Saturday, February 15, 2020
I had a dream about mom last night. I was at home with mom and dad and mom made dinner. Then I was at a mall and thinking about coming home around 9 pm. Then I was in a car with mom, but I realized that mom was driving on the wrong side of the road as we were approaching our intersection. The car turned into a bike and we were walking together. I saw some neighbours working in their yard. I got mom to put her arm around my shoulder because I wanted her to get warmth from me because she wasn't wearing a coat. I was pushing the bicycle. I thought about mom cooking and realized how dangerous it was for her to be doing that with her Alzheimer's and then I realized it was a dream.
It was weird because dad was there, mom doesn't drive, etc.
Saturday, 15 February 2020
St. Michael's Celebration of Life
January 29th, 2020
It was supposed to be Jan. 22, but that was the day of the big snow. The university was closed. Nao fell and broke her wrist. Tae had gone to St. Michael's with a friend and found out when she arrived that the service had been cancelled. She hadn't seen the e-mails from Naomi and me.
I think I went to visit Nao and Tae on Saturday, January 25th. I went in the early afternoon. We played Scrabble. I brought them each a loaf of the heavy Ukranian sourdough bread. We had dinner together.
On Wednesday, Jan. 29th, I went to the Celebration of Life Service. Seven people had passed away including mom and Shanta. The Chinese man that passed away a week before mom had been an electrician. The old woman who was 103 used to be a nurse. She had a memory board. The guy at St. Michael's said I could only bring a photo. There wasn't even any place to put it. I had wanted to do a slide show presentation. Jackie said a few words for most of the people who had passed. Donna was there with her sister and a friend. I think her friend was Kathy. I felt emotional when I saw Donna. I sat a bit with them before I left. I saw Donna wanted to eat her cookie, but she couldn't reach and she wasn't really sure if it was her cookie and coffee. I pushed the cookie and coffee closer to her and she was happy.
After the service, I went to Metrotown and walked around. Then, I went to Tae's place for dinner and Scrabble. Naomi was back from San Diego. Nao had had her cast changed. She said it was very painful and she had screamed. Tae made oden.
I went to visit Tae again on Saturday, February 1st to work on the thank you cards to Japan. Poor Tae. I was there from 1:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tae said that after her aneurysm, she had double vision, but that she could see clearly if she closed one eye. She handwrote and translated each letter. It was a lot of work. I treated her to futomaki at Sushi Garden for dinner.
It was supposed to be Jan. 22, but that was the day of the big snow. The university was closed. Nao fell and broke her wrist. Tae had gone to St. Michael's with a friend and found out when she arrived that the service had been cancelled. She hadn't seen the e-mails from Naomi and me.
I think I went to visit Nao and Tae on Saturday, January 25th. I went in the early afternoon. We played Scrabble. I brought them each a loaf of the heavy Ukranian sourdough bread. We had dinner together.
On Wednesday, Jan. 29th, I went to the Celebration of Life Service. Seven people had passed away including mom and Shanta. The Chinese man that passed away a week before mom had been an electrician. The old woman who was 103 used to be a nurse. She had a memory board. The guy at St. Michael's said I could only bring a photo. There wasn't even any place to put it. I had wanted to do a slide show presentation. Jackie said a few words for most of the people who had passed. Donna was there with her sister and a friend. I think her friend was Kathy. I felt emotional when I saw Donna. I sat a bit with them before I left. I saw Donna wanted to eat her cookie, but she couldn't reach and she wasn't really sure if it was her cookie and coffee. I pushed the cookie and coffee closer to her and she was happy.
After the service, I went to Metrotown and walked around. Then, I went to Tae's place for dinner and Scrabble. Naomi was back from San Diego. Nao had had her cast changed. She said it was very painful and she had screamed. Tae made oden.
I went to visit Tae again on Saturday, February 1st to work on the thank you cards to Japan. Poor Tae. I was there from 1:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tae said that after her aneurysm, she had double vision, but that she could see clearly if she closed one eye. She handwrote and translated each letter. It was a lot of work. I treated her to futomaki at Sushi Garden for dinner.
