THURSDAY, JUNE 27, FRIDAY, 28 AND SATURDAY, 29, 2013

June 27, 2013 Thursday. I went to the NH about 10:15 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was in the big TV room with other residents. I accompanied Mom to dining room II for Nail Spa. Mom chose a red/pink color today. After getting her nails done, we returned to her room and hung up her clean clothes. She did some problem solving. She was uneven in perceptions. We watched the birds. I changed the DVD to Cast Away and did some channel surfing. Nurse Audra took her vitals which were “good”. I accompanied Mom to the dining room and got her some juice. I left about 11:40 AM.

Later in the day I talked to the Dental Care people about Mom’s teeth. The financial officer said that if Medicaid does not replace the teeth, the NH had told her that they would pay for replacement.

June 28, 2013, Friday. I went to the NH about 11:20 AM. There was birdseed in the feeder, blinds closed. I had spoken to Riley on the phone earlier about going by and feeding the birds because my car with the birdseed wouldn’t go.  Mom was resting on her bed, DVD playing, sound down, no socks so I checked her feet. I cut her toenails and put cream on her feet and legs. I got her up then noted she was very wet. A C.N.A. came and we changed Mom. We changed her dress and got her into her chair. Mom & I did some personal care and I changed the DVD. We watched the birds and saw parrots. I couldn’t get the bed to raise the head or foot and reported that to Nurse Diane. I accompanied Mom to the dining room for lunch. I took Mom’s dirty clothes home and left about 12:20 PM. I got a phone call about 12:45 PM from the repairman from Hospice who said that he could find nothing wrong with the bed.

June 29, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 3:20 PM today. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I took the clean clothes to Mom’s room but she wasn’t there. I found her in dining room II where the Backyard Boys and One Girl were getting ready to play.  Mom and I went to the big window and watched the birds and I got Mom a coffee. We then went to a table and listened to the music. I went to Mom’s room during the music and hung up her clothes, got her a candy and returned to the performance. They were good, violin, flute, two guitars and singing, mostly traditional folk, country (Oh them Golden Slippers). I left Mom at the entertainment at about 4:10 PM. Mom was not very responsive today and seemed to be coughing a bit.

TUESDAY, JUNE 25 & WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2013

June 25, 2013, Tuesday. I went to the NH about 10:15 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, DVD playing, sound down, no O2, no glasses. I got Mom into her w/c and we did some personal care. I gave Mom a baby banana which she ate while we watched the birds and channel surfed. We went for a walk to the administration offices and talked about Mom’s teeth. Then we got a coke from the machine and I accompanied Mom back to her room. We hung up some clothes. Mom did fairly well at problem solving today. I got Mom back onto her bed with her Dr. Pepper on a table and changed the DVD. I left about 11:15 AM.

June 26, 2013, Wednesday. I went to the NH about 2:40 PM. I fed the birds although I didn’t have enough birdseed. The blinds were closed. When I entered the facility Nurse Diane informed me that Mom had a skin tear on her shin from yesterday afternoon. The door to Mom’s room was closed and Yvonne had just gotten Mom up then took her vitals. I checked her skin tear. It looked fine, bandaged. Mom had fresh flowers and I noted that Carl had visited yesterday. I accompanied Mom to dining room II for watercolor activity. She painted a field of red tulips. I went home and got more birdseed then returned. Mom was working on making lavender sachet and limes with cloves. Mom was in a contrary mood today but still jolly. I left Mom just as they were starting the sing-a-long activity about 4:30 PM.

SATURDAY, June 22, SUNDAY, June 23 & MONDAY, June 24, 2013

June 22, 2013, Saturday. I went to the facility about 10 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I gave Nurse Audra a copy of Bloody Wymmin #3. Mom was resting on her bed, no O2, glasses on, no teeth, DVD on, sound down. C.N.A. Dalmaccio came in and I assisted him in changing Mom. We got Mom into her w/c and did some personal care. Mom & I watched the birds, channel surfed then put the DVD back on, sound up. Mom said she had not seen this movie. Mom & I went to dining room II. Mom worked with building blocks and I got her a coffee. They were out of cream. The Christ Apostolic representatives were there singing and praying. Mom and I clapped along with the music. We returned to her room. I put her on her bed and noted no bedspread. Mom watched the birds. Two parrots came. I left DVD playing, sound up, about 11:30 AM.

