FEB 24-26, 2013

ME &MOM at nursing home BarBQ summer 2013, taken by NH staff. 

February 24, 2013, Sunday.  Foxy and I went to the NH about 3:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds partially open. Foxy waited in the car. I found Mom asleep on her bed, no teeth, glasses on, O2 on.  The band aid from yesterday was still in place and her skin looked very dry. I opened the blinds and got out some hand cream. Mom was vigorously licking her lips. I didn’t see residue around her mouth but wiped her mouth with good face cream and cloth and she stopped. I gave her chap stick but she didn’t know what to do with it. I gave instruction, plus assisted her to put in her teeth. I found the teeth soaking in soapy water, so I brushed and cleaned them. She did not want the lowers so we didn’t put those in. Mom demonstrated increased confusion today, not responding to directions, questions or comments. We hung up some clean clothes that I brought today. Mom was not much assistance today. We went for a ride in the car. We saw some children selling Lemonade so we stopped and bought two cups. One cup fell and they replaced it. Mom enjoyed that a lot and said the lemonade was “delicious”. I thought it was awful but the experience was lovely. Mom petted Foxy with great enthusiasm today. We returned to the nursing home about 4:50 PM. Foxy waited in the car while I escorted Mom to her room with her lemonade. I gave her the Sun Chips she won playing Bingo (the potato chips were gone) at her table in her room. I changed the DVD from Carmen Part II to Carmen part I. She insisted she wanted to watch the Opera. As I exited the NH about 5 PM, I saw Carl and Charlotte coming in. I assisted Carl to give the birds more birdseed. We visited outside then they went in as I left. Carl was carrying fresh flowers.

February 25, 2013, Monday. I did not go to the NH.

February 26, 2013, Tuesday. I went to the NH about 2:15 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, no O2, glasses on, teeth in. She spoke to me as soon as I came in, a disjointed sentence about the TV, I think. I turned up the sound. It was the first Carmen DVD playing. I opened the blinds and got Mom into her wheelchair. Cleaned her hands, gave her a bib and gave her the piece of pumpkin pie I brought. She ate it all without problems while watching the DVD intently. She said she wasn’t sure if she had ever seen this DVD. The birds came. I found photographs taken by the facility in a drawer and also a decorated poster board frame she had made in a crafts activity. We did some personal care, esp. fingernails today. Yvonne came and took her blood pressure, said it was a little low “90”. I changed the TV to a Fred A/ Ginger Rogers DVD. Mom and I went for a walk. She propelled herself less than half the walk. When I opened the door to the covered patio, she said it was too cold to go out so we went to dining room II where the crafts activity was commencing. I got Mom some coffee. Mom was alert but had difficulty understanding me so I wrote several things down for her today which she read and understood. She appeared to be hearing sounds, speech, around her. I spoke briefly with Nurse Diane about Mom not understanding spoken directions. Nurse Diane said that dentist likely would not come to change label on Mom’s teeth until Thursday, the scheduled dentist visit day. I left about 3:40 PM.  I brought home the photographs and the cardboard frame. I found an old photo of her home in Weatherford and put it in the frame to take to her next visit. I scanned the photos into the computer to share. I look awful in one of them.

FEB. 22 & 23, 2013

February 22, 2013, Friday. I telephoned Austin Dental Cares this morning about 7:30 AM and spoke with Daniel about name change in Mom’s uppers. They now have the name “Henderson” in them and given the history of the dentures being lost that we should try to get the correct name on the dentures. Daniel said that they should be able to take care of it next Tuesday. Nurse Diane telephoned about 4:40 PM to say that Mom has another skin tear, same leg a little lower down. I said that I thought the foot rests on the wheelchair were a bad idea, that Mom has a lifetime habit of moving legs and feet even if she isn’t walking. Nurse Diane said that yes Mom does move w/c with feet as well as using hands on wheel rails. I almost removed them yesterday but didn’t. I went to NH about 5:45 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was in dining room, food was being served. I brought clean socks, scarf, hat, put them in her room and opened the blinds. I got lens wipe for her glasses and towel for a bib. Mom didn’t have foot rests on her chair and her wound looked well cared for, bandaged, not a lot of bruising. Nurse said that Luz had tended to it. I sat and assisted her eating. Mom was insistent about wanting to “go home” or with me, today. I think she does not like the dining room and the pulverized food. I got her chocolates from the room. I gave one to Tina, one to Mom and one to C.N.A. I left Mom in dining room about 6:30 PM.

February 23, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 3:10 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was on her bed resting, no O2. When I came in she immediately started trying to tell me something, “By the Yellow, birds, TV” repeating and frustrated, saying “I can’t say it.” Then Annie from Recreation came in and pointed out the large can of donated birdseed. I changed the DVD to Carmen and opened the blinds. I got Mom into her wheelchair. We did some personal care and I got the nail polish out and we worked on her fingernails. Yvonne came and took Mom’s blood pressure, said it was good. Yvonne is protective of Mom (in a good way). Then the Med nurse brought Mom Meds (Mucinex and vitamins). We went to Dining Room II for the entertainment and chocolate cake/juice refreshments. Mom ate her cake independently and enjoyed the guitar, singing and banjo music by Geezer Grass, mostly folk music. The nurse said that Mom’s O2 levels have been good enough and Mom has been refusing the O2. I checked her wounds. One has scabbed over, no bandage and bruising is emerging around the new one. I put a band-aid loosely over the scab. I left Mom at the event about 4:15 PM.

FEB. 20 & 21, 2013

I added to the Feb. 19 post re: dentist

February 20, 2013, Wednesday. I went to the NH about 2:35 PM. I fed the birds, blinds half open. Mom spoke to me as soon as I walked in, referring to “my little black car parked in the parking lot.” She was resting on her bed, TV off, no O2. I found her glasses cleaned them and we hung up clean clothes I had brought in. She had a shirt that I do not recognize and her slacks draped over her wheelchair are also new to me, but both were labeled “205B”. Yvonne came in and assisted getting Mom up and into her chair. I brushed her hair, etc. and we went to the painting activity run by volunteer, Pat S. Pat had a young assistant today, Leetah. Mom drew Leetah’s picture with water soluble pencils. Pat gave Mom a cookie. I left Mom in dining room II about 3:30 PM. I spoke with Mary from Hospice about a locking wheelchair for Mom then visited briefly with Annie from Recreation. I brought home dirty shoes.

February 21, 2013, Thursday. I went to the NH about 10:30 AM. I fed the birds blinds closed. Mom was sound asleep on her bed, teeth in, no O2, DVD on, sound turned up.  I hung up a couple of things, clean clothes, but there were no hangers so I took home some of the clean clothes I brought. I got the dirty clothes and put new plastic in liner in hamper. Tina said that the last “bingo & chips” was today so I said I would come back later and accompany mom to activity. Tina also had a detailed description of the hawk that has been feeding on the birds at our feeder. It sat on the fence close to the window, one day. I left about 11:15 AM, Mom still sleeping. I returned to NH about 3:30 PM. Mom was at the Bingo activity.  We played Bingo and won 3 games or so. The other two women at our table got into an argument. It was funny. Mom fluctuated between playing well to not understanding. She would put “extra” chips on the card sometimes and miss calls sometimes. She ate a small candy bar and a banana from our winnings and had two bags of chips left. We returned to her room and Mom got onto her bed. I swung the footrests on her wheelchair out so she could get into and out of the chair, brakes on. I told Tina that I think the hawk is a Harlan’s Hawk, a subspecies of the red tailed hawk, from her description. I got the name and phone number of the dentist from Nurse Diane but it was too late to call him today. I noticed the fresh flowers from Carl. I left about 5:15 PM

From Carl by email: Thurs. renewed the flowers. Mom was laying down without o2 so I put it on. The alarm went off and I noticed it was turned down to zero so I turned it up to 2. She had teeth in and they looked good. she wanted to talk but not over Tina.tv was on Fred and Judy .about  2 pm.

FEB. 18 & 19, 2013

February 18, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH about 2:40 PM. I fed the birds, blinds open. Mom was resting on her bed. Yvonne came in and assisted me to get Mom into her wheelchair. I changed the Spanish warning sign to one printed on Computer but used Riley’s blue tape to post it. I brushed Mom’s hair and checked her out for a ride in the car. We went around the neighborhood and got a Coke at the convenience store. Mom was not responding appropriately to spoken directions so I wrote down some comments. “What do you see?” And she responded to the written text. She was fiddling with her hands so I gave her a fingernail file and she filed vigorously. Then quit and seemed more attentive. I turned off the radio. When I went into the store I put the radio on. Mom enjoyed the ride and did not want to get out when we returned to the NH. But I got the W/c and she got in it and we went inside. She did not want to return to her room, then she did. I left her in activities in dining room II with a puzzle. I left about 4 PM.

February 19, 2013, Tuesday. I went to the NH about 3:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I opened the blinds.  Mom was in dining room II at the crafts activity, painting a toy bird house. I assisted her with a second one. She was adamant about painting the birdhouses one color all, over. One green and one red. I wrote her name on hers as they will glue decorations next week after the paint has dried. Carl came by and checked flowers in her room. He said he will bring new flowers tomorrow. He added to the birdseed. I cleaned her hands and we returned to her room for a chocolate. Yvonne was there getting everything ready for the evening. Mom and I went for a walk to the covered patio. Mom propelled herself about ¾ of the way. Grackles were there and we looked at the birds and the plants, flowers. We played patty cake. We returned to her room and I changed the DVD to Lions. Dr Jackson, dentist came to take an impression of Mom’s lower jaw for dentures. I told him that I thought that had already been done. Riley had called me last week and told me that a dental assistant was there taking an impression. He called his office and found out that Yes it had been done. He visited with Tina about a sore spot in her mouth, then left. We channel surfed some, returned to the DVD and I got colors and coloring book out for Mom. I left about 4:40.

Jan. 31, 2013 - Feb. 17, 2013

January 31, 2013, Thursday. I went to the NH about 10:30 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed watching Fred A. DVD, teeth in, no glasses. There were fresh flowers in the vase. She had taken her O2 off and it was on the bed by her side. I put O2 back on her, brushed her hair and did some hand care. She brushed my hair. We hung up the clean clothes I brought and I emptied her dirty clothes hamper and changed the DVD. She was better at problem solving, hanging up the clothes, understanding directions and conversation today. She asked to go for a ride but I told her it was too cold today, which it is. The dentist assistant, Michele came and checked Mom’s teeth. She agreed that these lowers are not hers. I got Mom into her chair and she propelled herself to the dining room. I got her a coffee and some juice. We looked at my day book with the pictures of Impressionist paintings. I visited with Nurse Diana and staff about the exhibit of paintings at ACC. I left about 11:45 AM with her dirty clothes.

February 1, 2013, Friday. I went to NH about 9:15 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on, DVD on. We channel surfed and I left the TV on TVland. We did some personal care and Mary came in to take Mom’s vitals, low temperature and low BP but good O2, about 92. I put the toe socks on her with some foot cream, too. Then we cleaned her hands and I wiped her face. I found her glasses, cleaned them then got soapy water for her nails. I removed old polish, filed her nails and put on new glitter polish. Her right thumbnail was broken down to the quick. It looked painful, at least uncomfortable. I left TV on and left about 10:40 AM.

