MON., 12/30 & TUES., 12/31/13 MOM DREW THE TREE!!

On the left is a sketch I did of the flowers from Carl in Mom's room from 12/29/13 THEN on the right I got Mom to draw the Christmas tree in the Great Room! She's still got It!

December 30, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH about 4:40 PM and left about 6:30 PM. The bird feeders were full and the blinds open. I saw Mom on her bed and she waved at me. In the TV room I assisted Judy orient her w/c when Roxanne came in and told me that Mom eagerly got out of bed and was very cooperative saying “she’s here”. I found Mom sitting in her chair, O2 on and in place, glasses on and DVD playing. I saw that Riley had signed in today plus I had talked to him today about his visit.  Mom was very cooperative and glad to see me today. We saw a Cardinal at the feeder. We did some personal care then I got her tray. I put mayo, curry, bar-b-que sauce and salt on the chopped chicken and she ate over half of that. I put Bar-B-Q sauce, salt and curry on the blackeyed peas and she ate almost half of those. She didn’t eat the spinach nor the chopped fruit but ate a cookie from yesterday and half of the roll. I took her teeth out, cleaned them and gave her a chocolate. Then we went for a walk and she DREW THE CHRISTMAS TREE! She propelled herself some of the way. We returned to her room, channel surfed then I helped her into bed, put the O2 on and the TV on the DVD. I gave Mom a mint, got her dirty clothes and left.          

December 31, 2013, Tuesday. Sam the social worker called and said that Sylvia the administrator would buy new shoes for Mom. I called back but Sam had left so I left a message that the shoes were found in Ms Knickerbocker’s room. That housekeeping had confused “Knickerbocker” and “Hickerson”. Then Riley called and said that he is going to see Mom and take her to the party this afternoon at 3:30 PM. then stay and feed Mom so I don’t need to go today! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

SAT., DEC. 28 & SUN, DEC. 29, 2013

December 28, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 4:50 PM. The bird feeders were full, blinds closed. Mom was in the dining room, teeth in, no glasses. I accompanied her back to her room. She propelled herself part of the way. C.N.A. Roxanne brought Mom’s tray. Roxanne said that she would be on this Unit from now on. Mom’s glasses were in her room. Mom did not eat well tonight. Mostly she chewed her food then spit it out. The sweet & sour pork and veggies were good but she had no appetite. She only ate about half of her strawberry ice cream. We channel surfed and Roxanne came and got Mom’s tray. I assisted Mom into bed. Mom’s bed now has a thin blanket in addition to her bedspread and lap blanket. I put cream on her back and legs, brushed her hair. I left about 6:30 PM. Mom was out of sorts and tired tonight. I suspect she went to activities and got treats and had fun. There was a sing-a-long today.

December 29, 2013, Sunday.  I went to the NH about 4:45. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Yvonne and another C.N.A. were getting Mom up from bed and dressed. The C.N.A. Jasmine brought Mom’s tray. Mom seemed hungry and ate about half of her omelet, hash browns and biscuit plus one of the chocolate chip cookies. I cleaned Mom’s nails and clipped them then gave Mom a fingernail file. I put on Winged Migration during eating, sound down. Mom loved that but when I asked her she said she wanted to see Fred A. I put on Top Hat but it kept skipping so I changed it to 1940 Broadway. Roxanne retrieved Mom’s tray and talked about art again. As a student she sold an art work for $500. I assisted Mom into bed. Nurse Steve told me that Mom advocated for herself today and was feisty. I cleaned her teeth, put her O2 on and left about 6:50 PM.

THURS., DEC. 26 & FRI., DEC. 27, 2013

December 26, 2013, Thursday. I went to the NH about 4:45 PM. I fed the birds, blinds open. Mom was in the Great Room in her w/c, teeth in, glasses on. She was glad to see me. We went back to her room. Mom propelled herself part of the way. C.N.A. brought Mom’s tray. I made a wrap of the chopped turkey, Spanish rice, refried beans and flour tortilla. I added spicy ketchup and Mom ate about half of that. Then she ate over half of the strawberry shortcake. I gave her the new blouse from Helen and we hung that up. I put her into her nightgown and we hung up her shirt and sweater. I hung the pants on the w/c. and assisted Mom into bed. We channel surfed some. I cleaned her teeth, put the O2 on, cleaned her glasses and gave her a chocolate. I put the TV back on the DVD. Mom said that she had not seen this one before (It has been on for two days, now.) I gave the photograph of the resident who asked to have her picture taken the day before to the charge nurse as I do not know who she is. I left about 6:40 PM.

December 27, 2013, Friday. I went to the NH about 4:50 PM. I fed the birds, blinds partially open. Mom was in the big TV room exhibiting mannerisms of feeling cold. I put my scarf on her and we proceeded to her room. Her room was somewhat in disarray, with a dirty diaper on the other bedside table, no pad on Mom’s bed, the like. Mom’s TV was on channel 40 and the DVD player was off. We channel surfed some then I got her tray. She did not eat well tonight. She ate very little of the potatoes, beef, and peas but ate all of the lemon tart. Workmen had the door at the end of the hall open and the cold was leaking in. I brushed her hair, did some personal care and we went for a walk. We went to the Christmas tree in the Great Room, looked at the ornaments and sang a couple of songs. We returned to her room, played patty-cake and I assisted Mom into bed. She had leggings on that looked comfortable. I put the DVD back on and Mom said that she had not seen this movie before (three days now) and she wanted to see it. I cleaned her teeth & glasses, gave her a chocolate, put her O2 on and left about 6:40 PM.

TUES., DEC. 24 & WED., DEC. 25, 2013 SINGING WORKS!

