It i s Wednesday, June 30, and my last entry was posted on Saturday, June 26th. But much has happened in the interim. Not to mention that the computer has been down off and on during this time. We moved the computer and had it connected to a different, less powerful cable. So I could use it for a short time, and then it would be down for a while - very frustrating.
You all know about the events leading up to Mother's hospitalization on Friday morning. As you probably know, she was hospitalized for observation following a fall that caused some bleeding on the brain. So our weekend was filled with activity. The hospital stay did prove to be very beneficial in that it helped Mother feel that she could depend on others for her care and safety.
And it gave us the time to wash and mend her clothes and move her furniture to the nursing home, without her becoming stressed and confused. The weekend was BUSY!
Monday was probably the most stressful time for all of us. First there was the waiting for dismissal at the hospital, dealing with the social worker who was coordinating dismissal and transportation for Mother. Finally, all papers were complete, and the ambulance service arrived about 2:00 PM. Of course, Mother was frightened and confused about where she was going, and why she must ride in an ambulance. Frankly, I was confused, too. But I guess it is standard practice when a patient is moving from the hospital to a nursing facility. The two ambulance attendants were not the most helpful or reassuring pair. Mother was frightened. We couldn't ride with her, but we followed in our car.
We all arrived at Golden Living Center in good time, and we were there to be with her when she arrived. She was a very frightened and confused lady when she arrived. But several blessings helped to make the situation a much happier one for her. First, her room looked so pretty! We had arrived in time to get the soft lamps lighted, and be sure all her things were in place. Second, she hugged each and every familiar possession as she toured her new space! That was so reassuring to her. Then Emily, the second shift nurse, came in to get acquainted with her new resident. If you were to ever paint a picture of the perfect angel of a nurse, you would ask Emily to be your model. She is tiny, with Asian blood, beautiful face, beautiful shiny black hair, and was so very sweet with Mother. Instead of doing her blood pressure, etc. She simply sat down with mother, put her arm around her, and got acquainted.
The fourth blessing was Mother's new room mate, Nona, who arrived about this time. She is Mother's age, size, and disposition. When we introduced the two, you would of thought that it was a reunion of two long lost best friends. They had advised us before hand to quietly slip away as soon as they had Mother involved in an activity. When Emily indicated that maybe now was the time to go, there were Mother and Nona sitting side by side in their reclining chairs, smiling and holding hands.
We have not been back, but we call each day. Cheryl has visited twice. From all reports Mother is doing extremely well. It has not all been perfect. But, for the most part reports say that she is beginning to adjust. Tender hearted Cheryl cried after her visit yesterday because Grandma seemed so forlorn in the lunchroom. But she was much better when they went back to her own room. Then she got her hair done in the beauty shop in the afternoon, and last night Emily said she looked beautiful.
This evening Cheryl went to visit again. She called us and said that Grandma was very happy this evening. She had had a good day. They have church on Wednesday and she had liked that.
Todd, the unit manager, had kidded her, sang in church, and made her feel very good. She told Cheryl that she and Nona were going to be good friends. Cheryl came home with a much lighter heart.
Todd told us on the phone again today, that we should wait until maybe Monday to come visit again. He is the professional, so maybe we will listen. AND we have enjoyed just being the two of us again. It has been a little like getting out of school for the summer, a new kind of freedom.
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