete, Rebecca, Jonathan (Pete's grandhildren)

 Mom and Bernie (Mom's reacting to someone else...I think it's Big Pete...)

 More relatives

 and More!

A view to the Willamette River

They visited, and the progeny of my cousins came over to visit with her and myself.  It was wonderful.  Mom tried 3 different types of cake.  She had a bit of soda, and we went for a walk away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd, where she and Peter visited with two of his grandchildren.

Later we left as they packed up.  Hot and tired, Mom received hugs from her great grand nieces and nephews, as well as the grand ones and the regular ones.  The most important, though, were those from Judy and Pete, Sr.

Her mind did do some tricks, though.  She wrote in Judy's book something about her grandparents, thinking it was for them.  She had also mentioned on the way there that we needed to stop at her parents' house as her Grandmother Beer was having something delivered.  But it passed.

Although she's not playing with a very full deck, Mom is doing pretty well.  If only we could get her to shed a couple of pounds, and get more exercise....Hmmmmm. 

Music and Memories of Mom

Several years ago, Mom gave me a book for Christmas, entitled, Musicophilia.  It told stories about the impact music has on the brain, how it helps people recover from brain trauma, and how the music functions on the different regions of the brain.

Lately, there was a documentary released, which is playing at a small theatre in town, entitled, Alive Inside, which documents working with patients who have memory loss and their ability to restore some of it with the use of music.

Wow!

So, before I begin to showcase this organization that uses music as therapy (and it's absolutely fascinating what I've been learning!), I want to ponder on my memories of music with Mom...


I remember Mom rocking me at night as a young boy, singing "Rock-A-Bye Baby" and a few other melodies.  Another, "Mammy's Little Baby" she would sing from time to time in the kitchen.

Believe me - not us...just an image to give you an idea....kind of ...

I also remember Mom dancing in the aisles of Fred Meyers in Raleigh Hills, and other  stores to the music that was playing over the speakers - not something traumatic (unless you're in your tweens or teens), but nonetheless embarrassing!

In trying to figure out what music would be that of Mom's memories, the first song I thought of was 'Humoresque" by Dvorak.  Mom used to beg me to play it on the piano, because her grandmother used to play it.  This was when I discovered Mom used to play the violin (an instrument she detested playing, and refused to practise).

We always had music, though.  My brother Chris and I had piano lessons, though he went on to play trombone.  I went on to play piano, clarinet, and saxophone.  

We went to the symphonies - Junior Symphony to hear Chris play, and other musical programs Mom and Dad subscribed to.  We went to the Walla Walla Symphony.  They attended the Port Angeles Symphony.  When there was a music program, they were there, for the most part.  It was an integral part of their lives and entertainment.


Other tunes Mom and Dad would listen to at night as they read were:  "The Red Mill" soundtrack (Victor Herbert), anything with Mario Lanza, "South Pacific" the original Broadway cast, and classical favorites on some album they'd play.  These we'd hear nearly every night on SW Lee Street.  When we moved to Enterprise, we didn't hear these as much.

I did catch Mom, on occasion, when I'd come home from school in Portland, dusting the piano and hitting some of the keys while trying to sing - nothing intelligible, believe me.  The first time I burst out laughing and she was so startled she screamed - then she chased me to pummel me for scaring her...
Ah, good times!

Mom also loved Nelson Eddy.  She actually talked about how handsome he was; when I saw his picture, I began wondering about her eyesight - but he did have a good voice.

Nelson Eddy

I recall going to the LIttle Family Theatre in Portland, back in the '60's to see Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy in "Naughty Marietta", and "The Student Prince" with Ann Blyth.  We also went to see others but those two stuck in my mind...