December 24, 2013, Tuesday. I went to the NH about 4:30 PM. I put feed in bird feeder, blinds open. I left cookies in Recreation and for Unit 2 and gave Steve a card for he and Yvonne. Mom was in her room, door closed, O2 on, cannula out of place, sitting in her wheelchair, glasses on, teeth in, watching Fred A., sound down. I turned off her O2 and accompanied her to the Great Room for cookies and milk shakes, with Christmas Carols on flute and piano duet. Then we returned to her room. I spoke to Nurse Steve and C.N.A. Adam about the danger of leaving Mom in her chair alone in her room. Adam said he didn’t know about that. Adam brought Mom’s tray; chicken & dumplings plus a roll, butter and fruit salad. Mom ate some, most of the broth, some bread and fruit but after the cookies and Milkshake, she didn’t have much appetite. We sang songs and clapped hands but Mom was contrary tonight. I assisted her to bed. We channel surfed some. I cleaned her teeth, gathered up the dirty clothes and left about 6:30 PM.

December 25, 2013, Wednesday. CHRISTMAS. Bill and I arrived at the NH about 5 PM. I fed the birds, blinds open. I took some clean clothes to Mom’s room. There is still no blanket on her bed, just the bedspread and lap blanket. Then we took the gifts and found Mom in the Great Room at a reserved table. Mom & I opened the gifts from Helen, lovely tasteful shirt tops. There were also chocolate covered macadamia nuts. I took a photo of Mom and tried to help her photograph me. Carl and Charlotte arrived and Bill went out to help put the painting from Brooks in their car and carry in stuff. Riley came and brought bags of gifts also. I told Nurse Steve and the dining room manager that Terri wasn’t going to be able to join us and could we please have a plate to go. We ended up with three plates to go?! All the excitement was distracting and Mom didn’t eat much except the pecan pie. She was getting fussy and contrary so we sang some songs. That worked beautifully. We sang some Christmas carols and sang Grace. Mom’s voice was clear and bright and right on key. She still has the best voice in the room. She was smiling and happy after that. Bill left with Riley then Carl and Charlotte left. Carl had a wonderful dancing toy with lights. In Mom’s room we channel surfed a little. I called for assistance and a C.N.A. came right away and we got Mom tucked into bed with O2 on and I cleaned her teeth and glasses. I hung up some clean clothes and Mom watched me carefully. I put the TV back on the Fred A. DVD and left about 6:40 PM.

SHOES LOST AND FOUND, SUN., DEC. 22 & MON., DEC. 23, 2013

December 22, 2013, Sunday. I went to the NH about 4:40 PM. The bird feeders had seed, blinds closed. Mom was on her bed, no teeth, glasses off, sound down on TV, O2 on but cannula out of place. I turned off the O2 and started to get Mom up when a C.N.A. came in and changed Mom and got Mom up. Mom had no pants on, either. She only had the two lap blankets over her bed that I left on her last night. The C.N.A. returned with Mom’s tray. Mom ate well after 3 packets of ketchup, extra salt & pepper, and curry added to fish cakes, rice and spinach. She ate all of her peach cobbler also after I added a packet of sugar. I cleaned Mom’s teeth, brushed her hair and gave her a chocolate. We channel surfed some then I returned the TV to Fred A DVD. I assisted Mom into bed, put the O2 on and put the blanket I had brought from home on Mom, plus one of the lap blankets. Yvonne came by and we talked about Mom’s missing new pink shoes. I also spoke to Donna in Rec. and the nurse about the missing shoes and blankets. The nurse accompanied me to the laundry where I found Mom’s cover. I brought that home to more clearly mark it. The nurse told me that they are supposed to supply the covers. That she would see to it later. I said I would bring a photo of the missing shoes. I left the NH about 7 PM.

December 23, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH about 10:15 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I saw Donna from Recreation and gave her the photograph, flyer about the lost shoes. Mom was on her bed, teeth in, O2 on, glasses on, DVD playing, sound down. I opened the blinds, turned up the sound, cleaned Mom’s glasses and got her into her chair with lap blanket. I made up her bed with the bedspread from home. The bed still had the covers that I left last night, no change. We went to the Great Room for the Singalong. I got Mom some coffee and we sang and clapped with the music. Oldies. Then we headed back to Mom’s room. Donna told me that Isabel had found the shoes in Ms Knickerbockers room (the similarity in spelling to “Hickerson”) and that the shoes are in her room which they were. Mom propelled herself part of the way and did quite well although claiming the whole time that she couldn’t do it. I marked on the shoes, more and put her shoes on her then took her to the dining room for lunch. On the way I met the new Charge Nurse, Unit Manager, Rose. She has previously worked on Unit I. Mom wanted another coffee so I got her one and also a towel for a bib. I left about 11:50 AM.

FRI, DEC. 20 & SAT., DEC. 21, 2013

Sometimes, Mom draws in my sketchbook. This is a portrait of me done last August.

December 20, 2013, Friday. I went to the NH about 4:30 PM. I paid for the Christmas dinner, 5:30 PM, 6 guests. Mom was in the Big TV room, glasses on, teeth in, no sweater. The birdfeeders were full but the blinds were closed. We opened the blinds and a C.N.A. brought Mom’s tray. Mom ate about 1/3 of the Frito pie, all the tomatoes and half the cake. I saw that Carl had signed in earlier today and noted that Mom had a banana. We channel surfed and I cleaned her fingernails. I noticed that Mom’s dirty clothes were gone so I spoke to Nurse John at the nurse station and the C.N.A. plus I used a marker to mark her hamper “FAMILY DOES LAUNDRY”. I’ll have to make a sign also. We played patty-cake and I called for assistance to put Mom to bed. A C.N.A. came and said that a different one would come later and help me so I put Mom to bed. I cleaned her teeth but forgot the O2. I left about 6:30 PM. 

