Have things changed this week?
Did Mom bathe? yes.
Is she wearing her new clothes? sometimes
Is she wearing her stockings regularly? when she's not taking them off
Is her edema better? kind of. she says it's not a problem (HA!)
Has she been exercising? upper body. Lower body not so much.
Those are the questions asked when I move in to visit her and take her to Jean's house, this morning.
Earlier in the week, I discovered that Mom was participating in more upper body exercise than lower and made the case for continued lower strength building, as well. It would seem that she complains of her back aching and hurting when she first begins walking, but then as she moves the pain decreases (my observations from walking her). Whether or not that translates to the exercise coordinator or not, I'm not sure.
On Tuesday the worker came in and cleared out Mom's closet of all clothing that had even a speck of dirt on it - Mother had thrown a fit! But they were washed and when they were returned, Mother told them they weren't her clothes and to stop putting them in her closet.
On Wednesday, Connie and Jean paid their visit. Mom had some hearty laughs (a true present as this hadn't been on tap for some time), and had greeted them with a smile (something else unseen for a bit). They engaged in Mom reading from the journal Connie brought and they were able to chat about the content - it's heartening to assume Mom has her wits about her, but we do know all this was lost a few minutes later after they changed direction in the conversation.
Unfortunately, on the way out Connie fell and needed to be taken to hospital where she was treated and released - the prognosis was a possible fracture of her hand, but her face was a bit mashed as she went face-first onto the floor. This put a pall on the earlier joviality of the day, but knowing her she will mend quite well. Our prayers for her recovery. Luckily she has a good system of offspring that will help tend to her recovery.
Today found Mother busily doing not much. She bathed, brushed her hair, and had done everything Ledi had requested she do. This was good. We found her lipstick in her purse, and then she brought out a bottle of Visine for her eyes. This wasn't good, as the opthimologist had told her not to use them, and the medaid needs to put them in (another type that's better for Mom). Luckily the bottle was dry, so I tossed it out.
Mom was also upset that I asked her what jacket she wanted to wear. She told me to stop telling her what to wear. Sheesh. So, after a few futile attempts at leaving and having her do it herself, she was ready.
We drove to Jean's and had a lovely lunch of omlet and hash browns. Mom wasn't very hungry, though. She did, however, after stating she couldn't eat another bite, have a dish of ice cream (Duh!). She truly enjoyed the company of Jean's sons, Tim and Terry, and Terry's daughter Jaida.
Of course, there was the Capgras Moment when she mistook me for Jean's late husband, in front of Jean and Terry. This was a first! But then, I remember over a year ago when she kept suggesting I should marry Jean. Oh Goodness!
Then I suggested we go for a walk around the block to see her grandparents' house. She complied.
Terry said his goodbyes as we trotted off down the street. Mom was worried about her back pain, but as she'd just taken a vicodin, it seemed a good prospect. And, this way Jean got to show off her garden.
They walked down the neighborhood as two old friends, which they are. Jean did a marvelous job of keeping Mom balanced, while showing off her knowledge of all the homes in their part of Irvington.
Mom complained a few times about her back breaking - but she kept shuffling on.
They crossed the street near where some of their childhood friends lived even in adulthood. Mom remembers names, and sometimes anecdotes, but faintly.
Mom really loved some of the gardens on the streets. Her favorites, though, are the trees.
After the walk, Mom's disposition went from cantankerous to calm and relaxed. Hopefully this will carry out through the week.
An interesting, but good day.
Some quotes of the day were:
"If you listen, I will tell you how to take a humble home and make it more so."
"Why werern't you at breakfast with your father and brothers this morning?"
"Some people like to buy their food alive and then kill it when they feel like it, but why they need the money, I don't know. They're just lazy, I guess."
After sending me out of the room to speak with Ledi: "Why are you talking to people? Don't speak to anyone unless I give you permission!"
Did Mom bathe? yes.
Is she wearing her new clothes? sometimes
Is she wearing her stockings regularly? when she's not taking them off
Is her edema better? kind of. she says it's not a problem (HA!)
Has she been exercising? upper body. Lower body not so much.
Those are the questions asked when I move in to visit her and take her to Jean's house, this morning.
Earlier in the week, I discovered that Mom was participating in more upper body exercise than lower and made the case for continued lower strength building, as well. It would seem that she complains of her back aching and hurting when she first begins walking, but then as she moves the pain decreases (my observations from walking her). Whether or not that translates to the exercise coordinator or not, I'm not sure.
On Tuesday the worker came in and cleared out Mom's closet of all clothing that had even a speck of dirt on it - Mother had thrown a fit! But they were washed and when they were returned, Mother told them they weren't her clothes and to stop putting them in her closet.
On Wednesday, Connie and Jean paid their visit. Mom had some hearty laughs (a true present as this hadn't been on tap for some time), and had greeted them with a smile (something else unseen for a bit). They engaged in Mom reading from the journal Connie brought and they were able to chat about the content - it's heartening to assume Mom has her wits about her, but we do know all this was lost a few minutes later after they changed direction in the conversation.
Unfortunately, on the way out Connie fell and needed to be taken to hospital where she was treated and released - the prognosis was a possible fracture of her hand, but her face was a bit mashed as she went face-first onto the floor. This put a pall on the earlier joviality of the day, but knowing her she will mend quite well. Our prayers for her recovery. Luckily she has a good system of offspring that will help tend to her recovery.
Today found Mother busily doing not much. She bathed, brushed her hair, and had done everything Ledi had requested she do. This was good. We found her lipstick in her purse, and then she brought out a bottle of Visine for her eyes. This wasn't good, as the opthimologist had told her not to use them, and the medaid needs to put them in (another type that's better for Mom). Luckily the bottle was dry, so I tossed it out.
Mom was also upset that I asked her what jacket she wanted to wear. She told me to stop telling her what to wear. Sheesh. So, after a few futile attempts at leaving and having her do it herself, she was ready.
We drove to Jean's and had a lovely lunch of omlet and hash browns. Mom wasn't very hungry, though. She did, however, after stating she couldn't eat another bite, have a dish of ice cream (Duh!). She truly enjoyed the company of Jean's sons, Tim and Terry, and Terry's daughter Jaida.
Of course, there was the Capgras Moment when she mistook me for Jean's late husband, in front of Jean and Terry. This was a first! But then, I remember over a year ago when she kept suggesting I should marry Jean. Oh Goodness!
Then I suggested we go for a walk around the block to see her grandparents' house. She complied.
After the walk, Mom's disposition went from cantankerous to calm and relaxed. Hopefully this will carry out through the week.
An interesting, but good day.
Some quotes of the day were:
"If you listen, I will tell you how to take a humble home and make it more so."
"Why werern't you at breakfast with your father and brothers this morning?"
"Some people like to buy their food alive and then kill it when they feel like it, but why they need the money, I don't know. They're just lazy, I guess."
After sending me out of the room to speak with Ledi: "Why are you talking to people? Don't speak to anyone unless I give you permission!"
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