Dinner

I understand now that my mom needs quiet. To much stimuli makes it hard for her to focus. At dinner as long as conversation is at a minimum she will take her pills and eat a full meal. To much conversation and she forgets both.

Back in our routine

The weekend was great. My sisters did well with mom. Nice to know I can get away when needed. Now we are back in our routine. Mom went to daycare and had a wonderful day. It was her birthday yesterday 82. opened cards sent by friends which she enjoyed. Sleeping through the night is still an issue but, much better than it has been. hopeing for a quiet and calm weekend.

God love family

My sisters arrived on Thursday. No cooking which was wonderful. Today I get to go to a local hotel for a 3 day respite. I am so ready for this. May everyone have a great weekend.

this week has been interesting

Mom had been complaining about her side aching. Made an appointment for her. Her doctor was going to treat her for shingles due to no bruising or redness but she was in severe pain. Then to be on the safe side he ordered an x-ray. Mom had broken 2 ribs. Her doctor said she could have just bent wrong at her age her bones are like chalk. Just when I think all is well. At this time she is comfortable and healing.

Its the little things

Mom enjoys setting the table even though I reset it after she leaves the room. She still can stir things as I make dinner. She still takes her dishes out to the kitchen after dinner. She continues to do well on the phone when friends call. She still is as friendly and gracious as always. We continue on a calm path. I am so glad to be able to call her mom again. It is those little things that I hold onto.

Good days

Mom continues to be in good spirits. I have never been a fan of medications but, they seem to be doing the trick for her. She continues to have problems seeing what is around her. Staying dressed. Carrying on a conversation. The rest I can live with. I just want her to be content.

Calm

The weekend went well. Mom let us take down the Christmas tree. She truly enjoyed the lights while sitting at the dinner table. I have noticed her blood sugars are higher than normal, which I have been told is a side effect of the Seroquel. So time to call the doctor and get his advise. Fingers crossed for the week. Thank you again for the kind feed back I have recieved. Thank you also for takeing an interest in my life with mom.

funny

Picked up mom from day care today. Mom was in a great mood. Before we left, she said goodbye to everyone. Always the hostess. We arrived home. As I went around to get her door and walker. Mom hit the door lock button. would not have been a big deal but, I forgot to take the keys from the ignition. I spent 20 minutes trying to get her to unlock the door. We were both laughing by the time she hit the right button and was able to get out.(note to self) hold on to the keys. Nice to see her laugh.

Day care

Moms first day back to daycare went well. She was calm and focused, no anxiety. I continue to be surprised at the difference in her interaction with us all. This is my mother. She seems content. No more talk of leaving us. I am glad to have her back.

Clothes

My biggest challenge with mom is keeping her dressed. My sister found a company that makes clothes for the demented. These clothes are designed so they close in the back and mom would not be able to take them off. I have decided no for now. I still want her to be able to go to the bathroom on her own as well as dress. keeping her as independent as possible. But, sis I appreciate all the information and research you do for me.

Back to normal

Mom came home Thursday afternoon. She is back, our home feels complete. Then Friday she was again very moody. But, easily redirected. She is now on Seroquel at night to help her sleep. The weekend went well, I cant say enough how good it feels to have her back. Life is back to normal. Me, this flu has kicked my butt. I'm healthy again but cant seem to get my energy back. I again want to thank Home Instead for all the wonderful care and support during this time. Your #1 in my books.

Mom remains in the hospital

Went to see mom . What a difference a day makes has never been more true, she is again happily demented. smiling and making jokes. Her physician is trying to find the correct medication to help her sleep. I am told once she sleeps through the night she can come home, and her doctor is being so cautious of the increases. I am glad now that I took her. I have also realized how much she is apart of this household and it is way to quiet with her gone. Ready for round 6 so to speak.

Well I thought mom was rebounding from the flu she had. She was moping around the house acting as if being touched caused pain. Crying, refusing to eat or take her meds. Then moms caregiver became increasingly worried. My sister who spoke with her on the phone was worried. So I took her to the hospital to be checked for a possible infection. We were a sight. Me sick mom angry telling everyone she wanted to die. I think they tested her for everything. Healthy as a horse. Just ready to die. I had her admitted to the psychiatric ward for evaluation knowing they could get her to eat and take her meds. It has been 3 days. She has a wonderful psychiatrist who was the one to diagnose her 21/2 yrs ago. He informed me mom doesn't sleep at night (well that was a surprise). So she is to stay till they can find the correct dosage of medication to help her sleep. Maybe 2 more nights.

my turn

I caught the Flu. I have not been sick like this in years. guess it was my turn.

moms ill

Mom has been sick for 2 days. I sit with her at night again. Talking till she falls asleep. It is strange to discuss our family as though I'm not a part of it. Though I have to say, treating mom as a client has dramatically decreased my expectations of her. The stress level in the house has decreased. I still forget at times call her mom and get that funny look from her. This to I know will become easier as time goes on. To my brother and sisters that read this blog. She always states her love for one and all. Her memories of our growing up are all good. Even though we all know better.

thank you

To Carole; thank you for your support. Your responses are always kind. It is nice to be able to reread them when needed. Martha

Lesson learned

Sorry I havent been on...This lesson took a while. My mom is not my mom anymore. She is Carol. She is praised for all she can do. Reaasured when she is worried. But, I no longer call her mom. It seems to confuse her. Her son is the grumpy man next door. My mom is now my patient.