Yikes! Another day or two, and I would have to say "Here it is October..."!
Since the last post, Mom has had a visit from Uncle Lael. Angie was also here for a few days--Charlotte Dissmore brought her over. Both of those visits were very nice.
The daylight hours are getting much shorter, and tuck-in time is now in the neighborhood of 8:00 to 8:30--well, I guess I should say the 'start' of tuck-in!
Mom's days have been somewhat less pleasant lately, as she seems to be filled with a lot of anxiety and distress at times--as well as confusion. We are working with her doctor to try to alleviate as much of this as possible. It's one thing to think the clock is wrong, but another to have the impression that someone changed it on purpose! We certainly are fearfully and wonderfully made beings in all of our complexity, at every age.
Mom has appreciated your notes, comments on the blog, and e-mails. The easiest for her are short notes with pretty concrete easy-to-picture details or expressions of care for her. Sometimes I have to save them up for a day or two in order to hit a time when she's more able to take them in. Keep writing! ...and thanks for all your interest in Mom.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Monday, September 3, 2007
Here it is September...
It is still typically warm during the day here--sometimes very warm, and at the same time there are definite signs of the change of season (not the least of these being fewer daylight hours!).
Last Monday Carl and Carol Jorgensen came to visit on their way home from a trip to Montana. Mom really enjoyed that.
Last Monday Carl and Carol Jorgensen came to visit on their way home from a trip to Montana. Mom really enjoyed that.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The Housekeeper
One day a housekeeper at the care center was discussing "housecleaning" with me, when she added, "I just love to see your mother! Seeing her get up and walk again just makes my day! Most people here are just the opposite."
Today was probably Mom's best day yet (there have been lots of ups and downs!). Today she enjoyed visiting with her roommate, enjoyed a longer "walk" in the sunshine (with Joyce pushing her in her wheelchair) , and was generally more interested in her surroundings.
Today was probably Mom's best day yet (there have been lots of ups and downs!). Today she enjoyed visiting with her roommate, enjoyed a longer "walk" in the sunshine (with Joyce pushing her in her wheelchair) , and was generally more interested in her surroundings.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Friday, August 10, 2007
Update from Dillon - 8/10/07
Today I returned from being away a couple days (Joyce was holding down the fort), and it was good to see Mom's progress.
Mom has physical therapy nearly every day, which is often tiring, but the results are very positive. She can now stand briefly while holding on to a pole, and can take a few steps with the physical therapist's assistance. Mom is pretty pleased about learning to "drive" her wheelchair. She is beginning to use both her hands and feet to do this.
The nurses, CNA's, and physical therapists appreciate Mom's attitude. She expresses her thankfulness and is willing to try new things. One of the biggest challenges is getting her to ask for what she needs without feeling she's a bother. The CNA's joke with her about the fact that they would not have a job if she didn't need them! Her recent doctor's appointment went well. The doctor has been good about prescribing various things, like podiatrist visits and other things that will help Mom be more comfortable.
Mom is cheerier and more alert than when she first came. Afternoons are her best time. She enjoys keeping track of friends and relatives. Today, for example, she wanted to follow along with the Olympia and Milltown speaking lists.
Joyce and I are enjoying working with the nursing home staff to ensure that things go as well as possible for Mom. She has a roommate now, which has added some interesting challenges. Her roommate, interestingly enough, is from Townsend and knows some of Joyce's acquaintances. She lived very close to Joyce's former roommate (Deena Holloway/Pech), and Deena's mother was her best friend. She also knows the Kittos.
Yesterday the workers in this area, Betty and Marilee, paid Mom a visit, which made her day. Today a local couple dropped in on her as well.
Your comments are transmitted to Mom, and she really enjoys them!
Mom has physical therapy nearly every day, which is often tiring, but the results are very positive. She can now stand briefly while holding on to a pole, and can take a few steps with the physical therapist's assistance. Mom is pretty pleased about learning to "drive" her wheelchair. She is beginning to use both her hands and feet to do this.
The nurses, CNA's, and physical therapists appreciate Mom's attitude. She expresses her thankfulness and is willing to try new things. One of the biggest challenges is getting her to ask for what she needs without feeling she's a bother. The CNA's joke with her about the fact that they would not have a job if she didn't need them! Her recent doctor's appointment went well. The doctor has been good about prescribing various things, like podiatrist visits and other things that will help Mom be more comfortable.
Mom is cheerier and more alert than when she first came. Afternoons are her best time. She enjoys keeping track of friends and relatives. Today, for example, she wanted to follow along with the Olympia and Milltown speaking lists.
Joyce and I are enjoying working with the nursing home staff to ensure that things go as well as possible for Mom. She has a roommate now, which has added some interesting challenges. Her roommate, interestingly enough, is from Townsend and knows some of Joyce's acquaintances. She lived very close to Joyce's former roommate (Deena Holloway/Pech), and Deena's mother was her best friend. She also knows the Kittos.
Yesterday the workers in this area, Betty and Marilee, paid Mom a visit, which made her day. Today a local couple dropped in on her as well.
Your comments are transmitted to Mom, and she really enjoys them!
Friday, August 3, 2007
Speaking of Comments...
I changed the settings so you do not have to have a Google account to leave your message! Leave a comment so I'll know it works OK!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Comments
Please click on "comments" below any post and leave a message for Mom!
We will convey it to her.
Write to P.O. Box 1312, Dillon, MT 59725.
For the time being, call Joyce's cell phone (509) 993-7412 if you'd like to arrange a time to talk to Mom when Joyce is there.
We will convey it to her.
Write to P.O. Box 1312, Dillon, MT 59725.
For the time being, call Joyce's cell phone (509) 993-7412 if you'd like to arrange a time to talk to Mom when Joyce is there.
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