Tuesday, 21 January 2020
Another dream
I think I had the dream on either Tuesday or Wednesday night Jan 14 or 15th. I regret not mentioning it to anyone. Now I've forgotten it.
I think mom and I were on the skytrain, maybe going to an event.
We were happy.
I think mom and I were on the skytrain, maybe going to an event.
We were happy.
Tuesday, 24 December 2019
Visit
Monday, December 23, 2019
I visited St. Michael's for the first time since November 29th. I was okay. I met a Chinese lady who sold Charlene a light up umbrella. She was there with her family. She was wearing a black fur coat and fancy glasses. She had just received her husbands ashes and they had just returned from a burial ceremony at Woodlawn. She was also there to deliver sweets. I brought cookies and chocolates.
I went to mom's room. I didn't check if anyone was in mom's space.
I saw Donna, Jackie, Zorka and Joan. I sat with Jackie for Bingo. Then, I sat with Donna. Mom had $30 in winnings which I donated to the Bingo jackpot.
Donna looked good. She was sitting upright and seemed coherent.
Zorka was sitting in her wheelchair as was Joan.
Michael won the big jackpot in Bingo. $13.00.
I had coffee and a cookie with Donna, Norman and another woman. I remember she liked mom.
I didn't see the Chinese lady. I will have to visit again.
I saw Ming. I gave him a large deck of cards.
I visited St. Michael's for the first time since November 29th. I was okay. I met a Chinese lady who sold Charlene a light up umbrella. She was there with her family. She was wearing a black fur coat and fancy glasses. She had just received her husbands ashes and they had just returned from a burial ceremony at Woodlawn. She was also there to deliver sweets. I brought cookies and chocolates.
I went to mom's room. I didn't check if anyone was in mom's space.
I saw Donna, Jackie, Zorka and Joan. I sat with Jackie for Bingo. Then, I sat with Donna. Mom had $30 in winnings which I donated to the Bingo jackpot.
Donna looked good. She was sitting upright and seemed coherent.
Zorka was sitting in her wheelchair as was Joan.
Michael won the big jackpot in Bingo. $13.00.
I had coffee and a cookie with Donna, Norman and another woman. I remember she liked mom.
I didn't see the Chinese lady. I will have to visit again.
I saw Ming. I gave him a large deck of cards.
Saturday, 21 December 2019
Dream
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019
I dreamed about mom last night. We were at an event. We were standing on the bus. Mom started humming a tune. I recognized the tune. I thought that mom's short-term memory was functioning. Then, I realized it was a dream. I cried.
I dreamed about mom last night. We were at an event. We were standing on the bus. Mom started humming a tune. I recognized the tune. I thought that mom's short-term memory was functioning. Then, I realized it was a dream. I cried.
Saturday, 30 November 2019
Picking up mom's stuff
Friday, November 29, 2019
I took the day off. I wrote an e-mail to Japan. I wrote e-mails to friends. I talked to someone at the funeral home regarding details of the cremation. Chris came over around 9:40 and we picked out an urn for mom and a backup. Chris treated me to breakfast. We went to St. Michael's to clean out mom's room. The adaptive clothing, St. Michael's was happy to take. I left other stuff on the counter as well. We had 2 large garbage bags and two smaller bags of stuff.
I gave the Chinese lady mom's pink giraffe. We cried together. I left mom's lap blanket for Jackie. A lot of the staff gave me a hug and I thanked them for looking after mom.
I went to Finance to check and see if there was anything I had to do.
I saw Ming and I gave him and hug and thanked him and burst into tears. Embarrassing. Chris put his arm around me. Chris dropped me off.
Ethel came over with cookies. She read over the contract from the funeral home. Everything looked in order. I signed it electronically and sent it off. I mentioned the part in the contract about not receiving the ashes and Certificate of Death for 10-14 days. It seemed long. I thought the Gotos had their funeral about a week later. Ethel said she didn't remember an urn so I thought maybe a photo would be sufficient.