Jeanette MacDonald

Naughty Marietta Movie Poster

Mario Lanza

Later, Mom heard my "Evita" album and threw it out because of the language - a few years later she went to see it on the West End and loved it.  Of course she denied her tossing my album, but I was intrigued she found the performance to her liking.  Later, Mom delighted in "Mamma Mia" and even "The Lion King" (which I took her to) all on the West End.    We both fell asleep (jet lag) for "Phantom of the Opera" though..but she loves the music.

As a matter of fact, Mom loved the soundtrack to the movies of both Evita and Phantom!  She'd be reading while listening, or even cleaning, and you could see her body engaged in the music.  Sometimes she'd look off in the distance while listening...

Mom loved music.  I say this in the past tense because she has a stereo but rarely plays it unless someone else puts the music on.

It's sad, really, that she rarely listens anymore.  So, I'm considering delving deeper into the Music and Memory studies and figuring out if it's worth a go...

Stay Tuned

A Week Of Contrasts In Review - 08/17/2014

What a week this was!  Mom had a pretty busy one that had activity and more!

This week the photos are of Mom on vacation from 1995 - 2007; from Prince Edward Island with her cousin, Marion, to Europe (Switzerland and Italy) with her BFF Nadya.

Monday, Mom had a pretty tame day.  Her life went on as expected.

Tuesday, she had BINGO, but she didn't win.  This did not make her very happy.  Her caregiver, Mo, told me it was quite unusual.  Mom just told me that no one won, and it was the first time ever that such a thing had occured!

Mom and her cousin Marion on Prince Edward Island ca -09/1995- being silly in very un-aquarian type fashion!

Wednesday, we went to the movies.  We saw The Hundred-Foot Journey over at the Eastgate Cinemas.  Mom was telling me how stuffed she was as we came into the theatre, and oddly she didn't want any ice cream.  I got a free small popcorn, so I upped it for a few cents, and got a soda (which she claimed didn't interest her at all).  We found our theatre and went in.

Mom loved the movie and I enjoyed it.  She remembered it through Friday (although today she hadn't a clue what I was talking about)!  Of course, she drank the majority of the soda, and was in high gear for some ice cream then!

Mom enjoying a gelato in Switzerland, ca 7/2007.  

After the flick we headed over to the store where we found her chocolate bars, soda, and some ice cream (Ben and Jerry's - some kind of very chocolately thing).  We headed back.

When we returned she was very spry in her thinking - some jumbles, but pretty clear-headed.  She told the cottage manager about the movie, and how great it was.  Then we went to her room where we chatted a bit and she began to feast on her ice cream while I put away the chocolate and sodas.

When I left she was quite content and not at all weary.

Mom enjoying the San Diego Shores ca 1996

Thursday, she had her massage, followed closely by the RLC Scrabble game.  My sources tell me that Mom just loves using her turn to put down as many tiles in as many ways as she can - the rules be dammed!   Luckily, the two gentle lasses are able to work around all this, as they enjoyed the weather in the gazebo outside.  They had a most lovely visit for approximately 3 hours.  Then Mom had to have dinner, but she was hoping either Connie or Jean would take her somewhere - she wasn't all that sure where...

Yes, Mom is now back to talking about moving out.  She's not sure where she's going to go, but for years she always had the "Grass is Greener..." mentality - so I'm treating it as thus.

Mom plays in Borghese Park in Rome - 2007\

Sometime during the week, though, Mom was a bit disgruntled with the amount of wine in her glass - she thought it too small; so she demanded more.  They poured the glass to be the size of two cups.  For some reason, though (I'm not clear why, but none of this surprised me), she became very agitated and slapped that cup across the table and left the dining room for hers.  My my my!  Apparently, she's stopped being the sweetie to everyone and has become more of a little dickens of late.  Must figure out  why...usually has something to do with caregivers and change (vacations, etc).

Today, Mom was a bit cranky.  I tried hard to find things to chat about that she would enjoy, but she pulled reasons to criticize out of the air - the disconcerting part was that very few of her comments synced with what I was saying.  I tried to go with where she was, but we went for huge leaps through the universe.