February 2, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 2:50 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I think the birds are just eating the sunflower seeds, not the other seeds. Mom was resting on her bed watching the dog competition on TV. Foxy was with me and I put him on the bed. Mom petted Foxy enthusiastically. I brought the looping CARMEN from Brooks & Helen and had trouble loading it. My mistake. I got Mom up and we all went for a ride. We got a Dr. Pepper and drove around. We returned to the NH. I left Foxy in the car while I accompanied Mom into the facility. We went to dining room II to hear the musician, guitar and singing. I got Mom a cranberry juice then left opera DVD on the TV about 4:10. Mom was somewhat anxious but did not respond readily to direction, conversation.

February 3, 2013, Sunday. I went to the NH about 3 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed with DVD #1 of Carmen opera playing. She had taken off her blouse and her O2. She had her sweater on. I put her blouse and O2 back on and put some socks on her also, opened the blinds. We hung up the clean clothes I brought and she picked out a pair of pants to wear. Mom did well hanging up clothes. The C.N.A. came and changed Mom, put her pants on her and helped her into the wheelchair. I changed the DVD to the second Carmen disk. Donna from Rec. came by and invited us to games & cookies. We went to play games. We sat with resident Gilbert and Lea from Business women’s assoc. club at UT. We played poker, had cookies and juice and coffee. I took Mom back to her room. I left her coloring and watching the DVD #2 of Carmen.

February 4, 2013, Monday.  I went to NH about 3:10 PM to meet with accountant but Jay was out so I went to see Mom. The hospice Social worker, Peg, had Mom in her chair and was preparing to take her to activity of games. I accompanied them and we played Tic Tac Toe with activities puzzle version. I left about 4 PM. I changed Mom’s DVD and then visited with the accountant about confusion, wrote payment check. I left facility about 4:15 PM. Later I saw an email from Mary about Mom’s Wheelchair but I hadn’t noticed anything.

February 5, 2013, Tuesday. Carl called about 3 PM. He said that when he arrived Mom did not have on her O2 and the water was almost out. I was on my way anyway and arrived at NH about 3:20 PM. Carl was sitting with Mom, massaging her hands and fresh flowers in the vase. I went to Nurses station and met Dr. Brian from hospice who was on the phone about the water, distilled or not? The verdict was distilled water, yes. Nurse Diane told me they were out and Dr. Brian said they could bring some tomorrow. I said I would take Mom out and we would get some distilled water. So I got Mom up and into her chair. I spoke to C.N.A. Vanessa and told her that I had not changed her. We went for a ride around the neighborhood, got some distilled water and a Dr. Pepper to share. We returned to the NH. Mom was particularly monosyllabic today. I noted a sty-like pimple forming on Mom’s L. eye and told Nurse Diane about it. When we returned Nurse Diane came and showed me how to change the container and put the water in then I left the remainder of the gallon of distilled water in the top of Mom’s closet. Also another resident was in the 205 bathroom when we returned to the room. I asked her to leave and she did. Vanessa came and changed Mom and then assisted her into her chair and we went to the dining room. I left Mom in the dining room about 5:20 PM.

February 6, 2013, Wednesday. I did not go to the  NH.

February 7, 2013, Thursday. I went to the NH about 11 AM. I fed the birds blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed pulling at her hair, no O2. I gave her a brush. We hung up clean clothes which I brought and I got her dirty clothes from the hamper. C.N.A. William came and changed Mom then assisted Mom getting into her wheelchair. We did some personal care. I got warm cloth for her face, then cream. We channel surfed then I changed the DVD to a different one of Fred A. Mom was some assistance in hanging up the clothes, some problem solving evident. I accompanied Mom to nurses station where Nurse Diane looked at Mom’s L eye. She said that she would have “Brenda look at it.” I said I would bring eye wipes.  Then I took her to the dining room and asked what she would like to drink. Mom said “tea”. That’s different. I got her hot tea, 2 sugars and left about Noon.

February 8, 2013, Friday. I went to the NH about 3:10 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Nurse at desk told me she thought Mom did not have her own dentures and I told her that yes, that’s true and about dentures on order. She suggested mashed food for awhile. Mom was resting on her bed watching DVD, no sound, no O2. I changed her DVD. Mom’s L eye was very crusty with debris on the eye lid. I cleaned the eye lid with lid wipes I brought from drug store. I showed the Occuvite lid wipes to nurse and C.N.A. Vanessa. I told Nurse Diana and Dr. Maxwell about them. Vanessa changed Mom and we got her up into chair and we went to activity, sing-a-long and muffins. We went for a walk outside and looked at the pansies and Irises. Then we talked to Dr. Maxwell about her eye problem. I left Mom in the dining room with a cup of coffee and left about 4:50 PM.

February 9, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 3:20 PM. The birdfeeder was full and half blinds closed. Mom was at the activity, a piano recital. I hung up a clean nightgown and other clothes stuffed in closet, changed the DVD and opened her blinds. When I went to Dining room II, Tina told me that Mom had gotten a card and she had put it in the 2^nd drawer. I got it from Mom’s room plus lip balm, glasses wipe. Mom read and enjoyed the card, identified Quembe. During program she looked out the window and asked if that was our car. Startled I said “yes”. It was the only car parked out there but still, good call! At the end of the program, Mom wanted to “go”. So we went around the facility, going to covered patio where she complained of the cold so I gave her my jacket. We returned indoors and I accompanied her to the dining room. I got her a coffee. Her eye looked better today and appeared to have been cleaned and wiped. I left about 4:45 PM.

February 10, 2013, Sunday. I went to the NH about 3:10 PM. I fed the birds, blinds half open. Mom was in the dining room waiting for Episcopalian services to begin. We returned to her room and did some personal care. I opened the blinds. Her L eye looked about the same as yesterday, no better. Judging from the evidence of the debris in her teeth, I think she is getting puree food. We returned to the service and enjoyed the hymns and greetings. Barbara from A.G.E. was there. We returned to Mom’s room. I changed the DVD to American in Paris and left about 4:10 PM.

February 11, 2013, Monday. I did not go to the NH.

February 12, 2013, Tuesday. I went to NH about 10:45 AM. I fed the birds blinds closed. I hung up a few clothes then found Mom in dining room II at activity, sleeping in her chair. We played question game then I accompanied Mom back to her room. I touched up her nails, brushed her hair. Mom was very anxious, agitated. We played some hand games, personal care then I left her in her room coloring and watching CARMEN on TV about 11:30 AM. I returned to NH about 2 PM. Mom was sleeping on her bed, no O2. I cleaned her glasses and wiped crud from her LEFT eye, cleaned her glasses. She did not want to get up out of bed. I left about 2:30 PM. Riley telephoned from the NH about 4 PM to say that the dentist had come to take an impression of Mom’s lower for new dentures.

February 13, 2013, Wednesday.  I went to NH about 2:30 PM. I fed the birds, half the blinds open. Mom was resting on her bed and initially refused to get up. I changed the DVD, gave her a hard candy and we did some personal care. Then Mom got up into her chair and we went to dining room II for painting and activities. Mom had a different wheelchair. I found the foot rests for the previous chair and told Nurse Diane about them. I took the foot rests off the new chair as they seemed to be in Mom’s way. Mom insisted at first that she wanted to go with me then became interested in painting with Pat Stebbins and I left about 3:20 PM.

February 14, 2013, Thursday. I went to the NH about 3:40 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was at the bingo activity. We played for awhile. Mom ate a banana and bag of Cheetos, very slowly with difficulty. We went back to her room. We did some personal care and I carefully checked her wheelchair and her wound on her shin. It does not lock when she stands. I asked Nurse Diane about this and she said that the contraption they have does not fit this chair either. I left Mom in the TV room about 4:50 PM.  I emailed Mary Gilmore at Hospice about the wheelchair.

February 15, 2013, Friday. Foxy and I went to NH about 4:10 PM. Riley had come by earlier and delivered new flowers from Carl. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I met a new C.N.A., Norma. There was a big party going on in dining room II but Mom was in her room on her bed, O2 on incorrectly, sound turned down. I put Foxy on the bed with Mom and gave her a new coloring book for Valentines. I gave her a piece of chocolate from her stash. She petted Foxy vigorously and ate her chocolate. I got her dirty clothes to take to wash. Norma got Mom up while I talked to the exterminator who came at Tina’s request. We did some personal care and I changed the DVD from Carmen to Parrots. Then I accompanied her to the dining room for supper. I left about 5:15 PM.

February 16, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 6:50 PM. Mom was in her bed almost asleep in darkened room, O2 askew, sound down on DVD. Tina was watching Animal Planet. Mom and I hung up clean clothes that I brought until we ran out of hangers. We did some hand cream, personal care, hair brushing and arm exercise. Mom was vigorously petting stuffed dog. I brought Mom about ¾ of a banana and she ate it without her teeth. I turned out light and left about 7:30 PM. I told Yvonne that Mom had hair brush in her bed. There was posted, in Spanish, a warning written on paper towel about watching out for dentures being discarded. Tina says that Riley made the sign, today.

February 17, 2013, Sunday. I went to NH about 10:30 AM. Fed the birds, blinds half open. Mom was resting on her bed, DVD on, sound down, no teeth, O2 out of place, no water. I put water in the O2 machine, brushed Mom’s teeth which were soaking in cleanser. We did some personal care. I got Mom into her chair and we cracked nuts, pecans.  Tina was watching TV in the room, too. I changed the TV to a different DVD and turned the sound up a bit. Mom wanted to “go” so we got on jackets, scarf, hat and went for a walk. Mom did some wheeling herself then we went out the front door. The wind was cold so we went around the corner to the slightly protected patio. Mom watched me draw the Iris with attention but did not want to draw herself. We returned inside as it was cold outside and Mom was glad to get indoors. We strolled back to her room. Mary (resident) greeted us and showed me the hand game she said she has been teaching Mom….”here’s the church and here’s the steeple….” We successfully went through the rhyme, motions. In Mom’s room I got out her new coloring book and got her started coloring. I left about 11:45 AM.

Dec. 25, 2012 - Feb. 11, 2013

December 25, 2012, Tuesday. I went to the NH about 10:30 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was sound asleep on the bed, with O2 tubes on her nose but machine turned off. I turned it on, opened the blinds, took her shoes off her feet, put away her new socks, hung up 2 sweaters. I marked Tina’s shawl for her. I gave a basket of tangerines to Unit II staff at the desk. I left about 11 AM.  I returned to NH about 4:55 PM with Bill A. & gifts. Mom was in dining room II. We went to big table in back. Mom unwrapped pendant from Bill and tried to eat it. The she unwrapped scarves from me and card. She really liked the card. Then Carl and Charlotte arrived and unwrapped gifts.  Then Terri came and unwrapped gifts. The food came. Mom did not eat well but really enjoyed sitting near the big Xmas tree. I took Mom back to her room. Tina’s so, Wayne, & daughter-in-law were there visiting. I changed the DVD on Mom’s TV & called for help. Nurse came and assisted getting Mom into bed. I washed Mom’s teeth, closed the blinds and changed her clothes but left her on the bed, on top of covers with cover over her lap in sit up position, O2 on. We left about 7 PM.