Ethel talked about how she thought an MC was a good idea. Choices for MC: Frank Seki, Steve Kamachi, Colleen Goto? Ethel volunteered to be a greeter and collect envelopes. I thought Steve would be a good person to make a speech about mom. Charlene could do a speech about mom's history with Sumi and Aunti Reiko. Sumi could sing a song. Ethel thought maybe Carol could pick up sushi.
Charlene came over after dinner. She suggested places to hold the Celebration of Life. She strongly preferred the Queensborough Community Centre. I felt it would take more work to organize something there. We would need audio-visual equipment for karaoke, speeches and a slide show.
The other place we considered was Kearny. Charlene helped me to sort through the bags of mom's belongings. She took some away to go to thrift stores and for a toy drive.
I took the day off. I wrote an e-mail to Japan. I wrote e-mails to friends. I talked to someone at the funeral home regarding details of the cremation. Chris came over around 9:40 and we picked out an urn for mom and a backup. Chris treated me to breakfast. We went to St. Michael's to clean out mom's room. The adaptive clothing, St. Michael's was happy to take. I left other stuff on the counter as well. We had 2 large garbage bags and two smaller bags of stuff.
I gave the Chinese lady mom's pink giraffe. We cried together. I left mom's lap blanket for Jackie. A lot of the staff gave me a hug and I thanked them for looking after mom.
I went to Finance to check and see if there was anything I had to do.
I saw Ming and I gave him and hug and thanked him and burst into tears. Embarrassing. Chris put his arm around me. Chris dropped me off.
Ethel came over with cookies. She read over the contract from the funeral home. Everything looked in order. I signed it electronically and sent it off. I mentioned the part in the contract about not receiving the ashes and Certificate of Death for 10-14 days. It seemed long. I thought the Gotos had their funeral about a week later. Ethel said she didn't remember an urn so I thought maybe a photo would be sufficient.
Ethel talked about how she thought an MC was a good idea. Choices for MC: Frank Seki, Steve Kamachi, Colleen Goto? Ethel volunteered to be a greeter and collect envelopes. I thought Steve would be a good person to make a speech about mom. Charlene could do a speech about mom's history with Sumi and Aunti Reiko. Sumi could sing a song. Ethel thought maybe Carol could pick up sushi.
Charlene came over after dinner. She suggested places to hold the Celebration of Life. She strongly preferred the Queensborough Community Centre. I felt it would take more work to organize something there. We would need audio-visual equipment for karaoke, speeches and a slide show.
The other place we considered was Kearny. Charlene helped me to sort through the bags of mom's belongings. She took some away to go to thrift stores and for a toy drive.
Mom passed away
Thursday, November 28, 2019
I got a phone call from St. Michael's in the morning. The nurse said that mom's condition was declining and that I should call the doctor. Then, she said that she would ask the doctor to call me. I went about my day at work. While I was in Tai Chi, the doctor called to say that mom appeared to be going into death mode. However, she had done this before. In fact, he said mom had had two teaspoons of apple sauce earlier. He assured me that she was not in pain and was not suffering.
After Tai Chi, Charlene took me to St. Michael's to visit mom. Chris was already there. Mom was wide awake. She looked at us unblinking. Her feet were cold so I massaged them. The physiotherapist had been there and had adjusted mom's legs. After Chris left, Charlene and I stayed a little longer. Usually, mom falls asleep, but today she stayed awake. Charlene mentioned that mom's breath became odd, but that it became steady again. We said good-bye to mom. I told her I would be back tomorrow and we left.
At around 8:30 p.m. Charlene got a call from Chris. I had turned my phone off because the battery was low and my phone was beeping. Chris was frantic because he had gotten a call from St. Michael's that mom had passed away and he couldn't get in touch with me.
Charlene took me to St. Michael's and we said good-bye to mom's dead body. She still felt warm. Her eyes were open and they looked so small. Her mouth was open and I could see her tongue inside. It wasn't a good memory to have.
The nurse gave me a list of funeral homes and told me to St. Michael's. I went home and called the funeral home that I had selected previously. It was on the list. I called St. Michael's to make sure the funeral home had called.