Mom with cousin Marion near Mt. Carmel on PEI, 1995 (ca)

She was a bit confused during church, and then after at Jean's, she displayed some of the same characteristics - tons of non-sequiturs and bouncing between people being alive and dead.  But, we're pretty spry with our thinking by this time, so we are able to flow....

The day was quite warm so we went for a little drive to the eastern part of Portland, and drove for a bit.  When I turned the car to take her home, she knew!  I don't know how, but she did.

When I returned her, I reminded her of the optometrist appointment on Tuesday, and this made her glad.  She was a bit tired and dopey.

Interestingly enough, she told me of a couple of dreams she'd had, and then told me of events that were obviously dreams.  I explained that the melatonin can provide quite vivid dreams, but she snapped that I hadn't a clue what I was talking about!  So.....

Anyway, That's the wrap up for the week!   

Choosing the Right Facility for an LBD Patient

It's amazing how many care facilities are out there.  There are some that are really amazing - and have very amazing prices attached!  But are you getting your money's worth?  Are you getting the care for your loved one, that they need?

Here are some things I learned while shopping for Mom:

1.  How does the Atmosphere/Aura compare to what your loved one is used to and needs?
         Now, Mom needs open space.  She has claustrophobia and high anxiety.  She's used to having a garden and being able to walk.  What I found for her serves the open and airy feel, has a big garden, and the area is perfect for taking her for walks.  The cottages are set up so she can walk around in the open spaces - there's no real feeling of confinement, as there was at another space where I'd thought of placing her  - it was one long corridor with rooms off to the sides; she would have truly felt imprisoned!  The garden has benches and a gazebo.  The residents can walk into the garden and even go to the other cottage to visit, watch another tv show that isn't being viewed in the first, or just to walk around.

Quick snap of the gardens at St. A's.

2.   What services are included?  For Mom, we discovered she needed Physical Therapy, and to also hinder the onslaught of Parkinsonian Movement problems, we also needed a masseuse (even though on her own she'd never have thought of this).  Her facility provides the P/T, which she gets at least once a week, and they have resources which led me to her masseuse who specializes in geriatric massage at a very reasonable cost.  She is also allowed to participate in activities outside the Memory Care, including Book Groups, Bible Study, BINGO, and anything else that seems to warrant her interest; of course she needs to be attended, which can sometimes be an issue, but more than not she is able to participate.  The gardener also allows anyone interested to plant flower pots.  Mom's was the wonder of the garden last year!  She was quite proud!
Doctors, Dental, Eyes?  Transportation?  Activities?  Find out what's included - not everyone is as ambulatory as Mom, so unless they have an in-house care program, you may end up paying more for less!

3.  How Clean are the Facilities?  I did not see one facility that was filthy.  I did visit a couple that felt dark  and gloomy, which took them off the list.  We wanted brighter, and we found it!  Tons of windows, skylights, and light paint.

Narrow Shot of the Great Room in South Cottage

4.  How Many Residents Are In the Memory Care?  This is very important.  LBD patients (as a rule) tend to want fewer than more people around them.  Crowds tend to make them nervous.  Mom's cottage has 12 residents, as does the other cottage, but many aren't about much, except at dining times.  That's when Mom pops into her paper, magazines, or whatever medium she can, unless someone interesting is nearby.  When Mom is in a crowd, she becomes more agitated and has more issues with her speech and thought processes.  So, for her, this is a good number.

Dining Area in South Cottage (It's attached to the Great Room)

5.  How large are the rooms?  Mom's room is about 340 sq.ft.  Her bathroom is huge in order to accommodate a wheelchair easily.  It may feel a bit tight, but that's because we put in her grandmother's rocker, her easy chair, and a few other pieces to make it cozy and her own.  But it's good for her.  She has a window to the garden.  Other residents have a view of the front gardens and street of the building or the foyer courtyard.  Mom was quite fortunate.