December 26, 2012, Wednesday. I didn’t go to NH today.

December 27, 2012, Thursday. I went to NH about 10 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was awake on her bed, no O2 on, DVD on. I got her up and escorted her to nail spa activity in Dining room II. I hung up her sweater and put 1 pair of socks in her drawer. I got Mom’s dirty clothes home to wash. Bib is definitely missing, as well as White Diamonds and Purel. Mom chose blue nail polish today. We returned to her room. Mom leaked so I called for help and started changing her on the bed. She had a loose bowel movement and it was a mess. Help came and we changed her. I accompanied her to the dining room for lunch and left about 11:50 AM.

December 28, 2012, Friday. I went to NH about 10:30 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. There was feed in the feeder. Mom was resting on her bed, no O2, no TV. I put O2 on her and noted that she has on pants that I don’t recognize, not hers. I changed her sweater, cleaned glasses and we did some personal care. I put the DVD of “Carmen” on and we hung up her clean clothes. I found the Purell, White Diamonds perfume and the pendant from Bill. I brought pendant home and locked up Purell and White Diamonds. I gave flyer of missing scarf & bib to Nurse Diana. I accompanied Mom to dining room and left about 12:10 PM, leaving looping DVD of Fred on the TV.

December 29, 2012, Saturday. I went to NH about 3:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds open. When I went in, nurse told me that Mom was in the Great Room listening to music. I put some DVDs in a drawer and noted DVD on. I sat with Mom for entertainment, got her another coffee. I cleaned her nails. She enjoyed the music, sang & clapped along with music some and clapped appropriately. I left her in the TV room with others about 4:30 PM. 

December 30, 2012, Sunday. I didn’t go to the NH today.

December 31, 2012, Monday. I called and told them that I would be taking Mom out for lunch today. I went to the NH about 10:50 AM. I fed the birds blinds closed. Mom was waiting in the TV room. A C.N.A. assisted me transferring Mom to the old wheelchair that will fold up in the car. I put additional scarves on her and we went to the car where Mom transferred very well. We drove around a bit looking at the neighborhood then went to What A Burger and got chicken strips and sodas. We went to post office. Mom waited in car while I mailed a package. Then we went to NW Park and sat and ate, watched the birds. After eating I took nail clippers and clipped the wart on Mom’s Right cheek. I did a bad job and it bled. I used alcohol and a band aid on it. We watched the tiny birds in the tree next to the car, feeding on some kind of tiny seeds(?). We returned to the NH and I informed the nurse about the bloody wart. She applied an antibiotic cream. I accompanied Mom to her room and could not find attachment for the O2 machine. Nurse brought a new one attached to the machine and told me that Mom’s O2 stats have been much better. I put the O2 on her, on her bed. I changed the DVD and left her resting on her bed about 1 PM.

January 1, 2013, Tuesday. I went to NH about 3 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was asleep on her bed. I discarded the dead flowers and wiped out the vase. I opened the blinds and I changed DVD to CARMEN by Bizet. The C.N.A. came and assisted getting Mom up into her chair. We did some personal care and watched the birds at the feeder and the opera on TV. I gathered her dirty clothes to take home to wash. I accompanied Mom to the horseshoe competition in the Great Room. Mom competed, denied offer of coffee, and was interested in the game….wanted to get in position to see better. After the game was over I accompanied her to the TV room and left her there. I left the DVD on a looping Fred Astaire film.

January 2, 2013, Wednesday. I went to the NH about 3:40 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was on her bed watching DVD, no O2. I inquired at nurse’s station about O2 for Mom. C.N.A. came to take Mom’s O2 but couldn’t get a reading. He put O2 on. We did some personal care. I couldn’t find her nail clippers. We channel surfed then I left DVD on. Mom was alert but wished to remain in bed. I left about 4:40 PM.

January 3, 2013, Thursday. I went to NH about 3 PM. I fed the birds, blinds open. Hospice Nurse Mary was with Mom in her room. Mary said that Mom had not had a BM for 3 days and asked me if I knew of one lately. I told her I thought Tuesday but I checked notes and it was last Thursday. I haven’t corrected that information. We did some personal care. Mom had new flowers from Carl. I photographed Mom and the beautiful pink roses and zinnias.  I went with Mom to Bingo activity. We won three games. Mom did pretty well in identifying correct plays but she was not 100%. She seemed to incorrectly hear the numbers. Mom ate the Cheetos then also got a banana and a tangerine. She started eating the banana right away. I took her to the TV room and left her eating a banana. I left about 4:30 PM.

January 4, 2013, Friday. I didn’t go to the NH.

January 5, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 9:40 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed watching TV, O2 on, no teeth, glasses on. She had red stuff around her mouth and on her teeth in the water in the denture cup by her bedside. I washed her teeth and got her to rinse with mouthwash. We did some personal care then hung up clean clothes I had brought. There were two shirts, size 12-14 hanging sideways in her closet, both marked 205B? One is Liz Claiborne! I put them in her closet. Today I arranged clothes by what are they instead of by color. Mom wanted to stay in bed and watch Fred A. DVD. Mom was fairly alert and able to assist in hanging up clothes. I left about 10:40 AM. 

January 6, 2013, Sunday. I went to NH about 3:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds partially open. I stopped at the Nurse’s station and talked to Nurse Diane. She said Mom has been exploring the facility independently. Yvonne was wheeling Mom out of her room when I got to 205B. Yvonne got her her teeth and I cleaned her glasses then we went to dining room II for church service and singing. I drew Mom’s picture and she filed her nails and had a coffee. We went for a walk afterwards and sat on the enclosed patio. I took Mom back to her room. We channel surfed and watched the birds. Paul Simon doing GRACELAND on channel13 was fun to watch and dance. I accompanied Mom to the dining room, gave her a cup of cranberry juice. I left about 5:00 PM.

January 7, 2013, Monday. I didn’t go to NH.

January 8, 2013, Tuesday. Nurse Audra telephoned about 10:30 AM and said that Mom has a skin tear on her R calf. I went to NH about 2 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Carl came with a bucket of flowers as I was going into the bldg. We went to see Mom. I opened the blinds. Carl put out new water and flowers. He greeted and hugged and left. I gave Tina her birthday gift. Mom was resting on her bed watching DVD, no O2. I put O2 on her, cleaned glasses. We did some personal care, channel surfed, then put DVD back on. I left about 3 PM.

January 9, 2013, Wednesday. I went to NH about 10:50 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Nurse Diana reported Mom had pushed herself independently up the hill to dining room II then had left independently (downhill) without incident. I went to her room then to the activity and could not find her. Annie helped me look for her. She was in the front foyer of the facility. I accompanied her back to her room. We did some personal care and I repainted her fingernails. I left her in the community TV room and brought home her dirty clothes. Mom seems to be in a “manic” phase.

January 10, 2013, Thursday. I went to the NH about 10 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed watching DVD, sound off, O2 on. I changed the DVD to Bird Migration. She had on a sweater and shirt that I do not recognize. We went to Nail Spa. A volunteer, Susan, painted Mom’s nails. Mom complained of being tired and wanting to stay in bed. She refused a cookie.  Annie and Tina reported that Mom played Pitty-Pat yesterday and won a prize. We returned to her room and I put Mom on her bed.  I left about 11 AM.

January 11, 2013, Friday. I went to the NH about 3:30 PM. I fed the birds blinds closed. Mom was not in her room. I left a bag with a few clean clothes on her bed. Mom was at activity. We played tic tac toe on scrap paper from my purse. We returned to her room and watched the birds. I could not get her DVD player to work. We did some personal care. I left Mom in TV room at about 4:45 PM.

January 12, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 10:15 AM. I fed the birds blinds closed. Mom was on her bed watching TV, O2 on, no pad underneath her. I switched the DVD player with one I got at Good Will and the new used one worked so I put on a DVD. C.N.A. LaShonda came and changed Mom and assisted her into wheelchair. We did some personal care then went to dining room II, had a coffee and played a game of foam rubber Tic Tac Toe, no rules. I accompanied Mom back to her room and spoke to nursing staff about the need for water in her O2 machine. I left about 11:40 AM. Riley telephoned and reported visiting Mom about 12:15 PM.

January 13, 2013, Sunday. I went to NH about 2 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed watching basketball on TV, O2 on, no teeth, no glasses. I cleaned her teeth & glasses and we did some personal care. I brought some clean clothes to hang up. I channel surfed then we settled on DVD of Singing in the Rain. Then I put on Carmen (Opera) and the DVD player quit working. I switched back to DVDs from Brooks and fiddled with player and got it going again. I am suspicious of the HD DVDs from Helen. Mom cracked pecans. Yvonne came and got Mom up and into Wheelchair. Mom cracked more nuts then we ate some nuts. I left Mom coloring, brakes on, about 3:30 PM.

Mom said that she wanted to go home or go with me. I told her, “You can’t.” She said “Why? Because I’m sick?” I answered that she was old and that there was something, her heart was weak and they could take care of her here. Then I asked if they were nice to her and she said “Yes.” And smiled, mostly.

January 14, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH about 3 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. The bird feeder was full. Mom was asleep on her bed, teeth in, no O2. I looked at her coloring from yesterday. It is much improved from the last coloring she did. She colored specific areas in completed and sequential way. I opened the blinds. Birds were present. I spoke with Yvonne and let her sleep. There was a hat, too small by her bedside. I took it to the social worker and told it was too small. She contends that clothing likely shows up in Mom’s room because it is marked with her room number, perhaps from a previous resident. I left about 3:15.

January 15, 2013, Tuesday. I did not go to NH today.

January 16, 2013, Wednesday. I went to NH about 2:15 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. The DVD player did not work. I accompanied Mom to the art activity. Mom did a watercolor. I left Mom at the activity about 3:30 PM. I called Riley about the DVD player.

January 17, 2013, Thursday. I went to NH about 10:15 AM. I fed the birds, blinds partially open. Mom was sleeping soundly. The broken DVD player was still there. I changed the channel. I left about 10:40 AM. I returned about 3:40 PM. Mom was engrossed in Singing in the Rain DVD, new player in place. Mom wanted to stay in her room and watch the movie. She said that she saw this film once long ago. I brought her dirty clothes home to wash and visited with staff. I left about 4:15 PM.

January 18, 2013, Friday. I went to the NH about 3:40 PM. Blinds closed. Mom was in dining room II at the National hat day party. I brought a hat but she had a fancy hat with sunflowers on over her black hat, no teeth. I went to her room and got her teeth. They were sitting in cleaning solution by her bedside. Mom put them in at the party, the better to enjoy the cheese puffs. The entertainer was singing and playing the piano. We clapped and sang along on the songs we knew. When I went to clean her nails, she was reluctant as she remembered that sometimes it hurts. This is good. I showed her photos from my purse and she correctly identified Cynthia from an Old photo. We returned to her room. She remembered having seen Singing in the Rain. I put on Fred A. DVD, opened the blinds then Caitlin, the UT volunteer came. I left about 4:40 PM. I fed the birds.