Charlene was with me. She called her mom. Her mom said to call Ethel. Ethel called the relatives and Sumi called friends. I started writing a list of people I had to notify.
I got a phone call from St. Michael's in the morning. The nurse said that mom's condition was declining and that I should call the doctor. Then, she said that she would ask the doctor to call me. I went about my day at work. While I was in Tai Chi, the doctor called to say that mom appeared to be going into death mode. However, she had done this before. In fact, he said mom had had two teaspoons of apple sauce earlier. He assured me that she was not in pain and was not suffering.
After Tai Chi, Charlene took me to St. Michael's to visit mom. Chris was already there. Mom was wide awake. She looked at us unblinking. Her feet were cold so I massaged them. The physiotherapist had been there and had adjusted mom's legs. After Chris left, Charlene and I stayed a little longer. Usually, mom falls asleep, but today she stayed awake. Charlene mentioned that mom's breath became odd, but that it became steady again. We said good-bye to mom. I told her I would be back tomorrow and we left.
At around 8:30 p.m. Charlene got a call from Chris. I had turned my phone off because the battery was low and my phone was beeping. Chris was frantic because he had gotten a call from St. Michael's that mom had passed away and he couldn't get in touch with me.
Charlene took me to St. Michael's and we said good-bye to mom's dead body. She still felt warm. Her eyes were open and they looked so small. Her mouth was open and I could see her tongue inside. It wasn't a good memory to have.
The nurse gave me a list of funeral homes and told me to St. Michael's. I went home and called the funeral home that I had selected previously. It was on the list. I called St. Michael's to make sure the funeral home had called.
Charlene was with me. She called her mom. Her mom said to call Ethel. Ethel called the relatives and Sumi called friends. I started writing a list of people I had to notify.
Wednesday, 27 November 2019
Mom doesn't drink anything
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Mom is lying in bed at a strange angle. She seems to be sleeping more peacefully. Her mouth is more relaxed than yesterday. She doesn't take any apple juice or Boost. It dribbles down from the side of her mouth. I have to wipe it up quickly. She tries to wipe it herself. Sometimes she opens her eyes and looks at me. She can lift her arm and scratch her head. She is so thin.
Chris came to visit today. He had to wear a mask because he has a cold.
Mom is lying in bed at a strange angle. She seems to be sleeping more peacefully. Her mouth is more relaxed than yesterday. She doesn't take any apple juice or Boost. It dribbles down from the side of her mouth. I have to wipe it up quickly. She tries to wipe it herself. Sometimes she opens her eyes and looks at me. She can lift her arm and scratch her head. She is so thin.
Chris came to visit today. He had to wear a mask because he has a cold.
Tuesday, 26 November 2019
Mom is breathing laboriously
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Mom was lying in bed. She was breathing with her mouth open. The wrinkles in her forehead were gone, but her eyes were weird so I could tell that she was drugged. At some point, she seemed wide awake so I gave her a teaspoon of apple juice. I didn't see her swallow it. She opened and closed her mouth. Her body was still warm. Her legs were cool, but not cold. Eventually, she seemed to be sleeping. There was an odour.
The aide said that she would be given a sponge bath later tonight.
The nurse said that mom had blood from her bowel and a piece of poo had been dislodged. She had been given an enema.
I cried. But maybe mom will look better tomorrow.
Mom was lying in bed. She was breathing with her mouth open. The wrinkles in her forehead were gone, but her eyes were weird so I could tell that she was drugged. At some point, she seemed wide awake so I gave her a teaspoon of apple juice. I didn't see her swallow it. She opened and closed her mouth. Her body was still warm. Her legs were cool, but not cold. Eventually, she seemed to be sleeping. There was an odour.
The aide said that she would be given a sponge bath later tonight.
The nurse said that mom had blood from her bowel and a piece of poo had been dislodged. She had been given an enema.
I cried. But maybe mom will look better tomorrow.
Monday, 25 November 2019
Mom is in her wheelchair
Monday, November 25th, 2019
Mom was sitting at the dining table when I arrived. Donna, Edward and Jackie were there.