December 21, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 4:45 PM. The bird feeders were full and the blinds open. Mom was in the big TV room. She didn’t recognize me at first until I started talking and called her Mom. We went to her room where her tray was waiting. Mom had new flowers from Carl and Carl had noted that Mom had a banana today. Mom ate pretty well; almost all of her carrots, a good portion of her rice, all of her pudding plus the nutrition drink they brought. Once again she seemed to get bored of eating so we clapped hands, did stretches, sang songs and she would go back to eating. I cleaned her teeth and gave Mom a chocolate. Yvonne came and asked how we were doing.  We talked about the disappearing laundry. Yvonne said look in her closet and it was there, hung up on hangers. I posted a sign stating that “Family will do laundry” in 72 point type. Her bedspread is also missing. I described it to Yvonne and I hope that I wrote her name on it. Yvonne got Mom into bed and put her O2 on. She said that Mom slept this afternoon and that she had gotten up just before I came this afternoon. Mom and I did some personal care, channel surfed then I changed the DVD to Barclays of Broadway and left about 6:30 PM.

WED., DEC. 18 & THURS., DEC. 19, 2013

December 18, 2013, Wednesday. I went to the NH about 3 PM. The bird feeders were full, blinds open. Nurse Luz was doctoring Mom’s R leg when I came to Mom’s room. New bandage on then I gave Mom some homemade baked apple. I accompanied her to the Great Room for the Christmas party. She propelled herself much of the way. There was a Posada, a Santa, marimba music, cookies, juice, ice cream Sundays and gifts. Mom & I clapped, sang and swayed with the music. After the party was over, I accompanied Mom to the Big TV room. I found C.N.A. Norma and told her that Mom would need to eat in the dining room tonight, that I would not be there to feed her. I left about 4:30 PM. I left the TV on TCM because they were running Fred A. movies.  At home, I spoke to Riley on the phone. He said that he could go by tonight after 7 PM and check on her teeth, etc.

December 19, 2013, Thursday. I went to the NH about 4:45 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. The Suzuki Strings (children) were playing in the Great Room. Mom was in her chair in her room watching TCM. I took her to see the children. We stayed through several pieces then returned to her room for supper. A C.N.A. brought Mom’s tray just as I got her set up. Mom ate fairly well. Nurse Steve stopped by and said that Mom ate the Doctor’s fish today at lunch. I gave her a few chips and a chocolate also. Then we hung up some clothes and looked at pictures. Today Mom could identify her parents and siblings but although she recognized her children she had difficulty naming them. Mom wanted to go to bed so I took out her teeth and called for assistance. C.N.A. Norma came immediately with a trainee. They spoke Spanish to each other but English to Mom. Norma commented on how physically strong Mom is. A Med nurse came and gave Mom some medication which she said is for blood pressure, twice a day. I asked Nurse Steve about this and he said it is “diltiazem” for heart arrhythmia. She is also on Lasix. A nurse delivered a package of bandages for Mom, for hospice. I put them in the bottom drawer of her bedside stand. I changed the TV to Easter Parade with Judy Garland and left with dirty clothes about 6:50 PM.

MON., DEC. 16 & TUES., DEC. 17, 2013

December 16, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH about 4:50 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I saw Nurse Steve and gave him the tin of choc oatmeal bars and left fudge for Unit 2 staff at the nurse desk. Mom was in the Great room, glasses on, teeth in. I accompanied Mom to her room and Yvonne brought her tray. Mom ate all of her green beans, most of her potatoes, some of her bread and none of the meat and gravy. She ate all of her banana pudding and some of a cookie then had a chocolate.  She seems to get tired of eating so tonight I got her to sing some songs with me, took breaks, sang and stretched then she would start eating again. I will try that strategy again. I also discovered that she does not remember many of the folk songs she taught me but knows Christmas Carols.  We hung up clothes and by the time we got to the last garments, she was starting to get problem, figure it out. I tried the new dress from Brooks on her upper body and it seems to fit well and looks good on her. We went for a walk and I left a note for the beautician to give Mom a wash and set.  Mom propelled herself most of the way there then I pushed her for the return trip due to traffic. In Mom’s room we channel surfed some while I got her dressed for bed. I called for assistance and Yvonne came and changed Mom and we got her into bed. Mom had a BM while being changed. Her wounds look to be healing well. I left about 6:50 PM. Mom was in a good humor and advocated for herself some.

December 17, 2013, Tuesday. I went to the NH about 4:45 PM. The bird feeders were full, blinds open. Mom was in the Big TV room. I accompanied her back to her room. I heard from staff that Mom attended activities and enjoyed the children’s program. Mom was happy and cooperative tonight. She propelled herself most of the way to the room. Yvonne brought her tray then returned with salt & pepper. Mom ate well. She likes omelet, hash browns, biscuit and jelly and juice. She did not eat the fruit but ate most of a cookie with the fruit syrup. I showed her the card from Brooks and ttwo pair of socks from Brooks. We channel surfed, looked at some photographs then I helped her into bed. I called for help but no one came.  I took her photo book home to rearrange some photos, cleaned her teeth, put the O2 on, changed the DVD to Easter Parade and left about 6:30 PM. Carl came today, freshened the flowers and noted that Mom had half a banana.

SAT., DEC. 14, & SUN., DEC. 15, 2013

December 14, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 4:50 PM. Mom was being escorted to her room by Donna with a bag of goodies from the Kiwanis Holiday Party. Mom’s tray was in her room.  Mom did not eat well as she had been to the party and had treats.  She ate all the tomatoes out of the salad, some of the beans and a piece of tortilla. She ate a few bites of the pear and of a cookie. She did not want to go to bed but then watched some of White Christmas and agreed to go to bed. We did some personal care and I got her into her nightgown and into bed. I noticed that her wound on her R leg was leaking and went to find Nurse John. Nurse John put an additional bandage on the wound. I cleaned Mom’s teeth, put her O2 on and left the TV on the program. I left the marshmallow Santa there and took the bubble bath and picture frame home.