January 19, 2013, Saturday. I went to NH about 3:30 Pm today. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I noticed feathers on the ground near the feeder, not pigeon feathers. Mom was not in her room. I opened the blinds, put chocolates in container and checked clothing closet. I noted her glasses on bedside table so washed and took them to her in the Great Room. A woman with accordion and good voice was strolling, playing and singing. Mom did not have in her lower teeth. Later we searched her room and did not find them. Tina reports that Mom walked to her bedside during the night, asking for me to take her to see her Mom. I had mom soak her nails and cleaned them. Mom asked several times to go to the bathroom so I went and got Yvonne for assistance and we took Mom to bathroom. She had a BM, we changed her clothes.  She wanted me to take her to see her Mom, to take a nap. I changed the DVD and we talked, looked at old photographs. Today she correctly identified her children, siblings and parents. She talked about Weatherford. She really wanted to go for a ride, at least. I told we would go when it is warmer. I left her in hallway near the dining room about 5:25 PM.

January 20, 2013, Sunday. I went to NH about Noon today. Bird feeder was full, blinds closed. I opened the blinds. Mom was still at lunch. I put her clean clothes on her bed and talked to Tina. Tina reports Mom getting up in the night and frequently getting out of bed and being very verbal.  Also says that Mom found her chocolates independently and ate several. I went to dining room and Mom had eaten about 25% of her meal and declared she was finished. No glasses. No lower teeth.  I found her glasses under her bed against the wall. We hung up her clothes. Mom was very helpful, cogent in the process today. Mary assisted me in taking Mom to the car and I took Mom out for about an hour. Mary also assisted me in getting Mom back into the NH. Mom was glad to see Mary and called her by name. I changed the DVD to Parrots and left Mom resting on her bed, O2 on, glasses on. Still no sign of lower dentures. I talked to Nursing staff about Mom different composure and mental acuity as a warning that she might be more difficult. Staff, esp. Yvonne & Mary, were aware of her change. I left about 3:15 PM or so.

January 21, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH today about 4:20 PM. I met with Sam in Social work and gave her a copy of some of my notes re: Mom’s teeth. I found Mom sitting in her Wheelchair in her room, alone, watching TV (DVD of parrots). We channel surfed and did some personal care; cleaned her nails, soaked her fingers. Then Tina came in and greeted us. Mom had a green lozenge in her mouth that I did not recognize. We channel surfed and I changed the DVD to Fred A. She said once that she wanted “to go” then acquiesced to going to dining room for supper. Her eyes appeared slightly irritated and she kept blinking.  We stopped by the nurses station to discuss her eyes. Mom had no complaint but kept blinking, some redness in L eye. In the dining room I got her a coffee then left about 5:25 PM. Mom was more laconic today than yesterday.

January 22, 2013, Tuesday. I went to the NH about 4:30 PM. Someone had left a bowl of green peas in the birdfeeder. Mom was on her bed, blinds closed. When I opened the blinds, she objected. Her eyes were puffy and red, especially her L eye. I assisted her in eating unfinished banana on her table. I informed nursing station that mom felt hot and Nurse Steve took her temperature and said that Mom had a fever. I used eye wipes on her and changed the DVD to Winged Migration. Mom was lethargic and not very responsive to conversation and directions. After the sun lowered, I opened the blinds. Nurse Diane told the C.N.A. to not get her up for supper. Tina and the C.N.A. both said that Mom had been coughing. I watched the DVD to see that it didn’t skip and sat with Mom. She was making petting motions, so I gave her the stuffed dog. I left about 5:30 PM.

January 23, 2013, Wednesday. I went to NH about 2:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I removed bowl of peas from feeder. Mom was asleep on her bed, no O2. I cleaned her glasses and changed the DVD on the TV to Fred A. She awoke and smiled so I gave her glasses, cleaned her hands and gave her a banana. Mom was lethargic and required assistance to eat banana. I opened the blinds and her eyes look slightly better. The birds came, the brown pigeon among them. I saw white wing doves in the background. She had no socks on and her L leg is discolored below skin tear. I brought this to the attention of Nursing staff. Dr. Fran was there and came to look at Mom, diagnosed cellulitus. I tried to trim toenails but Mom was very sensitive. I put soft socks on her.  I left about 3:30 PM.

January 24, 2013, Thursday. I went to NH about 2:40 PM. I fed the birds, blinds partially open. Mom was resting on her bed, TV off, no O2. Mom kept sucking on something in her mouth but I found nothing.  Nursing staff said she had no temperature so I took her for a ride in the car. I got her up, to the car and returned w/c to her room. We drove around and visited Sharon. Sharon gave Mom a lovely flower that Mom clung to attentively. We got a Dr. Pepper at a convenience store and drove around some more and returned to NH about 4 PM. Mom did not respond well to directions but was alert to the sun and air and enjoyed the outing. I left her on her bed with the TV on about 4:30 PM.

January 25, 2013, Friday. I didn’t go to the NH today.

January 26, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 9:40 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed O2 on, no glasses, watching DVD of Fred A. Lower dentures are still missing. We hung up the clean clothes I brought. Mom had a lot of difficulty with this task and with taking direction. She pointed out the mobile and I opened the blinds. Her eyes look much better. She soaked her nails and we cleaned and filed her nails. We looked at old photos. She had difficulty identifying her children correctly but identified her sisters and parents. Tina reports that Mom is calling her by “Cynthia” and “Roberta” (her sister.) Mary took Mom’s stats. BP 105 over 65, temperature – 96.5 and O2 was 95. We channel surfed some then I changed the DVD to Singing in the Rain and left Mom in bed about 11 AM. Later I received a photo from Carl from his visit to Mom.

January 27, 2013, Sunday.  I went to the NH about 2:40 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was asleep on her bed. When I went to the nurse’s station to ask about taking her for a ride, there was discussion of her “found” teeth. I returned to Mom’s room and asked to see her teeth. I washed them in the bathroom. Her uppers are marked with “Henderson” and the lowers have no markings. They do not appear to me to be her teeth. I returned her teeth to her and did sketches of her sleeping, napping with teeth in. I opened the blinds but Mom said that she did Not want to go out so we watched Singing in the Rain and I sketched. Mom was napping whole time I was there with occasional greetings. I checked her leg. It seems better, less discoloration and not as warm to the touch. I left about 4 PM.

January 28, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH about 3:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, no O2, no glasses, teeth in her mouth. Her profile looks different with these “new” lower teeth. Medicine nurse came in and gave mom ground up pill in applesauce with water, then Luz, the wound nurse, came in and changed dressing on Mom wounds. Lower wound was closed but the upper skin tear near her knee on her L leg was still open. Her cellulitus looks better and her leg is not as hot. Mom did not want to get up. She was watching Singing in the Rain. We channel surfed a little then returned to the DVD. I left NH about 4:20 PM. Mom was more alert than yesterday.

January 29, 2013, Tuesday. I went to NH about 1:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on, teeth in watching DVD. I cleaned her glasses, opened blinds got her into her wheelchair and went to find Sam the Social Worker. I told Sam that these are not Mom’s teeth and we discussed possibilities. If the teeth don’t bother her, then facility might not pay for new teeth. Then I took Mom for a ride in the car. We rode around, got a Dr. Pepper then returned to the facility. Mom enjoyed the ride and her capacity to follow directions improved somewhat during excursion. We drove slowly with flashers on and looked at trees and yards. We returned to her room. I put on a DVD of Fred A. I left the NH about 3:00 PM.

January 30, 2013, Wednesday. I didn’t go to the NH.

January 31, 2013, Thursday. I went to the NH about 10:30 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed watching Fred A. DVD, teeth in, no glasses. There were fresh flowers in the vase. She had taken her O2 off and it was on the bed by her side. I put O2 back on her, brushed her hair and did some hand care. She brushed my hair. We hung up the clean clothes I brought and I emptied her dirty clothes hamper and changed the DVD. She was better at problem solving, hanging up the clothes, understanding directions and conversation today. She asked to go for a ride but I told her it was too cold today, which it is. The dentist assistant, Michele came and checked Mom’s teeth. She agreed that these lowers are not hers. I got Mom into her chair and she propelled herself to the dining room. I got her a coffee and some juice. We looked at my day book with the pictures of Impressionist paintings. I visited with Nurse Diana and staff about the exhibit of paintings at ACC. I left about 11:45 AM with her dirty clothes.

February 1, 2013, Friday. I went to NH about 9:15 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on, DVD on. We channel surfed and I left the TV on TVland. We did some personal care and Mary came in to take Mom’s vitals, low temperature and low BP but good O2, about 92. I put the toe socks on her with some foot cream, too. Then we cleaned her hands and I wiped her face. I found her glasses, cleaned them then got soapy water for her nails. I removed old polish, filed her nails and put on new glitter polish. Her right thumbnail was broken down to the quick. It looked painful, at least uncomfortable. I left TV on and left about 10:40 AM.

February 2, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 2:50 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I think the birds are just eating the sunflower seeds, not the other seeds. Mom was resting on her bed watching the dog competition on TV. Foxy was with me and I put him on the bed. Mom petted Foxy enthusiastically. I brought the looping CARMEN from Brooks & Helen and had trouble loading it. My mistake. I got Mom up and we all went for a ride. We got a Dr. Pepper and drove around. We returned to the NH. I left Foxy in the car while I accompanied Mom into the facility. We went to dining room II to hear the musician, guitar and singing. I got Mom a cranberry juice then left opera DVD on the TV about 4:10. Mom was somewhat anxious but did not respond readily to direction, conversation.

February 3, 2013, Sunday. I went to the NH about 3 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed with DVD #1 of Carmen opera playing. She had taken off her blouse and her O2. She had her sweater on. I put her blouse and O2 back on and put some socks on her also, opened the blinds. We hung up the clean clothes I brought and she picked out a pair of pants to wear. Mom did well hanging up clothes. The C.N.A. came and changed Mom, put her pants on her and helped her into the wheelchair. I changed the DVD to the second Carmen disk. Donna from Rec. came by and invited us to games & cookies. We went to play games. We sat with resident Gilbert and Lea from Business women’s assoc. club at UT. We played poker, had cookies and juice and coffee. I took Mom back to her room. I left her coloring and watching the DVD #2 of Carmen.

February 4, 2013, Monday.  I went to NH about 3:10 PM to meet with accountant but Jay was out so I went to see Mom. The hospice Social worker, Peg, had Mom in her chair and was preparing to take her to activity of games. I accompanied them and we played Tic Tac Toe with activities puzzle version. I left about 4 PM. I changed Mom’s DVD and then visited with the accountant about confusion, wrote payment check. I left facility about 4:15 PM. Later I saw an email from Mary about Mom’s Wheelchair but I hadn’t noticed anything.

February 5, 2013, Tuesday. Carl called about 3 PM. He said that when he arrived Mom did not have on her O2 and the water was almost out. I was on my way anyway and arrived at NH about 3:20 PM. Carl was sitting with Mom, massaging her hands and fresh flowers in the vase. I went to Nurses station and met Dr. Brian from hospice who was on the phone about the water, distilled or not? The verdict was distilled water, yes. Nurse Diane told me they were out and Dr. Brian said they could bring some tomorrow. I said I would take Mom out and we would get some distilled water. So I got Mom up and into her chair. I spoke to C.N.A. Vanessa and told her that I had not changed her. We went for a ride around the neighborhood, got some distilled water and a Dr. Pepper to share. We returned to the NH. Mom was particularly monosyllabic today. I noted a sty-like pimple forming on Mom’s L. eye and told Nurse Diane about it. When we returned Nurse Diane came and showed me how to change the container and put the water in then I left the remainder of the gallon of distilled water in the top of Mom’s closet. Also another resident was in the 205 bathroom when we returned to the room. I asked her to leave and she did. Vanessa came and changed Mom and then assisted her into her chair and we went to the dining room. I left Mom in the dining room about 5:20 PM.