Mom was mostly dozing. I was able to put food in her mouth, but it would trickle out. Heartbreaking. Mom's mouth went slack and I was worried that she had had a stroke. I think she is just heavily medicated. Sometimes she opens her eyes wide. She has wrinkles in her forehead.
Sometimes she seems to wake up and looks like she wants to scream. She moves her arms and her body, writhing and then falls back. Disturbing. Poor mom. I feel as if the end is near.
Mom was sitting at the dining table when I arrived. Donna, Edward and Jackie were there.
Mom was mostly dozing. I was able to put food in her mouth, but it would trickle out. Heartbreaking. Mom's mouth went slack and I was worried that she had had a stroke. I think she is just heavily medicated. Sometimes she opens her eyes wide. She has wrinkles in her forehead.
Sometimes she seems to wake up and looks like she wants to scream. She moves her arms and her body, writhing and then falls back. Disturbing. Poor mom. I feel as if the end is near.
Sunday, 24 November 2019
No Shanta
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Shanta passed away on Friday.
Donna was at the dinner table with Edward. Jackie arrived late. Mom was in bed.
Zorka was attached to her oxygen machine and none too happy.
She tried to escape, but was brought back.
Mom ate and drank about a quarter cup.
I know someone is trying to feed her because I have to pick off food that is in the hollows of her neck.
An aide said that mom scratched her so I put mom's white gloves on her before I left.
Zorka was confused so I opened her closet and showed her her clothing and pointed out the photographs of her husband. Zorka's closet is so neat compared to mom's.
Shanta passed away on Friday.
Donna was at the dinner table with Edward. Jackie arrived late. Mom was in bed.
Zorka was attached to her oxygen machine and none too happy.
She tried to escape, but was brought back.
Mom ate and drank about a quarter cup.
I know someone is trying to feed her because I have to pick off food that is in the hollows of her neck.
An aide said that mom scratched her so I put mom's white gloves on her before I left.
Zorka was confused so I opened her closet and showed her her clothing and pointed out the photographs of her husband. Zorka's closet is so neat compared to mom's.
Saturday, 23 November 2019
Mom ate less than usual
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Mom was in bed and so were Donna and Zorka. Donna and Zorka were both on breathing machines. Donna was throwing up her food. She didn't look good. She was pale.
Mom was angry and feisty.
She drank some Boost, ate some pureed food, drank some apple juice etc. I would say she consumed about 1/2 a cup of food and drink. I gave her a tiny piece of banana.
She had the thigh cushion strapped on correctly for a change.
Both her legs were warm.
I put the headset on her.
At one point she grabbed one of the earbud cords and wouldn't give it up.
Mom was in bed and so were Donna and Zorka. Donna and Zorka were both on breathing machines. Donna was throwing up her food. She didn't look good. She was pale.
Mom was angry and feisty.
She drank some Boost, ate some pureed food, drank some apple juice etc. I would say she consumed about 1/2 a cup of food and drink. I gave her a tiny piece of banana.
She had the thigh cushion strapped on correctly for a change.
Both her legs were warm.
I put the headset on her.
At one point she grabbed one of the earbud cords and wouldn't give it up.
Wednesday, 20 November 2019
Comfort care
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Mom was in bed again. Jackie told me to ask the nurse why mom was in bed. The nurse said that mom is now in comfort care. I guess it is like death protocol. But, Jackie said that I could ask for mom to be put in her wheelchair. I'm supposed to talk to the nurse tomorrow.
Zorka looked pretty bad today. One of the aides came and helped her eat. Zorka was so weak, she couldn't even hold the cup to her mouth. I helped her with a few sips of milk and apple juice.
Mom was watching. I think they both look at each other and think the other is dying.
Mom was really thirsty. She even grabbed the cup and tried to feed herself. Her movements are jerky. Poor mom. She drank most of her Boost and apple juice. She ate a little of the pureed peas. She ate a Cheetos. I massaged her legs.
I asked about mom's bowel movement. Diane said she had a small bowel movement last night.