December 15, 2013, Sunday. I opened the box of gifts from Brooks! Wow! New shoes, new dress and 6 pairs of grippy socks! Plus he sent real live artwork by himself. I took the new shoes to the NH about 4:45 PM. A girl scout and her mother were looking for the entrance so I led them in. I fed the birds. Mom was in the dining room and carolers were in the Great Room. We went back to her room. Mom propelled herself a little way but there was traffic in the hallway so I took over. Mom Loved the shoes! They are slightly on the large size but Mom wanted to put them on right away, keep them on. Yvonne brought her tray right away. Mom said she was hungry but didn’t eat that well; most of the potatoes, some of the crab cake, and one piece of zucchini. The veggies were hard? I added chopped up chocolate to the peaches and she ate those, complaining all the while but if I put the spoon down she fed herself the choc and peaches. We channel surfed and hung up some clean clothes then I called for help. We got her into her nightgown and I cleaned her teeth then Yvonne came and changed her, got her into bed, put her O2 on.  I put on the Top Hat DVD and left about 6:40 PM. Mom had difficulty tonight with problem solving and understanding sequences. Her wounds look okay.

 

STILL A ROOM OF HER OWN, DEC. 12 & 13, 2013

The photograph is from Carl.

December 12, 2013, Thursday.  I went to the NH about 10:30 AM and things Did Not go as planned. There was no Nail Spa this morning as volunteers were no show. Activities were conducting some arts and crafts in the Great Room. Mom was in the Big TV room when I came in. We went to the Great Room, got a cup of coffee then returned to Mom’s room where I cleaned and trimmed her fingernails we did some personal care. Mom colored in the coloring book, ate half a banana from Carl and I drew her picture.  We channel surfed and watched the birds. We looked at photos and Mom identified her sisters and parents but not her children in old photographs.  Sam, the social worker, came by and said they may have a roommate for Mom and we talked about how Mom likes, needs, the TV on all night long. Signe, a volunteer with Hospice came by and we chatted. The C.N.A. came and took Mom’s vitals. Mom had a low temp of 99.8. Then Stacy, C.N.A. from Hospice, came and took Mom for a bath. I left about 11:40 AM.

December 13, 2013, Friday. There was a message on my phone this morning from RNC. “This is Not and emergency but call in the morning.”  I spoke to Nurse Jim this morning. He said that Mom fell, slipped out of her chair, onto the floor last night, no injury reported.  This means that Mom may have been left sitting in her chair, alone, in her room? I went to the NH about 4:45 PM. There was bird seed but I added to the vertical feeder. The grass is enjoying the rain. Mom was resting on her bed, DVD turned up, no glasses, teeth in. She was ready to get up and into her chair. A C.N.A. brought her tray. Mom ate all of her potato soup, some okra and potatoes and just a couple of bites of the fried chicken. Then she ate the piece of fig cake I brought from home. We played patty-cake, sang some songs then Mom said she wanted to go to “her bed” and that I should get off her bed. We did some personal care and I looked at the new wound on her right leg. The wound on her L leg is almost healed. Mom had no evidence of fever today. There is still no roommate. Mom still has a room to herself. I put a nightgown on her and helped her to her bed. She was wet so I called for assistance and changed her. A C.N.A. came after I was finished. I cleaned Mom’s teeth, put the DVD back on Fred A & Ginger, and gave Mom a chocolate. She opened it herself. Mom seemed independent today but had trouble with understanding spoken language. It seemed difficulty with hearing today. I took her dirty clothes and left about 6:45 PM.  

TUES., DEC. 10 & WED., DEC. 11, 2013

December 10, 2013. Tuesday. I went to the NH about 4:40 PM. The vertical feeder was on the ground, not broken. I filled the feeders and noted the grass does not look good but the soil is holding. Mom was in the Big TV room, no teeth, glasses on, no sweater, looked cold. I got her a sweater out of the clean clothes I brought then we went to her room. Her tray was in her room. I got hr teeth in and gave her a cap. We saw male & female cardinals out the window. She ate fairly well and Rec. told me that she had been to the birthday party today so she had cake and treats. She ate two of the cookies I brought, too. Then we hung up clothes and I brushed her hair. She kept asking to go, to go, for a ride or to go home. I changed the DVD to Fred A and Ginger and that calmed her somewhat and brushed her hair some more then we went for a walk to the Great room and looked at the Tree, up close. Mom counted the red and green bulbs. Her bird was on the tree but she didn’t recognize it as hers. Tonight is Movie night and Mom said that she wanted to go so I took her to the big TV room and got her a lap blanket. I saw Tina. Mom was very contrary and argumentative initially but the hair brushing, some singing songs and playing seemed to calm her down. By the time I left about 6:30 PM she seemed much more comfortable. 