February 6, 2013, Wednesday. I did not go to the  NH.

February 7, 2013, Thursday. I went to the NH about 11 AM. I fed the birds blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed pulling at her hair, no O2. I gave her a brush. We hung up clean clothes which I brought and I got her dirty clothes from the hamper. C.N.A. William came and changed Mom then assisted Mom getting into her wheelchair. We did some personal care. I got warm cloth for her face, then cream. We channel surfed then I changed the DVD to a different one of Fred A. Mom was some assistance in hanging up the clothes, some problem solving evident. I accompanied Mom to nurses station where Nurse Diane looked at Mom’s L eye. She said that she would have “Brenda look at it.” I said I would bring eye wipes.  Then I took her to the dining room and asked what she would like to drink. Mom said “tea”. That’s different. I got her hot tea, 2 sugars and left about Noon.

February 8, 2013, Friday. I went to the NH about 3:10 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Nurse at desk told me she thought Mom did not have her own dentures and I told her that yes, that’s true and about dentures on order. She suggested mashed food for awhile. Mom was resting on her bed watching DVD, no sound, no O2. I changed her DVD. Mom’s L eye was very crusty with debris on the eye lid. I cleaned the eye lid with lid wipes I brought from drug store. I showed the Occuvite lid wipes to nurse and C.N.A. Vanessa. I told Nurse Diana and Dr. Maxwell about them. Vanessa changed Mom and we got her up into chair and we went to activity, sing-a-long and muffins. We went for a walk outside and looked at the pansies and Irises. Then we talked to Dr. Maxwell about her eye problem. I left Mom in the dining room with a cup of coffee and left about 4:50 PM.

February 9, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 3:20 PM. The birdfeeder was full and half blinds closed. Mom was at the activity, a piano recital. I hung up a clean nightgown and other clothes stuffed in closet, changed the DVD and opened her blinds. When I went to Dining room II, Tina told me that Mom had gotten a card and she had put it in the 2^nd drawer. I got it from Mom’s room plus lip balm, glasses wipe. Mom read and enjoyed the card, identified Quembe. During program she looked out the window and asked if that was our car. Startled I said “yes”. It was the only car parked out there but still, good call! At the end of the program, Mom wanted to “go”. So we went around the facility, going to covered patio where she complained of the cold so I gave her my jacket. We returned indoors and I accompanied her to the dining room. I got her a coffee. Her eye looked better today and appeared to have been cleaned and wiped. I left about 4:45 PM.

February 10, 2013, Sunday. I went to the NH about 3:10 PM. I fed the birds, blinds half open. Mom was in the dining room waiting for Episcopalian services to begin. We returned to her room and did some personal care. I opened the blinds. Her L eye looked about the same as yesterday, no better. Judging from the evidence of the debris in her teeth, I think she is getting puree food. We returned to the service and enjoyed the hymns and greetings. Barbara from A.G.E. was there. We returned to Mom’s room. I changed the DVD to American in Paris and left about 4:10 PM.

February 11, 2013, Monday. I did not go to the NH.

Oct. 15, 2012 - Dec. 24, 2012

October 15, 2012, Monday. I went to NH about 3 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed.  Mom was resting on her bed, no teeth and she had pulled her O2 off. I washed her teeth, put her O2 on her. Yvonne came and helped me get Mom into her wheelchair. Yvonne was very caring with Mom and Mom was cooperative with Yvonne.  Mom said she was hungry several times. We went to soda machine and got her a Dr. Pepper. She drank it greedily. We sat on the covered porch awhile then went to the Dining room II for games. Mom did not want to play. Annie invited Mom to play the piano so I accompanied her to the piano. Mom insisted that couldn’t play. With some effort I got her to fool with the piano some. She still demonstrates skill. The Hospice social worker, Peg Maupin, stopped by and we visited some, away from Mom’s hearing. I accompanied Mom back to her room. We looked at photos. Today she didn’t know or refused? To identify her children and struggled to identify her sisters and parents. I told Nurse Diane I would like to paint her portrait and we made an appointment. I left Mom on her bed with O2 watching Parrot DVD about 4:30 PM. Carl says he went by about 5:30 and Mom was at her meal. He gave her a banana.

October 16, 2012, Tuesday. I went to NH about 11 AM.  I fed the birds, blinds closed. When I entered Mom’s room CNA Annabelle was changing Mom standing up. The CNA hurried away leaving a mess on the floor. I wiped Mom’s legs and put towel on puddle of urine and excrement on the floor. She had on the same dress as the day before and very messy on her front. We did some personal care. DVD video was unplugged and TV was on Animal Planet. I changed DVD to Singing in the Rain and plugged in video. We did some personal care and I accompanied Mom to dining room. I got her a cup of coffee. I complained to Nurse Diane about changing standing up. I left about 12:10 PM.

October 17, 2012, Wednesday. I went to the NH about 3:50 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was in the activities with a puzzle.  A volunteer was at the table assisting residents with a matching game. I helped Mom work the puzzle. I had to hand her the pieces one at a time in order. She did better going bottom to top rather than across. We went back to her room and did some personal care. She was very neat and clean today. Yvonne was on duty. Mom ate a cookie. Then we went outside. I asked “what are you thinking?” She said” I was think that all the stuff in the house isn’t worth anything except the flowers.” We looked at the flowers around the facility. And we went around the facility looking for the unmarked clothes. We got her bib and I took her into the dining room and I got her an ice water. I left about 5:30 PM. I took home the flowers from her room as they were in bad shape.

October 18, 2012, Thursday. I went to NH about 10:45 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was asleep on her bed, O2 on, DVD on, sound down.  I opened the blinds and we did some personal care. I got out colors and Mom colored, sitting in bed. CNA came in and told me that Mom’s blood pressure and O2 level was alarming low this morning. I got Mom to do some leg lifts and exercise with plastic dumbbell. I gave the stuffed dog to her to pet and stroke. I left Mom watching DVD, sound turned up, in bed. I left about 11:40 AM.

October 19, 2012, Friday. I went to the NH about 11:50 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I opened her blinds then went to find her. Mom was in the dining room. I assisted her eating. I got her a coffee as there was no water at her place. She drank it down quickly. She drank all of her small vitamin shake.  She was served food about 12:25 PM. She ate about ¼ of her food and ¾ of her dessert cake. We went for a walk around the facility then went out front and sat in the nice weather. I accompanied her back to her room and asked for assistance putting her back to bed. CNA Annabelle came and assisted after searching for a bed pad. She changed Mom in bed. Mom & I did some personal care. I left DVD of Parrots on the TV. Tina reported that Mom was tested for O2 and blood pressure in pre dawn hours. I noted that Mom’s index fingers have been cleaned of polish. I left about 2 PM.

October 20, 2012, Sat. I did not go to NH. I went to Ft. Worth.

October 21, 2012, Sunday. I went to the NH about 3 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was anxious and I gave her the stuffed dog to pet which she petted enthusiastically. We looked at the photos that Quembe sent and looked at the card from Brooks. We did some personal care. We went to the Methodist service in the dining room II. After service we went back to her room and watched the new DVD about Whales from Brooks.  I got her clothes to wash. I left the fingernail file by her bed and the dog on her bed. I spoke to Nurse Steve about Mom’s nervous energy. I took Mom to the dining room. There was no water at her place. I got her some water in a Styrofoam cup. I left about 5:30 PM.

October 22, 2012, Monday. I went to the NH about 3 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I noticed fresh flowers in Mom’s room (from Carl). Mom was in dining room II sitting alone. I got the bean bags and we played bean bags. Her coordination improved through the game. We returned to her room and hung up the clothes. Her understanding of the task was slightly better than the last time we did this. She demonstrated some independent initiative in leg lifts. I changed the DVD to Fred Astaire. I accompanied Mom to dining room. Again her table was one water glass short. I got Mom a coffee. I left Mom in dining room about 5:15 PM.

October 23, 2012, Tuesday. I went to NH about 6:45 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Someone had put broken bread & cake in feeder. Yvonne was putting Mom to bed. I changed the DVD. I showed Mom some photographs. She had difficulty identifying her children but identified her sisters and parents well. We did some personal care. I left about 7:40 PM.

October 24, 2012, Wednesday.  I went to NH about 2:50 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed watching TCM. I changed the DVD. The one on the player was skipping. I raised her head, cleaned her glasses, opened the blinds and we did some personal care. She had on a pair of pants that I have never seen before. I went to her Care Plan Meeting at 3:15. It was informative. I got an explanation of her decline and had an opportunity to describe changes I have seen. Hospice was represented by Social Worker and Nurse. Nurse Diane was there and Donna from Recreation. The meeting adjourned about 4 PM. I went to see Mom again and asked her if she wanted to get up but she said that she didn’t. I left about 4:15 PM.

October 25, 2012. Thursday. I went to NH about 10 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was sound asleep on her bed. I opened the blinds, turned up the sound on the DVD (TOP HAT) and we did some personal care. Mom was very sleepy. I left about 10:20 AM.

October 26, 2012, Friday. I went to NH about 3:00 PM. I fed the birds, blinds open. Bird food and bread was in feeder. Mom was resting on her bed. Yvonne came and assisted getting Mom up. I found some slacks for her and changed her sweater and gave Mom the red and black beads plus her green beads. DVD was on, sound down. Yvonne took her O2 level. It was 90, a little low. She said that when she came on, Mom did not have O2 on. I accompanied Mom to entertainment in dining room II, Jon Emery. I sketched performer and Mom, too. Mom enjoyed cookies and small drink. Mom had difficulty responding to environment but when we clapped to music she was on the beat. She also was having a lot of mucus, sinus drainage. I accompanied Mom back to her room. I assisted her back and onto her bed. I told Nurse Steve about Mom’s excess mucus. He said he would check on her. I left about 4:40 PM, DVD on, sound up.

October 27, 2012, Saturday. I went to NH about 3:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was in dining room II with the blue grass singer entertainment. I left bag of winter clothes in her room and joined her. Mom was sitting with Tina and had a coffee. We colored some, during entertainment. Mom seemed alert but wasn’t on the beat as much today. She was having a lot of sinus and coughing. About 4:30 we returned to her room and we put her clothes away. I opened the blinds and watched the birds. Tina said that Mom’s O2 was raised to 4 overnight. I checked and it was set on 4. Yvonne checked mom’s O2 level. It was 89. In the room while watching Fred A. on TV, her coughing and sniffing decreased. I accompanied Mom to dining room for supper. I added more birdseed and left about 5:30 PM. I brought dirty clothes home to wash.