6.  What Can You Expect From The Care?  How Long Will They Be Able to Help?  This is actually a very LARGE question!  What I discovered was that many facilities will allow a resident so long as they are mobile and physically functioning.  One facility which was highly recommended stipulated that once incontinence issues and mobility issues became difficult for staff, another placement needed to be found as soon as possible, as they weren't able to facilitate such issues.  This is extremely detrimental to the patient - changing living situations in times of great need can be devastating.
       When seeking a placement, find out whether they will be able to stay in that facility until (God Forbid) end-of-life.  Luckily, Mom's facility does just that. They are equipped to handle mobility, and other problems associated with all forms of dementia.
     I cannot stress just how important this element is.  If you have a loved one in a facility that isn't able to  provide continuous care, then begin seeking one that fits all your requirements as soon as possible - even if it means a waiting list.  Sooner is better than later.

Foyer between the North  and South Cottages Looking Out Into the Garden

7.  Costs and MedicAid.  I saw some extraordinary facilities that did not meet the above requirements.  I hear stories about many, as well.  There are many facilities that will not accept MedicAid no matter what.  So  if your loved one has a funding issue that requires them to, at some future point, rely on MedicAid, there are chances you will need to find (yes, I'm serious) another placement.  Not a good thing.

 8.  Communication - How well do they communicate with you?  I am in touch with the facility and the staff on a regular basis (not stalker-style, but an as needed basis) about Mom's schedule, needs, and updates.  I know many on staff, so it's pretty simple to get a good snapshot of how she's doing while I'm not there.

The Entryway to the Memory Care Cottages

9.  How Welcoming Is The Facility to Visitors?  I have to tell you, that when I first came to where Mom resides, I wasn't overly wowed!  However, upon entering her cottage I was floored!   There are areas in the Great Room where residents can visit, there's the garden, there is the tv room, there are the rooms, and there's even an anteroom in the foyer between the cottages on the inside for receptions, teas, and other activities.  It feels homey.  That's important.

10.  How Do They Deal with End Of Life?  This struck me this afternoon when I realized that one of the residents had passed over the weekend.  She was in her mid 90's, and a little quirky (I won't explain, just believe me).  I really did like her spunk!  Mom seemed surprised when she saw the photo next to the sign out sheet in the foyer.  She said a few things about her and then stated we needed to get going...  They do have memorials for the residents should the family want it, so there's some closure for everyone there.  But, as in Mom's case, in a month she won't recall much about her at all.  That's terribly sad, but just how much her brain has deteriorated.

So, that's it for now.  I'm sure I either glossed over something or missed something by a long shot.  Let me know!

Till Sunday!

When Did It All Begin? and the Week IN Review: 8/10/2014

Looking back over the year, and consistently asking, "What were the first signs?" and coming up with little bits and pieces, I still cannot figure it out.  The symptoms began so slightly and so benignly it is tough to judge exactly when Mom began to fall prey to the Lewy Bodies...

In 2003 she and I went on an excursion to England, Wales, and Scotland.  She wasn't completely with it, then, but she was her regular self, at the same time.   Aside from being a bit more vague than was typical, and clumsy (she broke a rib climbing some stairs - but that was attributed to her being tired, and the time she tried to jump the style in the loo to avoid paying for using it, falling down on the other side).

After returning to the States, she went to the beach house, and then to mine for a few days to visit friends before going back home.  That's when she caught my kitchen on fire, which wreaked havoc for me for 7 months.  She denied any claim to the damage, but asserted it was due to her I was gaining a remodel...her thinking was completely illogical.  Perhaps that was the sign.  I don't know.

After that, there were little things, like putting dish soap in the dishwasher and having a flood in the kitchen at her home, yanking out her fridge and breaking the waterline, which caused yet another flood...I saw it as karma at the time (due to her denial of setting my home ablaze), but it could have been more signs.