December 11, 2013, Wednesday. I went to the NH about 4:40 PM. The bird feeders were full, blinds closed. I saw Mom through the window in the Great Room. I took my things to her room then joined her in the Great Room where there was a gentleman at the piano, playing and singing. Mom did not have her teeth in. We sang along then returned to her room. Mom propelled herself part of the way. I spoke to Nurse Steve about Mom’s teeth. Yvonne brought Mom’s tray, told me she had noticed Mom’s teeth and hadn’t disturbed Mom in activities. I turned off the TV. I went to get salt and when I returned, Carl was with Mom preparing fresh flowers for her. We discussed some business and sang some songs. While Carl was with Mom I spoke with Recreation about my upcoming exhibit at OBE and the subject of aging. Carl left then we continued with the meal. Mom was very contrary so we stopped and played patty cake and hand games, then she ate some more. Yvonne came and got Mom’s tray. Mom and I hung up some clean clothes and channel surfed some. Mom wanted to go to bed so I called for help and Nurse Steve came and we started to get Mom to bed. Then C.N.A. Norma came and changed Mom. She put cream on Mom, too. I brushed Mom’s hair and gave her a chocolate. Mom was fidgety and had moments of being argumentative tonight but we parted on good terms. I put the TV back on the Fred A., Ginger R. DVD and left about 6:40 PM.   

SUNDAY, DEC. 8 & MON., DEC. 9, 2013

December 8, 2013, Sunday. Riley called about Noon to say that he would do Mom duty today about 4:30 PM. He also plans on going by earlier.

December 9, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH about 4:40 PM. The birdfeeder was full, blinds closed. Mom was in the Great Room and there were Carolers from somewhere. We sang the Twelve Days of Christmas, then I accompanied Mom to her room. I noted that Riley had signed in about 3 PM and C.N.A. Yvonne said that he had shown up “at just the right time.” I set Mom up at her table then went and got her tray from the hall cart. Mom used her straw to suck the juice from her chili. The meat/beans in the NH chili are not quality but the juice is pretty good so she sucked it dry. She ate about half her cornbread some of the fried zucchini (mostly the breading) then the 3 teacakes I brought from home. We did some personal care and channel surfed. I returned the tray then we hung up clean clothes I had brought. I called for help and Yvonne came immediately and I assisted changing and putting Mom to bed. Yvonne is very caring and Mom likes her a lot. I put the TV back on the bird DVD, took the dirty clothes, gave Mom a chocolate, and left about 6:30.

FRI., DEC. 6 & SAT., DEC. 7, 2013

December 6, 2013, Friday. I went to the NH about 4:40 PM today. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was on her bed and her room was COLD! C.N.A. Adam brought Mom’s tray and I helped him change Mom and get her into her chair. I gave her a lap blanket and a hat. She ate well tonight; at least half her beef noodle dish, all of her bread, none of her veggies, and both her chocolate chip cookies. We channel surfed and I soaked and cleaned her fingernails. I went to the nurses station and reported that Mom’s room (205) is COLD. I saw Donna from Rec. and she said that Mom did not participate in activities today. I suspect the cold room keeps Mom in bed. I helped Mom into a nightgown and back into bed. I put extra covers on Mom. I cleaned her teeth, put her O2 on and left about 6:30. EMS was on Unit 2 to transport someone to the hospital. I left Mom watching the American in Paris DVD.

December 7, 2013, Saturday. I telephoned Unit 2 this afternoon and told them that Mom’s room was cold. Nurse Jim told me that Ted the maintenance was on site today and would check it.  I went to the NH about 4:40 PM. The birdfeeders were full, blinds open. I saw that Carl signed in today about 1:30 PM. Mom was on her bed, O2 on, glasses on, teeth in, watching American in Paris DVD. I started to get Mom up but she was very wet so I changed her. Her room is warmer today. We got her into her chair and did some personal care. I went to get Mom’s tray. We channel surfed some while eating then I turned the TV off. Mom ate about half her hamburger some of her salad and fries and all of her ice cream after I crumbled some chocolate into it. When I returned her tray, I saw Nurse Steve and asked him to look at Mom’s wound. He did and it looks good. I changed her sock and noted her foot was blue. Nurse Steve saw that, too. I have advocated for no foot rests on her wheelchair but I think I am wrong about that. We channel surfed some then I assisted Mom back onto her bed, on top of the covers with bedspread and lap blanket over her. I cleaned her teeth, put the O2 on and put the TV back on American in Paris. I left about 6:30 PM.

THURS., DEC. 5 & FRI., DEC 6, 2013

December 5, 2013, Thursday. I went to the NH and paid today. I didn’t get a bill this month and Candy Sandlin was not in the office today. I gave the checks to Michael. I went to the NH about 4:45 PM today. There was feed in the feeders, blinds closed. Riley signed in and visited Mom last night about 7 PM. Mom was on her bed, O2 on, glasses on, teeth in, lights out in her room, DVD playing, sound down. Mom did Not want to get out of bed but Yvonne came with Mom’s tray and helped me get Mom up and into her chair. I brushed her hair and we did some personal care then set up for supper. She ate all the broth of the soup, all of her bread and most of her pear. She did not eat the spinach. We went for a walk. I left a “thank you” for the beautician. Mom’s hair still looks really nice from the Tuesday set & wash. We went to the front foyer and looked at the Nativity then back to her room. We hung up a few clean clothes then I assisted her back to bed. I put her nightgown on her, cleaned her teeth and changed the DVD. C.N.A. Mothling came in twice while I was there to see if we needed anything. I left about 6:30 PM. Nelson Mandela died today. There was a pall over many staff today.

December 6, 2013, Friday. I went to the NH about 4:40 PM today. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was on her bed and her room was COLD! C.N.A. Adam brought Mom’s tray and I helped him change Mom and get her into her chair. I gave her a lap blanket and a hat. She ate well tonight; at least half her beef noodle dish, all of her bread, none of her veggies, and both her chocolate chip cookies. We channel surfed and I soaked and cleaned her fingernails. I went to the nurses station and reported that Mom’s room (205) is COLD. I saw Donna from Rec. and she said that Mom did not participate in activities today. I suspect the cold room keeps Mom in bed. I helped Mom into a nightgown and back into bed. I put extra covers on Mom. I cleaned her teeth, put her O2 on and left about 6:30. EMS was on Unit 2 to transport someone to the hospital. I left Mom watching the American in Paris DVD.