I put the headset on mom and she seemed to enjoy it.
Mom was in bed again. Jackie told me to ask the nurse why mom was in bed. The nurse said that mom is now in comfort care. I guess it is like death protocol. But, Jackie said that I could ask for mom to be put in her wheelchair. I'm supposed to talk to the nurse tomorrow.
Zorka looked pretty bad today. One of the aides came and helped her eat. Zorka was so weak, she couldn't even hold the cup to her mouth. I helped her with a few sips of milk and apple juice.
Mom was watching. I think they both look at each other and think the other is dying.
Mom was really thirsty. She even grabbed the cup and tried to feed herself. Her movements are jerky. Poor mom. She drank most of her Boost and apple juice. She ate a little of the pureed peas. She ate a Cheetos. I massaged her legs.
I asked about mom's bowel movement. Diane said she had a small bowel movement last night.
I put the headset on mom and she seemed to enjoy it.
Tuesday, 19 November 2019
Diane
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Mom was in bed. She wasn't propped up or turned on her side. I will have to ask about that since one of the aides said it would be good to get a body pillow.
Mom was wearing her thigh brace.
She was thirsty and hungry but had trouble drinking. She had about half her Boost, half her apple juice and some products that would induce a bowel movement. She had been given a suppository, but there might be some kind of blockage further up.
She had about a half a teaspoon of pureed carrot.
Poor mom. I moved her legs and massaged them.
I filed her nails. She was okay with that.
An aide asked if she could be of assistance. Maybe I should have asked her to change mom's diaper.
Mom was in bed. She wasn't propped up or turned on her side. I will have to ask about that since one of the aides said it would be good to get a body pillow.
Mom was wearing her thigh brace.
She was thirsty and hungry but had trouble drinking. She had about half her Boost, half her apple juice and some products that would induce a bowel movement. She had been given a suppository, but there might be some kind of blockage further up.
She had about a half a teaspoon of pureed carrot.
Poor mom. I moved her legs and massaged them.
I filed her nails. She was okay with that.
An aide asked if she could be of assistance. Maybe I should have asked her to change mom's diaper.
Monday, 18 November 2019
Mom is calmer
Monday, November 18, 2019
Mom was in bed. She opened her eyes when I arrived. I was able to feed her more or less. She drank her beverages and ate very little of her pureed food. She said "gomen."
Zorka's daughter came to visit. Zorka was in bed. I wonder if Zorka thinks she is going to die because she is beside mom.
Mom wasn't interested in bubble wrap today, but she did try to eat her earbud.
I gave mom the tamagoboro with a milk chaser. She liked that.
I cleaned out some things from mom's closet.
An aide put the clothes in the lost and found.
I cut mom's nails. I showed Zorka's daughter where to get the nail clippers.
Mom was in bed. She opened her eyes when I arrived. I was able to feed her more or less. She drank her beverages and ate very little of her pureed food. She said "gomen."
Zorka's daughter came to visit. Zorka was in bed. I wonder if Zorka thinks she is going to die because she is beside mom.
Mom wasn't interested in bubble wrap today, but she did try to eat her earbud.
I gave mom the tamagoboro with a milk chaser. She liked that.
I cleaned out some things from mom's closet.
An aide put the clothes in the lost and found.
I cut mom's nails. I showed Zorka's daughter where to get the nail clippers.
Sunday, 17 November 2019
Mom is violent
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Mom was in bed still. She drank her Boost. She said "nice." She must have been thirsty. She ate some of her pureed veggies and some of her pudding. She drank most of her second Boost and fortified Boost.
I adjusted her leg brace.
I put the headset on her.
I had to keep adjusting her bib because she kept pulling it off.
Mom became violent. I don't know if I did something wrong.
I gave her some bubble wrap and then she started tearing it and trying to put her arm through. I thought she was cold so I tried to put her sweater on, but she fought me.
When I tried to give her more Boost she made as if to shove me. When I put the cup near her, she grabbed it spilling some.
She said that she was sorry. I wonder if she couldn't control herself.