October 28, 2012, Sunday. I went to NH about 3:30 PM. I fed the birds and the blinds were open. Mom was resting on her bed watching DVD, sound up. She had pulled off her O2 and she had no teeth. They were at her bedside in sudsy water. We hung up the clean clothes which I brought. CNA came and helped get her up and changed her diaper. I rinsed her teeth and CNA & I groomed her and got her adjusted in wheelchair. The apparatus for a breathing treatment was on her bedside table. Mom was coughing. We did some personal care and went to the machine to get a Dr. Pepper. We split the Dr. Pepper which Mom drank enthusiastically. We went to the dining room II for the Halloween parade of children & parents. Mom enjoyed that a lot. I took her back to her room and got her bib. Tina reported that the CNA this morning (who would have been responsible for helping Mom put in her teeth) was Mary. I accompanied Mom to the dining room and got her a coffee. The parade came through there also.  I left about 5:15 PM.

October 29, 2012, Monday. I went to NH about 3:40 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was sleeping on her bed watching DVD, O2 on. I opened the blinds and woke up Mom. She was coughing a lot. I gave her a gum drop and washed her teeth. We did some personal care. Mom was fussy and did not want to get up. We channel surfed and did some exercises in bed. She was out of Kleenex so I came home and got some for her. We looked at photos. Mom felt warm to me. The CNA came in to get her up. CNA took temperature and O2 level. Temp was 98.5 and O2 was very low (51?)  I spoke to Nurse Diane and asked for Tylenol for her and feeding her in room instead of in the dining room. I left about 5:20 PM.

October 30, 2012, Tuesday. I went to NH about 10:40AM. I fed the birds, blinds open. Mom was sleeping on her bed, O2 on and DVD on, sound up. I cleaned her glasses on her bed table. I did not wake her, just straightened up a bit. I asked Nurse Diane if there was any news. She said no. I left about 11:10 AM. Nurse Diane telephoned about 5:30 to say that Mom’s Mucinex had been increased by Dr. Maxwell. I returned to NH about 6:50 PM. The birdseed was full, blinds open. Tina reported that Carl had brought flowers and visited. LaShonda was putting Mom to bed. Mom still had a lot of coughing and mucus drainage. I did some personal care and left Mom in bed, watching DVD of Parrots about 7:20 PM.

October 31, 2012, Wednesday. I went to NH this afternoon at about 1:20 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. A CNA was putting Mom on her bed when I arrived. We did some personal care, channel surfed. Mom was coughing less, less mucus. I put her witch hat on her wheelchair for the festivities. I left the TV on DVD of parrots about 1:50 PM. I returned about 3:30 PM, blinds open. Mom was in dining room II, organ music, punch and cookies and many in costume. She had her witch hat on. I got her sweater for her. Then the belly dancers entertained and we clapped and enjoyed. I accompanied Mom to her room and put a bib on her. I took her hat home with me. Tina said that Mom has called out for me in the night, called my name. I accompanied Mom to dining room. I left about 5:15 PM. Mom seems better.

November 1, 2012, Thursday. I went to NH about 4 PM, fed the birds, blinds ½ open. Mom was resting on her bed watching TV. I put on DVD after channel surfing. We did some personal care then I called for assistance to get Mom up. Tina came in and seemed very sick, to her stomach? Mom is coughing more today, more mucus. We looked at photos and she mis-identified several people. Said her Daddy’s name was A.L. Hickerson, for example. CNA came and we got cleaned up and into her chair. I accompanied her to dining room and I got her a cup of coffee. I left about 5:20 PM.

November 2, 2012, Friday. I went to NH about 3:40 PM, fed the birds, blinds open. Mom was resting on her bed. She was in a recalcitrant humor. I gave her water to drink, hand cream, rubbed her feet. The Nurses aid came in and we got Mom up into her wheelchair. I accompanied her to entertainment and treats (potato chips, dip) and she cheered up. Mom is coughing a lot. After entertainment, we went to the covered patio and sat a bit. Then we returned to her room and colored a little. Then I accompanied her to the dining room and got her a coffee. Tina is much better today. I left about 5:20 PM.

November 3, 2012, Saturday. I went to NH about 2:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was sleeping on her bed, I opened blinds and Mom awoke. We did some personal care and I got her up to go to song & dance performance in dining room II. Mom was coughing a lot throughout visit. We returned to her room then I accompanied Mom to dining room for supper. I left about 5:15 PM with her dirty clothes to wash. Nurse says that Mom is down to 134 lbs.

November 4, 2012, Sunday. I went to the NH about 11:00 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was in the dining room awaiting lunch. I took Mom outside and we looked at the birds on the telephone lines. Then we went to Mom’s room and channel surfed a little bit. The med nurse came and gave her a breathing medication. We did some personal care. Then I accompanied her back to the dining room for her lunch. I got her a coffee and left about 11:45 AM.

November 5, 2012, Monday. I went to NH about 2:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds open. I brought her clean clothes. Mom was asleep, TV off. We hung up her clothes. I noticed (Tina pointed out) Mom’s clothes on her side and I hung a sweater up for Tina. I asked Mom if she wanted to go for a ride and she said “Yes” so I checked her out and took her with me to pick-up paintings from Phoenix Trade Depot. We stopped and got a coca-cola. On returning Mom did not want to return to NH. She asked me “Why?”. I told her that I couldn’t keep her alive but they could. She was pretty cooperative today, all in all. We went to dining room II and played 1 game of dominoes. Then I accompanied her to her room and put on a DVD of Winged Migration. CNA assisted getting Mom onto bed to rest. I left about 4:30 PM. Her coughing continues.

November 6, 2012, Tuesday. I went to NH about 9:50 AM. I fed the birds. We did some personal care and a CNA assisted getting Mom into her chair. I accompanied Mom to activity in dining room II, bowling. I got Mom a coffee. I left about 10:30 AM.

November 7, 2012, Wednesday. I went to NH about 2 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was sleeping on her bed, O2 on, TV on weather channel. I opened blinds and changed DVD to Parrots. I got Mom up and took Mom to art activity at 2:30 in dining room II conducted by volunteer, Pat. She had a lot of art supplies. Mr. Everett and Mary and Pat’s sister-in-law, Judy, were also there. I brought Mom’s colors, too. Mom enjoyed the watercolor pencils enormously! She really enjoyed working in the group although benefited from assistance and encouragement. She did not work a lot independently but did enjoy periods of invention and activity. Mary and Mr. Everett produced some beautiful work. They both have art backgrounds. There was a lot of talking and laughing. I got Mom a coffee which she drank right down. I took Mom back to her room about 3:55 PM. CNA came and assisted me getting Mom back on the bed. Nurse Steve came by with new Nurse Gary, introducing him. Mom was in a very good humor and tired after art class. I left about 4:15 PM, fed the birds again.

November 8, 2012, Thursday. I went to NH about 9:50 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was asleep on her bed watching parrot DVD, sound down. I opened the blinds and got Mom up and into her chair. I accompanied Mom to Nail Spa in dining room II. I did her nails and assisted a woman named Isabella. We returned to her room and did some personal care. I helped her onto her bed and put her O2 back on her. I left about 11 AM.

November 9, 2012, Friday. I went to NH about 10 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I found Mom in dining room II without her glasses. I got her glasses and a warm cloth to wipe her face. We participated in an exercise program and current events discussion. I accompanied Mom back to her room to do some personal care. We went out front of NH and sat outside in lovely weather then I accompanied her to dining room for lunch. I got her a coffee. I left the NH about 11:15 AM. Riley reports he visited and played piano during lunch.

November 10, 2012, Saturday. I went to the NH about 9:40 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was asleep on her bed, O2 on. I opened the blinds and did some personal care. Her glasses were hanging on the wall. Mom was very neat and clean and tired. I left about 10:15 AM.

November 11, 2012, Sunday. I went to NH about 9:45 AM. I fed the birds blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed without her teeth. The O2 machine was on but the tubes were wrapped up in plastic bag. Her glasses were hanging on the wall. Her teeth were in soapy water on her bedside. I rinsed her teeth, cleaned her glasses and we did some personal care. I changed the DVD to “Singing in the rain.” I left about 10:40 AM.

November 12, 2012, Monday. Veteran’s Day observed. I went to NH about 3:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, watching DVD without her glasses, sound down, O2 on. I opened blinds, turned up the sound. We did some personal care. I got her crayons and Mom colored. Mom seemed alert and self aware. CNA Vanessa, came and assisted Mom to get up, changed her. I accompanied her to dining room, got her a coffee. I left NH about 5 PM.

November 13, 2012, Tuesday. I went to NH about 10:30 AM. I fed the birds blinds half open. Mom was asleep on her bed. I adjusted her blinds and she awoke. I gave her a cookie to eat.  I turned up the sound on TV and we channel surfed. I drew her and she watched TV. We did some personal care.  I left about 11:30 AM.  

November 14, 2012, Wednesday. I went to NH about 2 PM. The blinds were open. The birdfeeder was full and Carl was there sitting on Mom’s bed, O2 on. Mom was finishing a banana that Carl brought. There were fresh flowers in the vase. Carl said he brought those yesterday. After Carl left, Hospice nurse came in with new Hospice Nurse, Mary. Hospice nurse took Mom’s vitals (97.5) and they assisted Mom to get into her wheelchair. I accompanied Mom to art class with Pat. Today she did a watercolor landscape. I drew Mom. She signed her painting “Geraldine Clark”!  Two other residents, Mary and Tom also drew and painted. Mom had a coffee and a brownie brought by Pat. I had one, too. I accompanied Mom back to her room and helped her back onto her bed. I left about 4:30 PM. Note: Mom gets very quiet and complacent, unassertive, in company, when there is activity around her.

November 15, 2012, Thursday. I went to NH about 10 AM. I fed the birds, blinds half open. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on. I turned the sound up on DVD then we channel surfed. The C.N. A. came in and helped Mom get into her wheelchair. We did some personal care. I found the letter from Quembe with photographs. I took Mom for a walk with Mom wheeling herself some of the time. We stopped by the yoga class but Mom couldn’t follow so we went to the front of the facility. Mom’s cough is gone. I gave Mom’s Medicaid card to the front office. We returned to Mom’s room and I helped Mom back into bed. The hospice chaplain came by. Mom said today that she was raised Baptist. That’s news to me. The chaplain & I sang some songs. The chaplain left. I put the O2 back on and left about 11 AM. I visited with Nurse Diane before I left about Mom’s “dreamy” state.

November 16, 2012, Friday. I went to NH about 3 PM. I fed the birds, blinds open. Mom was in her bed, in nightgown, no teeth. She asked for her teeth. Alert! C.N.A. Vanessa changed, dressed Mom and assisted Mom to get up into wheelchair. We did some personal care then went to dining room II for performance and snacks. I sketched the performers. After the performance Mom and I went to the office and I paid for 2 more guests for Thanksgiving. We returned to her room and I put a bib on her then accompanied her to the dining room. I left about 5:15 PM with Mom’s dirty laundry. I fed the birds again.

November 17, 2012, Saturday. I went to NH about 10:30 AM. I fed the birds blind closed. Mom was resting on her bed watching TV. We did some personal care. I changed her DVD. I left about 11:15 AM.