TUES., DEC. 3 & WED., DEC. 4, 2013

December 3, 2013, Tuesday. MOM’S DEVELOPING A BEDSORE! I went to the NH about 5PM today. The birdfeeders were all full. Mom was in bed, O2 on. Someone has removed the extension on Mom’s back rest on her wheelchair and it is much better. She does not need the extended back. Yvonne came and helped me get Mom into her chair then went and got Mom’s tray. Mom ate one of the two tamales, all the tomatoes in the salad, some of the beans and one of the raisin cookies. Carl signed in about 3 PM and had brought fresh flowers. He noted that she had eaten ½ of a banana he had brought today. We channel surfed, talked about birds, played patty cake. She had her hair done today and looks great! When I assisted Mom back into bed, she was wet so I called for help and changed her. Just as I was finishing up, C.N.A. Norma came and I told her about the bedsore and she got some cream out of the drawer and put on her and put on her O2. I cleaned Mom’s glasses and teeth then gave her a chocolate. There was a written report from the social worker, Sam, about Mom’s missing shoe. I changed the TV back to the bird video which Mom requested, turned down the lights and left with Mom’s dirty clothes about 6:50 PM.

December 4, 2013, Monday. I got an email from Regina, at hospice saying that Mom now weighs 117.5. She is pleased with that weight. I went to the NH about 4:45 tonight. There was still bird seed in the feeders, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on but cannula out of place, glasses off, sound down on DVD. I opened the blinds and started to get Mom up but she was wet so I changed her. C.N.A. brought the tray for supper while I was changing her but hurried away and didn’t assist. Her bedsore looks much better. I got Mom into her chair, brushed her hair, found and cleaned her glasses and turned off the TV. Mom says that she went to activities today. She ate about half of her soup, some of the potato salad and some of the bread, all of the cookie and some pieces of pineapple. We looked at pictures. Mom did well at identifying people in the photos but not 100%, just some mild confusion. We played patty cake and I assisted her back into bed. We channel surfed some then I put the TV back on the Winged Migration film. She wanted to watch that. I put the O2 on and cleaned her teeth. I left about 6:45 PM. Mom was alert overall tonight and knew me.

SUN., DEC. 1 & MON., DEC. 2, 2013

December 1, 2013, Sunday. I went to the NH about 4:45 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on, glasses on, sound down on the opera and the lights off in her room. Barbara W. from the Episcopalian Ministry came by and visited. It was great to see her. I started to get Mom up but she was very wet so I called for help and started changing her. C.N.A. Adam arrived with Mom’s tray and assisted me in getting Mom changed into her chair. Mom has a new bandage on her leg. Mom ate well, more than half, with added curry to the salad, parmesan cheese for the chili, and honey for the cornbread. A C.N.A. brought a small cup of Boost also. We went for a walk around the facility after supper and Mom propelled herself about half the way. I left a note at the beauty shop asking for a wash & set for Mom (on Tuesday). We went back to her room, channel surfed and then I helped Mom into bed, cleaned her teeth and put on a Fred A. DVD. I also left a note at the Nurse station about the loose connection for the cable TV. I left about 6:30 PM. Mom was alert enough to argue with me today.

December 2, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH about 4:45 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was in her room on her bed. C.N.A. Adam came and assisted me getting her into her chair and brought Mom’s tray. Mom ate well tonight; half the cheese sandwich, all of the tomato soup and the butterscotch pudding! We channel surfed some and only one bird came to the seed tonight, a white rock dove. We hung up some clean clothes I brought and went for a walk around the facility. Donna told me that Mom was at the music concert this morning. We went to the front foyer and watched the sunset and the cars. Then we went back to her room. Mom propelled herself almost half the way. We looked at photographs and Mom identified family and children correctly. She did not recognize Dad (Al). I assisted Mom into her nightgown and back into bed. I cleaned her teeth, put her O2 on, cleaned her glasses, changed the DVD to Winged Migration. I left about 6:30 PM.

FRI., NOV. 29, 2013 & SAT., NOV. 30, 2013

November 29, 2013, Friday. I went to the NH about 4:45 PM. There was feed in the feeders, blinds closed. Mom was on her bed, flat, no glasses, sound down on DVD, O2 on.  Mom was awake and didn’t have on pants in bed so I got her some slacks and helped her into her chair. The C.N.A. brought her tray then returned with coffee and juice. Mom ate slowly about 1/3 of her rice & meat, some of the cauliflower and carrots. She likes carrots but these were under cooked and rather hard. The bread was dry and she ate only a bite of that. She ate only a few bites of the fruit. She was swallowing well today, beginning with enthusiasm but soon refusing food. She asked me several times to take her for a ride in the car. We hung up some clean clothes I brought. She was able to straighten and hang with about the fourth garment. Her problem solving was low. We channel surfed and Hello Dolly was on. She enjoyed watching that. We played patty-cake and did some stretchies. As far as I could determine she did not go to activities today. Her bandage on her L leg had not been changed since 11/25/13. I changed the DVD to Flying to Rio (Fred A., Ginger Rogers, Delores del Rio). I left about 6:50 PM.

November 30, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 4:50 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Went I went into the facility Nurse Sandra said that Mom had spoken to her, followed instructions from C.N.A. Adam, and smiled. Mom was in her chair in her room. C.N.A. Adam brought Mom’s tray and Mom ate her soup well plus some of the bread but not the chicken salad. I brought some baked apple and she ate about ¾ of that plus half of the Apple Betty from the NH. I got some pillow cases for her pillows and Mom and I put them on the pillows. We channel surfed and did some personal care. I assisted her into a nightgown and into her bed and noticed blood leaking from under the bandage. Mr. Thomas seemed to be hanging out by Mom’s door. I told nurse Sandra about the leaking then took Mom’s dirty clothes to the car. I returned. Mr. Thomas was gone and the Nurses cart was by Mom’s door. Nurse Sandra said the smaller wound had opened and we discussed the possibility that something on her chair is injuring her.

