Skylark of Celeste
Dec. 18th, 2024 09:46 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ismoToday was a bit more of an adventure with Madame than I really wanted. Out of respect for her privacy, I'll skip some of the details. She had a bad cold, and I wondered if she should really go out at all. I consulted her daughter--who picked up the phone for once--and after much hesitating, she pushed the decision back to me. If the place where she lives had a coffee bar or something, I would have taken her there instead, but they don't have such amenities. Madame really wanted to go, so I took a chance because I wanted to observe her and see how she was doing.
We had a nice time for about an hour at the cafe, but the process of moving her from one place to another was very difficult. I had to wrap my arms around her middle to stop her from slipping as she tried to climb into the car. I really can't accept that kind of responsibility. She was not at all well, very confused, and kept saying things like "I'm not myself." The dementia always intensifies when people have other ailments. I've seen this before and I know how it goes. At least I got some hot coffee and a cinnamon roll into her. I don't think she'd had breakfast. I ordered a black bean quesadilla for us to share, as I did last time, but this time she said it "crucified" her mouth! Harsh words! I fear they may have put the jalapenos in her portion.
We returned to her place early--she still won't let me call it "home"--and she was having extreme difficulty getting along, even with her walker. My intention was to go inside with her and hand her off to a staff member, while explaining to them that she was a fall risk and should have increased supervision. However, as usual, there was no one around. They are severely understaffed and some days you never see anyone except the clean-up crew. I walked her all the way to her room because I was worried she might fall en route. I left her ensconced on the couch with her phone at hand--although I don't think she remembers how to use her phone any more. On the way out, I finally saw a staff member and gave her my warning. I hope they'll actually pay some attention. When I got home, I texted her daughter again to share my impressions. She was on the phone with another person who visits her mom, and did not have time to reply to my concerns. However, she texted later on a group text to various caregivers that she hopes to move Madame to a better facility by spring. It can't be soon enough.
I felt I had performed my Christmas good deed as I knelt on her bathroom floor and tried to help her on with her socks and shoes. Her poor old feet are very swollen and it's hard get the footgear on. At home, the Sparrowhawk also has a miserable cold, but thank goodness, is not at risk and has someone to look after him! I wasn't very happy. We decided it was time for our yearly viewing of The Santa Clause. I made popcorn. I'd love it if someone would die and make me Santa Claus. I'd move to the North Pole in a shot.
We had a nice time for about an hour at the cafe, but the process of moving her from one place to another was very difficult. I had to wrap my arms around her middle to stop her from slipping as she tried to climb into the car. I really can't accept that kind of responsibility. She was not at all well, very confused, and kept saying things like "I'm not myself." The dementia always intensifies when people have other ailments. I've seen this before and I know how it goes. At least I got some hot coffee and a cinnamon roll into her. I don't think she'd had breakfast. I ordered a black bean quesadilla for us to share, as I did last time, but this time she said it "crucified" her mouth! Harsh words! I fear they may have put the jalapenos in her portion.
We returned to her place early--she still won't let me call it "home"--and she was having extreme difficulty getting along, even with her walker. My intention was to go inside with her and hand her off to a staff member, while explaining to them that she was a fall risk and should have increased supervision. However, as usual, there was no one around. They are severely understaffed and some days you never see anyone except the clean-up crew. I walked her all the way to her room because I was worried she might fall en route. I left her ensconced on the couch with her phone at hand--although I don't think she remembers how to use her phone any more. On the way out, I finally saw a staff member and gave her my warning. I hope they'll actually pay some attention. When I got home, I texted her daughter again to share my impressions. She was on the phone with another person who visits her mom, and did not have time to reply to my concerns. However, she texted later on a group text to various caregivers that she hopes to move Madame to a better facility by spring. It can't be soon enough.
I felt I had performed my Christmas good deed as I knelt on her bathroom floor and tried to help her on with her socks and shoes. Her poor old feet are very swollen and it's hard get the footgear on. At home, the Sparrowhawk also has a miserable cold, but thank goodness, is not at risk and has someone to look after him! I wasn't very happy. We decided it was time for our yearly viewing of The Santa Clause. I made popcorn. I'd love it if someone would die and make me Santa Claus. I'd move to the North Pole in a shot.
no subject
Date: 2024-12-19 07:26 pm (UTC)