Poor mom.
Mom was in bed still. She drank her Boost. She said "nice." She must have been thirsty. She ate some of her pureed veggies and some of her pudding. She drank most of her second Boost and fortified Boost.
I adjusted her leg brace.
I put the headset on her.
I had to keep adjusting her bib because she kept pulling it off.
Mom became violent. I don't know if I did something wrong.
I gave her some bubble wrap and then she started tearing it and trying to put her arm through. I thought she was cold so I tried to put her sweater on, but she fought me.
When I tried to give her more Boost she made as if to shove me. When I put the cup near her, she grabbed it spilling some.
She said that she was sorry. I wonder if she couldn't control herself.
Poor mom.
Suppository
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019
Mom was still in bed. Her food had not been served. I went to investigate. By the time I had returned, an aide was feeding her. Mom was hungry, but she didn't open her mouth wide. I gave her apple juice first to quench her thirst, then followed with pureed food and soup. She ate most of her pureed peach. When I fed mom, I was coming into contact with her teeth. There was no Boost.
After lunch, I got mom to toss her hedgehog back and forth with me. She laughed. I wish I could have taped it. She was so cute.
An aide and a nurse came by to change mom's diaper and wound. I helped secure mom's arms. Mom has a very strong grip. She was in pain. I fear she is in constant pain.
Her diaper was soaked through and her pink anti-strip jumpsuit was also soiled. They had given her a suppository. The nurse said that mom needed to eat more protein. Poor mom. They put her into her blue anti-strip jumpsuit.
I put a sweater on mom. It was difficult. She tried to bite me.
For afternoon tea, I gave mom some prune juice. She drank some apple juice as well. She ate some minced ham sandwich, but she had trouble with the bread. I should probably just scrape off the ham and spoon feed her. She was biting into the sandwich. Eventually, she fell asleep.
Mom was still in bed. Her food had not been served. I went to investigate. By the time I had returned, an aide was feeding her. Mom was hungry, but she didn't open her mouth wide. I gave her apple juice first to quench her thirst, then followed with pureed food and soup. She ate most of her pureed peach. When I fed mom, I was coming into contact with her teeth. There was no Boost.
After lunch, I got mom to toss her hedgehog back and forth with me. She laughed. I wish I could have taped it. She was so cute.
An aide and a nurse came by to change mom's diaper and wound. I helped secure mom's arms. Mom has a very strong grip. She was in pain. I fear she is in constant pain.
Her diaper was soaked through and her pink anti-strip jumpsuit was also soiled. They had given her a suppository. The nurse said that mom needed to eat more protein. Poor mom. They put her into her blue anti-strip jumpsuit.
I put a sweater on mom. It was difficult. She tried to bite me.
For afternoon tea, I gave mom some prune juice. She drank some apple juice as well. She ate some minced ham sandwich, but she had trouble with the bread. I should probably just scrape off the ham and spoon feed her. She was biting into the sandwich. Eventually, she fell asleep.
Wednesday, 13 November 2019
Still in bed
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Mom is still in bed. She seemed to be in good spirits. She was alert and calm. She drank and ate, but very slowly. She was not listing to one side. I think she might be getting better care.
Chris remarked that mom looked better than last week.
She doesn't want to hold the cup.
I massaged her legs. Her left foot felt very cold.
She was wearing her anti-strip suit.
This week while mom was in bed and not in the dining room, residents and staff expressed concern: Andrew, the Chinese lady, Ming, etc.
Mom is still in bed. She seemed to be in good spirits. She was alert and calm. She drank and ate, but very slowly. She was not listing to one side. I think she might be getting better care.
Chris remarked that mom looked better than last week.
She doesn't want to hold the cup.
I massaged her legs. Her left foot felt very cold.
She was wearing her anti-strip suit.
This week while mom was in bed and not in the dining room, residents and staff expressed concern: Andrew, the Chinese lady, Ming, etc.