I changed the DVD to the Opera and left about 6:50 PM.

WED., NOV. 27 & THANKSGIVING! NOV. 28, 2013

November 27, 2013, Wednesday. I went to the NH about 4:45 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was in bed without her teeth, no glasses, O2 on but cannula was on the floor and the sound was down on the TV. I opened the blinds and we saw some birds. Mom’s room was a mess with dirty clothes here and there. Mom was wet so I changed her and got her dressed and into her chair. I called for help but no one came. I brushed her hair. I put dirty clothes in hamper then went and got her tray. I got her teeth in and turned off the TV. Mom ate well tonight. Almost all of the cauliflower and broccoli, some of the chopped chicken and biscuit but not much of the fruit salad. Carl came while Mom was eating. Mom spotted him coming out the window and got excited, recognized him. Carl brought fresh flowers and showed us pictures on his new IPad. After Carl left,  I did the game of having her choose which bite when she started to tire of eating and it continues to work to get her to eat more. I sang Go Down Moses and Do you want to Sit Down but she did not know those songs. She sang along on ‘Good Health & Wealth…’ and ‘We Gather together.’ Then I sang Down in the Valley and she knew that song, first and second verses. I took her teeth out and cleaned them and gave Mom a chocolate marshmallow treat which she ate all of independently. Then we hung up clean clothes I had brought. We played patty cake and did stretchies then I helped her into a nightgown and back into bed. We channel surfed then went back to Singing in the Rain. I put her O2 on then left about 7 PM. Mom was alert and seemed to know who I was today.

THANKSGIVING, November 28, 2013, Thursday. Festivities are scheduled for 5:30 PM. Bill and I arrived at the NH about 4:45 PM. Mom was in the Big TV room with other residents. I took Mom back to her room and Bill went to the Great Room to wait for the party. I put on her lap blanket, beads, a scarf, cleaned her fingernails and turned off the TV.  Then we headed for the Great Room. Mom propelled herself part of the way but Mom seemed a little out of it. We took pictures and Riley, Terri, Carl and Charlotte all arrived about the same time. Then Kim and Stuart came. Terri couldn’t stay. We sang “We gather together….” And Good Health and Wealth…” and Mom sang along.  The food was good and we all ate our fill. Mom did not eat well tonight in the middle of the many distractions. We said good night all around then I took Mom back to her room and assisted her into bed. I cleaned her teeth, gave her a chocolate and channel surfed a bit. Then I put the TV back on Singing in the Rain and Bill and I left about 6:45. Mom seemed confused tonight. I checked Mom’s wound on her L leg. The 11/25/13 bandage is still on there is blood seepage but no sign of infection or distress in the area. I spoke to Nurse Steve about it and he said they would likely change the bandage tomorrow.

MON., NOV. 25 & TUES., NOV. 26, 2013

November 25, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH about 4:40 PM. I fed the birds a little but the feeders were full. Mom was on her bed, O2 on, teeth in, no glasses, DVD playing. I noted that Riley had signed in earlier today. We spoke on the phone this afternoon and he said that he visited Mom and she seemed well. Mom was wet so I changed her then got her into her chair. Someone brought her tray while I wasn’t looking. When she was standing before getting into her chair, I noticed blood running down her leg and called for help. C.N.A. Adam came and assisted getting Mom seated with her leg on the bed on a pad then went for a nurse. Nurse Steve came and inspected the thin cut on her L leg. He bandaged it then Adam and I got Mom out of the bloody socks and pants. Mom chose fresh pants from the clean clothes I had brought. Mom ate less than half of her food; chopped chicken, rice, cornbread and peas. I got her a coffee and drizzled some of that on her ginger cake, then she ate all of that, once it was moistened. We hung up the clean clothes I brought. She did some problem solving. I cleaned her teeth and gave her a chocolate then assisted her into bed. We channel surfed and I got her dirty clothes bagged up. I gave her a caramel, put the DVD back on, dimmed a light and left, closing her door. Mr. Thomas was outside her door and I looked at him and laughed, snickered. I left the NH about 6:50 PM with the dirty clothes. Today I got a sense that she did not know, wasn’t sure who I was. I didn’t press her.

November 26, 2013, Tuesday. I went to the NH about 4:40 PM. I fed the birds although there was still feed in the feeders. Mom was on her bed with the O2 cannula tangled in her glasses and she was flat, sound down on DVD and seemed to be trying to do something, struggling. I got her straightened out and determined she was trying to get to the remote to turn the sound up on the TV. I got the sound up and C.N.A. Adam came and helped me get Mom into her chair. We did some personal care and Adam brought a tray which turned out to be Ms Bailey’s but Mom ate it anyway. She ate well tonight. I figured out a strategy tonight. Mom tires, just gets tired and doesn’t want to eat anymore even if she likes the soup, egg salad. I got two utensils…spoon & fork….put some egg salad on fork and soup in the spoon and say “choose.” It works! She keeps eating, choosing one then the other. She ate some bread too. And both of the choc. Chip cookies. We sang a little…”We gather together to ask the ..” and “Good health and wealth…” I got her to sing along. While we hung up clean clothes, I asked her. She did not know who I was. We went through all the girls…Helen, Cynthia, Lucretia, Melanie, Zenna Belle, Roberta, Claris, Minnie Jane…and no, she did not know who I was. She Does know that she is Geraldine. She did problem solve some with the clothes. I assisted her back into bed, into her pajamas, gave her a chocolate and left about 6:30 PM. I changed the DVD to Singing in the Rain.