November 18, 2012, Sunday. I went to the NH today about 11 AM. I fed the birds blinds closed. Mom was in the bathroom with Mary, C.N.A. When she came out Mom and I did some personal care. Mom liked the colorful gift from Sharon, flashing light. I put some clean socks in her drawer, now writing also “205 B” in addition to her name. Fresh flowers in the vase indicate a Carl visit yesterday. The DVD was skipping and looks dirty so I brought it home. I accompanied Mom to the dining room. We talked and I got her a coffee. I left about 12:15 PM.

November 19, 2012, Monday. I went to the NH about 4:30 PM. I fed the bird, blinds open. Mom was in dining room II. I accompanied her back to her room.  I brought her clean clothes and we put them on hangers. We looked at old photos and talked. We did some personal care and I accompanied her to the dining room for supper. I got her a cup of coffee. There was no water at her place so I got her some water also. I left about 5:30 PM.

November 20, 2012, Tuesday. I went to the NH about 10:40 AM. I fed the birds, blinds half open. Mom was in the hallway near the Nurse’s station. We returned to her room to retrieve her glasses and do some personal care. Mom was more alert than yesterday. I put her bib on her and accompanied her to an activity for Spelling in the TV room. I left about 11:20 AM.

November 21, 2012, Wednesday. I went to NH about 2:00 PM. I fed the birds, blinds half open. Mom was asleep on her bed. I gave Mom a cookie and got Mom up. She was resting without pants on. We did some personal care then went to the art activity, watercolor painting, conducted by Pat Stebbins, volunteer. There were more participants this time but Tom didn’t attend. Pat set up a still life of pumpkin, peppers, sweet potato, etc. She also served banana nut bread muffins. Mom did a watercolor, working with me and also independently. I also assisted Elizabeth. Eleanor and Mary also did watercolors. Carl came by and greeted us in the activity and fed the birds. I accompanied Mom back to her room and helped back onto her bed. I left TV on TCM.

November 22, 2012, Thursday. (Thanksgiving) I went to the NH about 10:15 AM. I fed the birds, blinds half open. I brought a Christmas Wreath and to replace the Halloween wreath on the 205 door. Mom was asleep on her bed with O2, no glasses, no teeth. I showed her the wreath. I got her teeth, washed them and gave them to her. Cleaned her glasses and wanted to channel surf but discovered one battery missing from remote control. I brought home to wash her dirty clothes. I left about 11 AM. I returned to NH for T-Day about 5 PM. Carl & Charlotte were in Mom’s room. We found Mom in dining room I. Our table was in Dining room II so we went there. Riley arrived and then Terri. We ate T-Day meal. Brooks telephoned. Terri took food to go. Then Riley left. Carl and Charlotte left. I accompanied Mom back to her room. C.N.A. Yvonne assisted Mom to bed. I put a battery in Mom’s remote. I left about 7 PM. It was a fun get together. I met Bernice and Ran’s son, Orrin.

November 23, 2012, Friday. I went to the NH about 3 PM. I fed the birds blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed. The C.N.A. Vanessa tried to get a O2 level on Mom but couldn’t get it. The Hospice nurse, Amy with the new nurse, Mary came in and visited. I asked about Mom’s O2 level. No luck but Mom demonstrated no distress. I clipped mom’s toenails then got her up. We did some personal care. Vanessa returned and got an O2 level of 85. Mom & I went to the piano concert, John Hudspeth. I sketched the performer and gave it to him. He played a range of music from Chopin to Gershwin.  I left on her bed watching TCM about 4:40 PM.

November 24, 2012, Saturday. I went to the NH about 11:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was in the dining room. I took her back to her room and gave her some spray body powder. We did some personal care and I put a bib on her. I put on SPLASH DVD. We went back to dining room. We talked about birds, Cardinals and Scissortails. I left about 12:05 PM.

November 25, 2012, Sunday. I went to the NH about 3 PM. I fed the birds, blinds open. SPLASH was playing on DVD and Mom was resting on her bed. We did some personal care. She requested that I clean her teeth. I brought her two baby bananas which she ate. I met Tina’s sister, who lives in Liberty Hill. We channel surfed then I changed DVD to CASTAWAY. Mom seemed content and clean. I left about 4 PM. Carl reports he went by and fed the birds, fixed the flowers, saw Mom about 6 PM.

November 26, 2012, Monday. I went to the NH about 3:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds half open. Yvonne told me Mom was in the dining room II, games. I went to her room and changed the DVD. Mom did not have her teeth in. Yvonne said she wanted them out. We got her teeth. We did some personal care then went outside. We went around the building and back in the front door. When we returned to activity Mom said she was hungry so we went to her room and got a chocolate. The birds were at the feeder and very entertaining. Mom was not very responsive to cues and did not want coffee. Tina reported that they went to the Orchestra entertainment this morning. Mom seemed to recall that.  I accompanied her to the dining room for supper. I left about 5:00 PM.

November 27, 2012, Tuesday. I went to the NH about 11 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was in bed under the covers watching DVD. C.N.A. Yoshonda and Tina reported to me that Mom put herself to bed after breakfast. She had O2 on so Yoshonda must have adjusted bed, et al.  I opened the blinds, channel surfed then returned to DVD and we did some personal care. We looked at photos. She said ”that’s you” correctly then asked me my name, looking embarrassed. She had difficulty remembering Helen, Cynthia and Russell’s names. Yoshonda assisted getting Mom into her wheelchair. She changed Mom standing up, which is less than ideal because Mom leaks in that process. I gave Mom and Tina chocolates then accompanied Mom to the dining room. I left about 12:10 PM.

November 28, 2012, Wednesday.  I went to the NH about 2:25 PM, blinds open. I fed the birds. Tree trimmed branches on the ground around the feeder. Mom was resting on her bed watching DVD. I called for help and changed Mom in her bed. Yvonne came and assisted getting Mom and noted that Mom was soaked again so we changed her again in standing position plus changed her dress. I brushed her hair, cleaned her glasses and then we went to the art program run by Pat. Pat says that she won’t be here next week. Mom watercolored and had coffee and pumpkin bread (from Pat). I accompanied back to her room then to the TV room. Yvonne got her table and I got her colors. I left her coloring in the TV room about 3:45 PM.

November 29, 2012, Thursday. I went to NH about 11AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I opened the blinds and Mom was awake on her bed. She had removed O2 from her nose. I put that back on.  Mom had a letter from Quembe. I opened and got her to read. She read the same sentence repeatedly. Then I took it and read it to her and we talked about Mustang, OK, and Granma Riley. Yoshonda came and assisted getting Mom up. We did some personal care. I accompanied Mom to dining room.  I left with dirty clothes to wash about 12:15 PM.

November 30, 2012, Friday. I went to the NH about 3:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed and there was already feed in the feeder. Mom was resting in her bed, no pants. I opened the blinds and got her up. We did some personal care and leg lifts. I painted her nails. We went to the tree decorating activity. Mom donated one of her paper mache’ birds to the tree. We had cookies and juice. We met Ms. Bailey who had been a ballet dancer in her day. We returned to her room and hung up her clean clothes I had brought. We looked at Quembe’s letter again.  I accompanied her to the dining room for supper. I left about 5 PM.

December 1, 2012, Saturday.  Nurse Joyce telephoned about 10:15 this morning to say that Mom had fallen (#6) while trying to get into her bed from her wheelchair. She reported that there was no apparent injury.  I went to the NH about 3:20 PM. I fed the birds, blinds partially closed. Mom was resting on her bed with the O2 pulled off her nose. I got her up. Mom was able to stand briefly while transferring. We did some personal care and I gave her an oatmeal chocolate bar. Mom took it with her to the event. We listened and sang along with India, the performer. Tina Rolf told me that Mom had returned to her room independently after breakfast and attempted to get into her bed. Afterwards we went for a turn around outside and sat in front of the facility. Then we went back to her room. I left her coloring in her room in front of the TV, wheelchair brakes on.

December 2, 2012, Sunday. I went to the NH about 2:35 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I took her some clean socks and a bib. Mom was resting on her bed. Her O2 was out of place and turned contrary so that I had to remove and adjust the nostril. She had a BM in her diaper. I called for help and Yvonne came and we got her cleaned up, changed and into her chair. We channel surfed and I changed the DVD. We did some personal care then went to the activity, UT Business women singing carols. Their performance was awful but the cookies were wonderful. Then the Korean Women’s Choir took the stage at 4:30. They were accompanied by a blind clarinetist, a violinist and pianist. They were exquisite, magnificent. I discussed wheelchairs with Bernice Moran. Her husband has a wheelchair that is designed to make falling more difficult. He had a number of falls but none since he got this new chair. At 5 PM I accompanied Mom back to her room for her bib then to the dining room for supper. I got her some coffee, then I departed about 5:20 PM.

December 3, 2012, Monday. I went to NH about 3PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed, then went to the office. I paid the monthly payment from Mom’s trust account then asked about changing Mom’s wheelchair. Jay explained about brakes that prevent the wheelchair from going backwards. We also discussed changes in supply of pull up briefs. Then I went to Mom’s room. She was resting on her bed, O2 pulled off. She said the O2 made her feel “bubbly. I turned it off. I opened the blinds and changed the DVD. We channel surfed then Yvonne came and assisted getting Mom up. I gave Mom a chocolate. We did some personal care.  She said that she was hungry. We got a half peanut butter sandwich from the Nurses station then went to dining room. I got her a coffee. She finished both handily. Then we went to dining room II and looked at the Christmas tree. Mom loves that tree. Mom had difficulty understanding me when I spoke to her today but seemed alert and in good spirits. We returned to her room and I got her colors and coloring book. I left her about 4:30 PM. Nurse Steve told me that Hospice will see to fixing Mom’s wheelchair.

December 4, 2012, Tuesday. Foxy & I went to the NH about 10:50 AM. I fed the birds, blinds open. Mom was resting on her bed. I put Foxy on her bed and gave Mom treats to feed Foxy. She did not remember him at first but warmed to him quickly. She petted him and fed him treats. I cleaned under her fingernails and turned up the DVD. Nurse Mary from Hospice came by and we visited. Foxy & I left about 11:30. Mom seemed quite content. I spoke to Annie, recreation, about encouraging Mom to attend afternoon programs. As Foxy & I were leaving we passed Dr Maxwell on Unit III and her standard poodles attacked Foxy.  Dr. Maxwell said the poodles are usually not off leash. We broke it up quickly. I think Foxy is okay. Carl reports that he visited about 4:30 PM. He found Mom in the TV room. Staff transported her to the music program after he arrived.

December 5, 2012, Wednesday. I went to the NH about 3:50 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I left the photograph of the Nurse Diana painting at the desk with Nurse Steve. We hung up the clean clothes that I brought. C.N.A. Felicia came and got Mom into her wheelchair. We did some personal care then went to the dining room II. Donna showed me the photograph of Mom that will be in the newsletter this month. Mom & I painted a picture of the tree with CretaColor. I got Mom a coffee. I saw Hospice Nurse Amy and we talked about the alarm for preventing wheelchair accidents. We returned to her room and I put a bib on her and accompanied her to the dining room. Tina said they worked on her wheelchair. I couldn’t see any difference. Nurse Steve also said that some gadget had been put on her chair but I couldn’t see it, detect it. I left about 5:10 PM.

