March 11, 2016

Because of the news we had received, we all were debating making trips to Ohio to see Mom.  My brother Milt and Janice decided to fly up from Greenville (SC) the first weekend in March, as the weekends of March were busy for them -- although they could come at another date, should Mom pass. 

Milt commented on how sweet Dad had been to Mom while he and Janice were visiting.  In recent years, Dad had become frustrated with Mom many times because she would not eat or make any real effort to appear to care to take care of herself.  There were times he would make comments to her that did not need to be said.  When any of us visited Dad and Mom and heard some of those remarks, we would remind him to be kind or we might have to send his pastor (Mark) over to give counsel.
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This was the update on March 11

While I was at Elmcroft today, one of the hospice nurses arrived. She explained to us why she feels Mom needs a hospital bed - it will allow the aides to sit Mom up without having to pick her up and put her in a wheelchair. Mom will be able to eat in bed if/as necessary. Also, it will be easier for them to shift Mom's body weight around so we can avoid bed sores. Hospice provides this bed for free. At this point we are going to aim to have it delivered on Monday. This means we will be moving the queen bed out, putting the hospital bed in the bedroom, and putting a twin bed in the living room for Dad. Also, hospice is providing a wheelchair that has a tilt-back feature, so when Mom is in the wheelchair she can actually be leaned back slightly to keep the pressure off her hip. This is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I do think these items are necessary, but still a change for Mom and Dad, so I am sure it will create some stress and confusion, especially for Dad.

Mom did eat a little breakfast this morning but refused lunch and only ate two spoons of baby food green beans for dinner. Dad does realize she is continuing to lose weight and is not doing well. He told me today he has stopped telling her that he is the boss because he didn't think he needed to say that anymore -- I thought that was interesting :) I will keep you posted on any other happenings.
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With this change that was made in the accommodations, it ended up preparing Dad for his move into a studio apartment the first part of April.  He had a chance to get used to the idea of living in one room.  He also was able to begin to get used to a different bed -- a twin that had a back that could be raised.  He could watch TV not only from his recliner but also from bed.

When Dad was moved to a studio apartment after Mom passed, the furniture was set up like in the living room of his previous apartment.  There were a few furniture items that had to be taken out, but still, the look and feel of the room was a lot like what he had just come from.