FRI., NOV. 22, SAT, NOV.23, AND SUN., NOV. 24, 2013

November 22, 2013, Friday. I didn’t go to the NH today. Riley came by about 4 PM and said that he would go and hang out with Mom and help her with supper. Riley said that Mom was alert and ate about half of her food. He said that Mom did not have her teeth in when he arrived. He left her with a new movie on the DVD, O2 on and teeth cleaned.

November 23, 2013, Saturday. I didn’t go to the NH today. The report was that Mom was alert and ate well, very slowly. All of her soup, some of her cornbread, some of fruit. He said that she remembered that she had gone to hear the Ukulele concert in the afternoon.

November 24, 2013, Sunday. I didn’t go to the NH today.

WED., NOV. 20 & THURS., NOV. 21, 2013

November 20, 2013, Wednesday. I went to the NH about 4:50 PM. There was still birdseed from yesterday, blinds closed. Mom was on her bed, O2 on, glasses on, DVD playing, teeth in. I got Mom into her w/c and the C.N.A. brought Mom’s tray. Mom was contrary, advocated for herself today, and ate all her veggies, some soup and some pasta. But it took three packets of ketchup, salt and pepper. She ate both her cookies independently. I worked on organizing her drawers. We hung up some clean clothes I brought. We channel surfed while we soaked and cleaned her fingernails. After returning her tray to the dining room, I spoke to Nurse Diane and Annie in Rec. about getting Mom up for activities. I gave Tina’s sugarless candy to Annie. I assisted the C.N.A. in changing Mom then got her into bed. I cleaned Mom’s teeth, gave her a chocolate, put the O2 on and changed the DVD to Gene Kelly in Brigadoon. I left about 7 PM.

November 21, 2013, Thursday.  I went to the NH about 4:45 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Rain predicted and it has drizzled some today so I didn’t water. Mom was in the dining room. Staff told me that Mom had been all over the facility today, going here and there. I saw her release her brakes herself. We went to her room with Mom propelling herself most of the way. Her tray was in her room. Mom was pleasant and also argumentative. She did not eat well then told me that she had played Bingo and “had already eaten”. She ate a few bites of omelet, hash browns and about ½ of the biscuit. She wanted to go for a ride. So we went for a walk outside and watched the sunset on the gathering thunderheads and looked at the Fall colors. Mom was communicative and aware of her environment. I explained that she was sick. “Do you want to die?” I asked then we talked about dieing. We went back to her room after I told her there was chocolate there. I gave her chocolate, cleaned her teeth, her glasses, got her into her nightie and into bed with O2 on. We watched some of a Fred A. tap dance then she told me she had seen this movie. We channel surfed then I put on Winged Migration. She watched the birds with attention and interest so I left it on that. I closed the door when I left about 6:40 PM. Once again I saw no sign of Mr. Thomas.

MON., NOV. 18 & TUES., NOV. 19, 2013

November 18, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH about 4:50 PM, fed the birds, watered the grass, blinds half open. Mom was asleep on her bed, TV on, sound low, O2 on but cannula out of place, glasses on, teeth in. There was no table in her room. I asked Nurse Steve and also C.N.A. Marcelina for a table. Marcelina brought Mom’s tray and we put it on a bedside stand then Nurse Steve brought a table and we set up at the table, TV off. Mom was consistently agreeable and ate well, slowly; some spaghetti, some salad, some fruit and two small cookies. Contrary to usual behavior, Mom responded “yes” to all inquiries. We looked at some photos and Mom could not identify herself or any of her relatives tonight. Mom was reluctant to use her left hand in hand games and activities tonight. We hung up some clean clothes I brought and by the fourth item she began to understand what we were doing. She was very distant and not responsive to cues about music, dancing or art. I saw Mr. Thomas at Mom’s door. I pointed at him and laughed loudly and he left immediately. I went out to the hall and there was no sign of him. This is suggested defense against “flashers” – point and laugh. I washed Mom’s teeth and gave her a chocolate. I called for assistance and started putting Mom into bed. She was very cooperative and I got Mom into bed. Marcelina came but Mom did not need changing. I put on Mom’s O2, changed the DVD, cleaned her glasses and Mom dozed off quickly. I spoke to Nurse Steve about my perception of changes in Mom. He accompanied me to Mom’s room and took an O2 measure which was good. He suggested that in the future if I note such behavior change in her to see himself or Nurse Jim right away. I left about 6:45 PM. I called Riley and talked about initiating the strategy of “pointing and laughing” at Mr. Thomas if he is seen in the vicinity of Mom’s door. I will also watch for an opportunity to speak directly to Mr. Thomas and tell him to stay away from Mom. I drew his portrait last summer so I am acquainted with him superficially.

November 19, 2013, Tuesday. Regina emailed that Mom has GAINED A LB.! Yea! Change in direction is great! I went to the NH about 4:40 PM. The bird feeders were full. I saw that both Carl and Riley signed the book, visited Mom and Carl said he shared a banana with Mom too. Mom was asleep on her bed. I got her up and into her chair. She argued with me but the food tray came and I got her into her chair. She ate well tonight; all of the chicken salad off of the bread, some of the noodles and all of the brownie. She said she wanted to go for a walk so we did. Tonight she identified herself in photos and her mother’s house. She propelled herself some and enjoyed watching people going around in the hallway. We successfully played patty cake. We returned to the room, hung up some clean clothes then I assisted Mom back onto her bed. We channel surfed, I cleaned Mom’s teeth and gave her a chocolate. I left about 6:45 PM with dirty clothes. I left the TV on the DVD. I saw no sign of Mr. Thomas today.