December 6, 2012, Thursday. I went to NH about 10 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was sleeping soundly on her bed. I got dirty clothes to wash, put clean socks & sweaters in her room. I put up the new newsletter. I spoke to Yoshanda. I left about 10:25 AM.

December 7, 2012, Friday. I went to NH about 10:20 AM. I couldn’t park near the bird feeder because the parking lot was full of children. I went in through the front. Mom was resting on her bed and did not want to get up. I got her up and we went to the program of the Brykerwoods 4^th grade Holiday performance. It Was Brilliant. Channukka  songs, Kwanza, Posado, Christmas Carols. We loved it. The children gave out handmade cards. It cheered Mom. We returned to Mom’s room. The Hospice C.N.A. Meg came by. She visited with Mom & I.  She checked supplies. I accompanied Mom to the dining room. Nurse Diane said that the safety brakes don’t work On Mom’s chair. She said that Hospice was supposed to come up with another wheelchair. I left about 11:50 AM.

December 8, 2012, Saturday. I went to NH about 2:50 PM. Riley’s truck was there and the birds were fed, blinds closed. Riley was visiting Mom but soon left. Yolanda and I got Mom up. We did some personal care and then went to dining room II to see the preschool dance classes perform. There were 3 to 5 years old children tap dancing and ballet moves. Afterward Mom & I returned to her room and I noticed a red spot on her lower right eye lid. Mom & I showed Nurse Diana and we returned to her room. I got her colors out plus coloring book. I left Mom in her room and left about 5 PM. I fed the birds as I left.   

December 9, 2012, Sunday. I went to the NH about 2 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I gave Nurse Diane the name and number of Mom’s ophthalmologist. Mom was resting on her bed. I opened her blinds and got some supplies for coloring to take to dining room II for crafts with Deanna. C.N.A. Julianna assisted us getting Mom into her chair.  Mom and I colored a picture of the tree and we also threaded beads on a pipe cleaner to make a Christmas pin. We returned to her room. I took her walker home with me and left the watercolor pad in her craft drawer. I left about 3:50 PM.

December 10, 2012, Monday. I went to NH today about 3:20 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed in need of a change. I called for help then went and asked. The Med nurse gave Mom her dose of green stuff. I opened the blinds and the birds came eagerly. The brown pigeon is still in the flock. Mom and I hung up clean clothes. C.N.A. came, changed Mom and helped get Mom into her chair. We did some personal care plus I cleaned, filed and painted her nails. Then we went to dining room II and enjoyed the children singing carols. The children gave out cookies, also. We returned to her room and I changed the DVD. Then we went to her dining room for supper. The children serenaded in her dining room also. More cookies. I left about 5:10 PM.

December 11, 2012, Tuesday. I went to NH about 10:40 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was sleeping soundly on her bed. I turned up the sound on her DVD, opened the blinds and cleaned her glasses. I got her dirty clothes and trimmed her flowers. I left the NH about 11 AM.

December 12, 2012, Wednesday. I went to NH about 3:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I spoke to Nurse Diane about eye doctor for Mom. She said 9:45 AM, Friday 12/14/12. Mom was resting on her bed, awake, TV off. I opened blinds and the birds came. New flowers in vase indicates Carl has visited. I put on TV and we channel surfed some then I changed the DVD. Nurse came in to take vitals and Med nurse gave Meds.

We did some personal care and Mom said she did not want to get up then changed her mind. I asked C.N.A. Annabel to get Mom up. She changed Mom and got her up into her wheelchair. Mom & I went to dining room II and sat with Mary Francis (resident). I got coffee for Mom and ice tea for Mary Francis. We worked a puzzle. We went to the tree and looked at it. Then I accompanied Mom to her room. We saw Tina and I told her about the brown pigeon being an Australian breed. We went around the facility and looked at other decorated trees. I accompanied Mom to dining room for supper. I left about 5:10 PM.

December 13, 2012, Thursday. I went to the NH about 10:30 AM. I fed the birds, blinds open. Mom was asleep. I changed the DVD to Singing in the rain. I left about 10:50 AM. I returned to the NH about 4:20 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom’s volunteer, Katelin, was there. I opened the blinds and the birds came. We called the C.N.A. to get Mom up. Julianna came and got Mom changed and we got her up into her wheelchair. I visited with Katelin a bit and she took Mom to the music program in dining room II. I left about 4:45 PM.

December 14, 2012, Friday. I went to the NH about 8:35 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was in the TV room, slumped in her chair, no glasses, miss matched clothes. I took her to her room to get her ready to go to ophthalmologist, Dr. Ross. Changed her sweater, got her glasses, put coat scarf, hat on her, rouge. Driver, Derrick, came and took Mom with paperwork to Doctor. I went in my own car and met them at Eye Institute. Dr. Ross said it is only a sty and wrote orders. I called Derrick. Mom & I took a turn around outside then waited inside. Derrick came and got paperwork. I returned to NH about 4 PM with Bill Alsup. Mom was at the Chanuka Celebration. We joined her and Mom recognized Bill. She didn’t know his name or who exactly he was but had that visceral memory, no problem. We played with a dredel and Mom won. We went to her room and I got her bib then we took her to the dining room for supper. I got her a coffee before I left.

December 15, 2012, Saturday. I went to the NH about 11:20 AM.  I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was in the hallway, no glasses. We returned to her room. The TV was on the DVD. I cleaned her glasses, opened the blinds and we did some personal care. I accompanied Mom to the dining room for Lunch then left about Noon. I returned to NH about 2:40 PM. The birdfeeder was still full. Mom was resting on her bed, no O2 on. I cleaned her glasses and got her into her wheelchair. We went to the Great Room for a party sponsored by the Kiwanis. I got Mom and Pat (resident) a glass of lemonade. There was Christmas music being played on an organ and piano. I saw stacks of gifts and cookies. I left about 3:10 PM.

December 16, 2012, Sunday. I went to NH about 3:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was on her bed. I opened the blinds and we saw a red-tail hawk sitting on the bird bath. We did some personal care. Some young girls from Salvation Army brought Mom some gifts. There was a bag from the Kiwanis sitting on her bedside table containing pencils, pencil sharpener, hand cream and various things. Some carolers came by, children and adults. I got Mom up then went to the Great Room where Methodist service was starting. We returned to her room. Mom was anxious and wanted to go home with me and asking “Why not?” I told her that I couldn’t care for her. I left her coloring in front of TV about 4:30 PM. I couldn’t find the remote control.

December 17, 2012, Monday. I went to NH about 2:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was in the TV room without glasses. She was glad to see me. Annie from recreation told me that Mr. Moran had died, stroke. We watched the end of the program then returned to her room. I brought a coke and we split it, two straws. I brushed her hair, turned on her TV and found the remote control in the drawer for crayons and coloring books. We went to the Great room and listened to MacCallum High School cello class play Christmas carols. We returned to her room. Tina told me that Mr. Moran died of choking. I gave Mom and Tina a gum drop.  The birds came and we watched the birds for a little but they didn’t stay long. I got her dirty clothes and left Mom coloring in front of TV (DVD)about 4:30.

December 18, 2012, Tuesday. I went to NH about 3:20 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I brought Tina’s pants which I washed because they were in Mom’s dirty clothes. I also brought Mom some socks, a sweater and new DVDs from Brooks. She was resting on her bed. I called for help and Annabelle came and changed Mom and assisted her into her wheelchair. We did some personal care. Then I accompanied her to the art program. Pat was there with cookies and watercolors. Mom did a watercolor with some assistance. Riley came by, added some bird feed and visited with Mom briefly. We went outside and looked at the trees and the roses. We saw some birds, too. Mom was ready to get in the car and “go”. But then wanted to return inside. It was a very mild, warm day. We went to her room and watched some of the DVD then headed toward the dining room. We saw the cub scouts singing and watched them, then the scouts gave out homemade cards. Mom got 4. We went to the dining room and I got Mom a coffee. I left about 5 PM. Mom was in a much improved mood after the watercolor and the cub scouts.

December 19, 2012, Wednesday. I went to NH about 10 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was sleeping soundly on her bed, O2 on, TV off. I changed the DVD, turned on the TV, opened the blinds, pinned up some Xmas cards and left clean, washed shoes. Then I went to the front desk and paid $35.00 for 5 guests for Xmas dinner, 5:30 PM. I signed in & out and left about 10:20 AM. I returned to NH about 3:10 PM and fed the birds again. Mom was already in the Great Room, in preparation for the ice cream social at 3:30. Mom seemed anxious. I filed her nails which calmed her some. Carl, Charlotte, Riley, Terri, Kim and Stuart all came. We had a good time. Mom and I accompanied Carl and Charlotte to his van in the lovely warm weather. I accompanied Mom to her room then to the dining room for her supper.

December 20, 2012, Thursday.  I didn’t go to the NH.

December 21, 2012, Friday. I went to NH about 10:50 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I gave Unit II box of cookies and card. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on, TV on. She has a new O2 machine that also has water container. I got her into her wheelchair. Mary came and assisted Mom to go to the toilet. She had a BM. I cleaned her glasses, brushed her hair and we went to the Great Room for duets on trumpet. We returned to her room and I did her nails. We channel surfed some and I left TV on new DVD from Brooks. I accompanied Mom to dining room for lunch. I left about Noon.

December 22, 2012, Saturday. I went to the NH about 10:40 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. The door to Mom’s room was closed. Mary was helping Mom go to the bathroom. She got Mom into dry pants and changed. I found a package from Helen. We put on the DVD of Puccini’s MADAMA BUTTERFLY, disk II. The DVD player was open and a Fed Astaire DVD is missing. I got Mom some colors and she colored while I drew a picture of her. I changed the DVD to a looping DVD. I accompanied Mom to the dining room for lunch. I returned about 5 PM. I fed the birds, blinds open. Mom was already in the dining room for supper. I visited with her, got her a glass of water and her bib from the room. I picked up her dirty clothes and brought home to wash.

December 23, 2012, Sunday. I went to the NH about 9 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. There were white feathers in the parking lot. Mom was resting on her bed O2 on, DVD on, sound down. I raised her bed and together we hung up her clean clothes. Tina recounted with delight the story of the hawk killing the pigeon in the parking lot. I turned up the sound on the TV and we channel surfed some. Then I put it back on the DVD. I cleaned her nails, and did some personal care. Mom asked to “go home”. I met a new C.N.A., Barbara. I left about 9:50 AM.

December 24, 2012, Monday. I went to NH about 3:10 PM. I fed the birds, blinds open. Mom was not in her room but was already in dining room II for Xmas eve show. I gave Tina her Xmas gift, a shawl and a card. I gave Mom two Russian teacakes. There was flute and piano and Xmas carol singing. Then a sermon and prayer followed by cookies and egg nog. Mom and I drew and played tic tac toe, sort of. Mom asked to go home several times then elucidated by telling me that her Mother would let her in. We returned to her room and I changed the DVD. Mom had received a package of socks from Helen plus cards from Staff. Then I accompanied her to dining room for supper. I got her a coffee.  I left at 5:10 PM. I added more birdseed when I left. I took socks home to mark them.  Mom is more alert lately but still confused as to time and place.