Mom went to vista Dad today. His male nurse told Mom Dad was in good spirits during and after his shower and ate all his breakfast. When Mom found him in the lunchroom, Dad had his eyes closed and did not have much to say. Mom noticed he grimaced a few times so she asked if he hurt any where or had a headache. Dad told her he didn't.
Mom attempted to call me, but I could not take the call as I was on the phone with the electrician getting him to come today to replace our GFI breakers in the bathroom. They have been tripping off almost every day now...
She tried various ways to engage Dad, but he was tuned out. When his lunch came, Mom attempted to feed Dad and he took one bite of a french fry and made a face. She tried giving him the spinach and again, a face. She tried the fish and he told her "no more". She offered ice cream and he was not interested. He hardly ate a thing...
Even Doctor-Doctor suggested his favorite fruit plate, and he said no thank you. A few of the staff offered his favorites to him and again, he refused. Finally, Mom excused herself as Dad was ready for a nap. The staff assured her they would offer more food to Dad after his nap.
The front door of the nursing home was closed due to some work they were finishing, so Mom had to enter and leave through the laundry entrance. On her way to the parking lot the Administrator saw Mom and offered a hug. He asked how Dad was doing, and Mom burst into tears. She was more shook up than she realized. He told her he had also noticed how Dad has slowed down...
Mom said she missed his singing and wild, adventurous stories...and seeing him so shut down is very difficult.
I hope today was an isolated incident, because Dad normally has an excellent appetite. If Dad continues to not want to eat, it will not be a good sign...
His Care Conference is next Tuesday. Mom and I will attend. She in person, me over the phone....
I still have not heard from Dad's primary doctor about the Cryotherapy treatments or the Hospice...
This knot in my stomach keeps twisting and churning, increasing my sense of dread...
6 comments:
:( I'm sad with you. I'm glad you have a conference this week. You should get some clarity with that.
Hi Donna. I am so sorry that your dad obviously isn't so good at the moment. It must be such a worry for you all, especially mum seeing him closed down like that. He must not be himself if he was turning down his food. ThaT is a bit worrying, because he always enjoyed that so much, didn't he? I hope the Care Conference goes well for you both on Tuesday. Sending hugs your way.
Hi Donna, I wish I could reach out and hug you. It is so hard to let go of loved ones. I am going through this with my best friend. My heart breaks as I know yours does too. Her husband forces her to take the phone when I call to ask HIM how she is doing. She is so weak and confused. I sometimes think it best to allow her to just sleep, as the body naturally does at the end, rather than trying to stimulate her, confuse her and keep her in my world. Blessings of peace to you and your mom.
Praying strength for both of you.
I hope your dad gets his appetite back soon and that the care conference has some positive news for you. You and your mom will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Oh, Donna, it has to be so hard. Hospice has wonderful services for both your dad and your family. As hard as it will be, at least you know you'll have lots of support. Thinking of you, my friend. XOXO
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