Then, the housekeeping - she was never terribly fond of it.  We had, as brothers, hired housekeepers for her from time to time as gifts, but she had grown less and less interested in dusting and vacuuming.  She would rinse off her dishes and put them back in the cupboards, rather than put them in the dishwasher - as she felt they weren't all that dirty.  YIKES!

Then in the past 2-3 years the symptoms became much more evident.  And, here we are!  I'm sure my brothers could also relate some stories that may have evidence of her slow progression to where we are today.

This week, we had a good time.

I brought her some compression hose for her legs and edema.  For the first time, she liked them.  They weren't so difficult to put on, and they were a strong compression.

Next, we went for a walk down the street and to the park.  At the commencement of the short jaunt, she stated she was in pain, but as we continued she felt much better.

We sat in the park and looked at the children playing and the flowers and homes.  Next, we went to the residential grounds and sat near the fountain and gardens.

She was going to play BINGO that afternoon, so I left her to her lunch, reminding her of her beauty appointment the next day.

The RLC is hedging on attending her this week, as Connie is down at the beach, and Jean is trying to jibe her schedule with Mom's...



UPDATE:  This Week In Review


No RLC visits this week, and the movie was postponed due to illness (I had a cold that I didn't wish to pass on).

Today I put on Mom's hose, again, but it was more difficult (She's not much help - in fact, it'd be easier to take her legs off, put on the hose, then re-attach them) as she kept fidgeting about.  But it was done.

She was more flighty in thought, and unable to make connections - this would pass, but then again it would begin.

We went to Mass, and during, she wanted to know which aisle to get to for communion.  I motioned to the center, then she began prodding me to move so we could go.  I told her it wasn't time yet, but she continued for a few more seconds until I told her the man next to her would be the one to poke.  She stopped (Thank God!).

After Mass we went to Jean's house, where we indulged in freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, smoked turkey burgers, cherries, fruit cocktail with pineapple (which Mom mixed with some ice cream), coffee and lemonade.  Mom was very content.

However, her mind was working (?) overtime, and she would make super-olympian leaps of thought in her discussions.  For instance, she would be talking about food, then in the same sentence transition to her grandfather.  I noticed it, but Jean went with it as though it were normal (and it pretty much is, with Mom).

Later she was talking about how she'd like to go to Italy at some point.  I reminded her she'd gone a few years back with her friend, Nadya.  Mother told me to stop imagining those things.  But she had gone.  I reminded her of our trip to England, Scotland and Wales, and she did remember that, but she said we had gone, but not to so many places (sic).

She was in a very delightful mood, and was able to laugh a bit.

When I dropped her off, she was very content and ready for a nap.

I will be making an eye appointment for her with the optometrist, as she is "getting crystals on the sides of my eyes", and is worried about where, exactly to put her eye drops  in;  back to that square again, I suppose.

But, all in all, she's in good health, and her legs are looking much better.  The swelling has gone down on her ankles, as well as her legs.  She told me she really hates the stockings, but these are the most comfortable ones she's had ever!  She can't wait until she doesn't have to wear them again!

Until later this week, I hope I've sated you with information!

Getting Back to Basics

This is a different type of review:  I've provided a slide show embedded into the post, so you can, hopefully, just hit play, and enjoy.

The information was provided by the NIH (National Institutes of Health), NIA (National Institute on Aging), and the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA.org).

INSTRUCTIONS:    When I put in transitions for you to be able to view these without any troubles, the problem was the slides lasted for only about 5-6 seconds.  So, you will need to click to the next slide.

ADDED ATTRACTION:  If, when you see the first slide, you click on the lower left hand side (the violin), another tab will open - let it.  Then come back to this tab.  That tab will play wonderful music for you as you read through the slides.

Thank you.  I hope you enjoy this!

UA-53568822-1

The Week Ending 08/03/2014

Not a particularly frantic week for Mom, this week.

She played BINGO, and won.