Tuesday, 12 November 2019
Still in bed, rookie nurses attending to mom's wound
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Mom was in bed when I arrived shortly after 11 am. I took the day off work. The nurse trainees had just given my mom a sedative. They said they would be back in 20 minutes. I quickly went to work to get mom to drink her beverages. They were probably left over from the morning She drank most of her Boost and her apple juice. She told me that the apple juice was "nice." I was happy to see that she was wearing her blue onesie. Come to think of it, I haven't seen her cranberry onesie. I cleaned her up because she had dried up Boost in the hollows of her neck.
A trainee came back and said that they would see to my mom's bum sore after the break. I was concerned that the sedative would wear off, but the aide said it would last for 4 hours.
I went to heat up my lunch. When I got back, I was told that they were working on the sore on my mom's bum and they would finish in half an hour. Larry told me that he had collected mom's lunch and left it in the room.
When I came back half an hour later, they were still not finished. I was concerned. Another ten minutes later, someone told me that they were done. Mom looked uncomfortable and was puffing air.
Mom slept for half an hour and was snoring.
Zorka's son came to see her. I suspect it was because she wouldn't get out of bed. I suspect she has Alzheimer's. She always asks about mom and if she will get better. Maybe mom and Zorka shouldn't be in the same room.
I managed to get some lunch into mom. Mostly she was cooperative, but had trouble holding the cup.
Mom was in bed when I arrived shortly after 11 am. I took the day off work. The nurse trainees had just given my mom a sedative. They said they would be back in 20 minutes. I quickly went to work to get mom to drink her beverages. They were probably left over from the morning She drank most of her Boost and her apple juice. She told me that the apple juice was "nice." I was happy to see that she was wearing her blue onesie. Come to think of it, I haven't seen her cranberry onesie. I cleaned her up because she had dried up Boost in the hollows of her neck.
A trainee came back and said that they would see to my mom's bum sore after the break. I was concerned that the sedative would wear off, but the aide said it would last for 4 hours.
I went to heat up my lunch. When I got back, I was told that they were working on the sore on my mom's bum and they would finish in half an hour. Larry told me that he had collected mom's lunch and left it in the room.
When I came back half an hour later, they were still not finished. I was concerned. Another ten minutes later, someone told me that they were done. Mom looked uncomfortable and was puffing air.
Mom slept for half an hour and was snoring.
Zorka's son came to see her. I suspect it was because she wouldn't get out of bed. I suspect she has Alzheimer's. She always asks about mom and if she will get better. Maybe mom and Zorka shouldn't be in the same room.
I managed to get some lunch into mom. Mostly she was cooperative, but had trouble holding the cup.
Monday, 11 November 2019
Mom is still in bed
Monday, November 11, 2019
Mom was in bed again. She was alert and calm. She drank most of her Boost and fortified Boost. She ate some of her dinner (pureed broccoli) and some of her vanilla pudding. She drank some milk and some apple juice. She hardly opened her mouth. I showed her by opening my mouth wide and she laughed. She did copy me a couple of times, but went back to little fish mouth.
At some points, she held the drinking cup. I was pleased to see that she was wearing her red anti-strip suit. It was cute.
I massaged her feet and calves. They were cold.
I put the earbud in her ear and let her listen to some Japanese music.
Donna was left in her wheelchair and she was getting kind of antsy. I put a quilt over her legs and helped her with a sweater. I just got her arms through because she couldn't bend forward so that I could pull the sweater down her back.
Mom was in bed again. She was alert and calm. She drank most of her Boost and fortified Boost. She ate some of her dinner (pureed broccoli) and some of her vanilla pudding. She drank some milk and some apple juice. She hardly opened her mouth. I showed her by opening my mouth wide and she laughed. She did copy me a couple of times, but went back to little fish mouth.
At some points, she held the drinking cup. I was pleased to see that she was wearing her red anti-strip suit. It was cute.
I massaged her feet and calves. They were cold.
I put the earbud in her ear and let her listen to some Japanese music.
Donna was left in her wheelchair and she was getting kind of antsy. I put a quilt over her legs and helped her with a sweater. I just got her arms through because she couldn't bend forward so that I could pull the sweater down her back.
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