This blog was formerly dedicated in 2009 to my Dad who died of Alzheimer's in 2013. It's been three years now...and I find myself missing blogging...so I am re-inventing my blog... because, after all, life is about moving through, and going forward...

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Dad's Care Conference...

Today Mom and I attended Dad's Care Conference.  Mom in person, me via conference call.  My first question was to ask how Dad's head was.  Apparently, he did not need antibiotics after all.  The steri-strip they "butterflied" over his eyebrow, did the trick.

His eyeglasses have not been delivered yet, so the suggestion was to get Dad some magnifying glasses for reading and for Mom to get him one of those chains to keep his glasses around his neck.  His hearing aid has been approved, but Medi-Cal has not paid for it yet.  Doesn't look like they will fill Dad's cavity.  If he complains, they will pull it.  Next time I visit, I will look at Dad's tooth.  Maybe I can pay a Dentist to fill it for him.

Dad has gained 26 pounds since August.  He weighs 148. His health status and medication has not changed, except they are considering lowering his anti-depressant medication.  Dad's doctor will have the final say, but the nursing home is vigilant about not over-medicating.

Dad will be moved back to his old bed by the window today, since his room mate is infection free. I know he will be happy to look out his window and have his "wall of love" again.

Shortly after the conference, I got a call from the charge nurse.  When Dad acted up the other day, they took a urinalysis and found out today, he has a urinary tract infection.  She explained to me that often a patient can get unruly and angry from not feeling well.  Dad will be on antibiotics for a week. I feel they really stay on top of the details the majority of the time...

Mom went to visit Dad after the Conference and found him finishing his lunch, enjoying some cake and coffee.  I think Dad thinks he is 18 again, the way his conversations are all about sex lately... Mom listened and joked with him...

Mom needed help getting Dad back to his room, so they paged the male attendant.  Dad's Angel, doctor-doctor heard the room number paged, and recognized it as Dad's.  Mom noticed she looked tired and she admitted she was.  Mom explained to Dad that his Angel was tired and needed to go home and rest. Dad agreed, being very concerned for her, but wanted to follow her home.

Before Mom could open her mouth, Angel caught Mom's eye and shook her head, letting Mom know not to worry.  She would handle it.

The movie for the afternoon was GONE WITH THE WIND...and you all know how Dad would look forward to that!!

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Angel truly is an angel. She understands how to communicate with your dad without getting him upset.

Glad that there is progress. Sorry that he has a UTI though. Hope he is feeling better soon.

Mari said...

Glad to hear the conference went well. They are right about the UTI - it's amazing how elderly people are affected by those. His "angel" is really special!

Jeanie said...

I like the sound of that..,"care conference". It sounds very comforting. I hope you got some comfort from at least some of what you heard.

Wander to the Wayside said...

Three such common health things with nursing home patients: eye glasses, teeth, and urinary infections. My dad also had multiple infections, as did my mother-in-law, and it greatly affected their dispositions. And the glasses - he must have lost ten pair before we decided he didn't really need them as he didn't remember how to read anyway! Other patients walk off with them, or he would leave them laying in different places. Very frustrating.

Glad the wound didn't pose any complications!

Donna B. said...

Chocolate... Thank you so much, and yes, we are Blessed to have her.

Mari...I am grateful for each day we have him...things are way better now than they were 6 months ago...

Jeanie...Day by day, with God's grace, I become more and more comforted...

Linda (Wander..) I know! We went through the same thing with my husband's Mom...just have to take it as it comes...

gayle said...

Glad your meeting went well!! Hope your dad feels better soon!! I know it is hard on you and your mom!!

Darlene said...

It is nice to know that the conference went well. I think that I mentioned before that my Dad had dimentia brought on from brain radiation. He lost glasses and his hearing aid. Between the hospital and the nursing home, it was hard for the family to keep track of things. He went without his hearing aid, glasses, wedding ring and removable bridge in his mouth and did just fine. It is hard to see these changes and realize that this is it. Love him and keep him happy and watch over him as much as possible. Sudden changes and mood changes should be looked at. Glad he has meds for his UTI, a bit common for those in nursing homes and older people. You are handling this great and it sounds as though your Mom is. It is so hard, but you do the best you can. Hang in there.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like your father is in a very decent place with caregivers who are good to him, including you and your mother. He's in good hands all around, and that is a blessing in this difficult time of his life.

Unknown said...

mutual care is something that assign us at the great post of ''to be known human beings''
nice indeed.