She had her Physical Therapy.

She had her massage.

She had a Mani-Pedi!  And, she also had the promise of a perm this next Wednesday!   She was very happy with her new nail color (My mother NEVER did this before - she eschewed such pampering as frivolous and a waste of money - now she enjoys it at least once a month...mostly because it helps her keep her toenails in check) - a deep blood red.  When Jean asked her what color it was Mom was at a loss.  I dubbed it DNA.  WE chuckled.

On Wednesday, the RLC came to play Scrabble.  Of course, I received a call asking about my Uncle Peter, as Mom stated that she had spoken to him and he was on his way over from his house.  I told the ladies to simply play Scrabble, and if he showed, then they could invite him to play, or to allow them to visit; so they played.  My uncle lives in Reno, and Mom has thought him to have phoned several times, before, but when I called him, no such activity had occurred, so I felt rather confident.

Monday, though, Mom had reported falling down at my brother's house during her dinner visit.  I received the call, and thought about the previous day - and no, there was no evidence she had slipped, tripped, stumbled or fallen during her visit.  Had she, I know my sister-in-law would have not only said something, but would have been quite vigilant about ensuring Mom's safety while traveling from the deck into the house and any other ventures she might have undertaken - non of this happened.

Of course, the staff stated Mom had shown her where, on her body, she had hit, and there were no bruises, or anything that would present a fall.  But it was reported.  I did receive a call, as well, from their administrator about this and we had a chat.

Mom is hallucinating or, rather, imagining events that occur in her dreams or early waking states.  While they are interesting, to those who are not completely aware of what's actually taking place in her life they are a little unsettling, or confusing.

Well, this week  has been hot! Hot! Hot!  And, I've been without a car due to an accident the previous week - and while my car was in the shop I had to hoof it a few days.  Finally, I was granted a loaner, which allowed me to visit and take her to Mass and Jean's this morning.

When I arrived at St. A's, Mom wanted to go to Mass in her sweater-vest, and a long-sleeved warm shirt, companioned with a pair of thin sweats.  I told her these wouldn't do, and we needed to have a look-see at some of the clothes my brother and his wife from Port Orchard had selected for her from the stores.  She balked.  Then she called me a real bully, as I told her we wouldn't leave until I was satisfied with what she was wearing, and she had proven to me she had at least tried something on from the new collection.

When I came in, she had put on a new pair of pants, and a sleeveless shirt with a lace back.  She looked cool and comfortable.  She stated she felt indecent - I told her she wasn't yet at stripper status.  She found no humor in that.

We went to Mass and then to Jean's for lunch.  Jean served us wraps she'd ordered from Freddy's - they were good!

After we'd eaten, we went for a walk around the block.  We saw 'Schatzie's' house (Paul Schatz), and the Neidermeyer's, and some of the other familiar names Mom and Jean had grown up with in Irvington.  We also passed the Hodges/Marion home where Mom had lived as a girl, only a block away.  She found much of the neighborhood changed from the time she was a girl.

When we came back her back was hurting and she was hot and tired. So, we measured her for her compression stockings, then decided I'd run to the pharmacy on my own to get them later in the day, so Mom wouldn't need to sit in the blazing sun or hurt more from walking around.  When asked if she really did want to go, Mom just said, "No.  You do it, but get those to me as soon as possible!"

When I dropped her off, she was tired.  The reports were that the Melatonin was working and she was sleeping very well this past week.  However, this morning she'd risen earlier than normal, and reported that she didn't sleep very well, at all.  So, she was going off to slumberland when I left, after reminding her to elevate her feet in her recliner.  She had a soft, faint smile as I left, of one ready to nod off.

Hopefully I can get those stockings to her by tomorrow, and make her appointment with the eye doctor for the next week or so.  And, there are some movies that are coming out she would actually appreciate.  These are things to which she can look forward, as long as she knows about them in the near future...like a day ahead.