June 23, 2013, Sunday. I went to the NH about 3:40 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on but the cannula was not in her nose, no glasses, DVD on, sound down, bed very high. Mom said she did Not want to get up. I opened the blinds we watched the birds. I noted the lovely new flowers from Carl. Yvonne came in and we got Mom up and into her w/c. We looked for her teeth some more, Yvonne with a flashlight. We did some personal care then went for a walk around the facility. Mom had a coffee. We returned to her room. Tina told me that Mom had gotten a letter. There was a letter from Quembe about their near miss of the tornado on May 31. We read the letter and talked about Quembe. We channel surfed then Mom to the dining room to await supper. I left about 5:40 PM.

June 24, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH about 9:50 AM. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on,

DVD on, sound down, glasses on. Mom was awake but said she did not want to get up. C.N.A. Ugonna came in to take her O2 level and assisted getting Mom into her w/c. Mom’s O2 was at 93 (good). We did some personal care, watched the birds and I gave Mom a chocolate. No teeth, still. I got Mom’s laundry ready to go home, inspected it at home and no teeth in the laundry. We went to dining room II and a volunteer got Mom a coffee. The residents exercised and played games while I sketched portraits of three residents; Pat, Bob (the Silver Star recipient) and Max, who is blind. Max said he will give it to his granddaughter. I accompanied Mom back to her room, put on a different Fred A. movie and left her in her w/c, wheels locked, coloring the bird coloring book. I left about 11:30 AM.

Mom is still cute without her teeth.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20 AND FRIDAY JUNE 21, 2013

June 20, 2013, Thursday. I went to the NH about 10 AM. I fed the birds, blinds open, waved at Mom in bed. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on, DVD on, sound up, glasses on, No Teeth. No teeth to be found in her room. I called for help to change Mom and get her up. Dalmaccio came and finished changing Mom and told me they had been looking for Mom’s teeth. I asked if they had checked the garbage. He said no. Dalmaccio said that the hospice C.N.A. had discovered the missing teeth when she took Mom for her bath this morning. We did some personal care. I brought another tube of Udder Cream from home. We watched the birds, channel surfed then went to dining room II where a volley ball game was in progress. Mom wanted to play. She was happy and enthusiastic. I left her there, searched her room some more, talked with staff and left about 11:10 AM.

June 21, 2013, Friday. I went to the NH about 9:30 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I noted Riley signed Mom’s guest book yesterday. Later on the phone he said he accompanied Mom to Bingo yesterday and she won a banana which she ate. I took her a banana this morning. She ate about 1/3. Mom was resting on her bed. C.N.A. Mary came and changed Mom and got her into her wheelchair. Hospice C.N.A. came by and talked to me about the loss of Mom’s teeth. She mentioned that Mom’s hair had smelled of perm recently. We did some personal care, watched the birds, channel surfed then went to the beauty parlor for Mom’s appointment. Beautician Margaret wet Mom’s hair and demonstrated that Mom’s hair had curl. She rolled Mom’s hair and put Mom under the dryer. Mom was pretty good but sitting under the dryer was a challenge for her. I returned to her room and did some cleaning up, got the four leg attachments out of her room and gave to Nurse Eglise at nurse’s station. Mom’ finished at the beauty parlor and Mom looked lovely with her new do. I talked with Nurse Diane and Nurse Audra and C.N.A. Mary about the loss of Mom’s teeth. Nurse Diane still wants to hear back from laundry. I accompanied Mom to the dining room for lunch and left about Noon.

TUESDAY, JUNE 18 AND WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2013

June 18, 2013, Tuesday. I went to the NH about 11 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed.  Riley[‘s name was on the guest book from yesterday, 5 PM. Mom was resting on her bed. We opened the blinds and watched the birds. Tina the RN from Hospice came and took Mom’s vitals. Mom vitals were good except for irregular heartbeat which is persistent. She assisted getting Mom in the w/c. We hung up clothes. RN Tina assisted with that task also and Mom was fairly good at problem solving. Roommate Tina mentioned problems with Mom’s bed lurching. I set the brakes on the casters which were off and we noted that not all 4 wheels have brakes. Mom and I did some personal care then went for a walk. We retrieved a crepe myrtle blossom knocked down by the morning storms. We walked around the facility and stopped at the spinet and played some scales and arpeggios. I left Mom in her place for lunch then made an appointment for Mom to get a permanent on Friday, 10:30 AM. I left with dirty laundry about 12:10 PM.

June 19, 2013, Wednesday. I went to the NH about 2:30 PM. I fed the birds, blinds open. As I was entering I saw C.N.A. Dalmaccio leaving. I signed the guest book and saw that Carl had visited and also the Hospice SW. Carl had emailed me that he had visited, found O2 off and set it right with cannula in place. Mom was resting on her bed, sopping wet. I called for help. No one came so I changed her myself and noted the rash has cleared up. There were no baby wipes so I wet some paper towels from the bathroom to clean her. She had a small BM. Her TV was set to Fox. I changed the channel, we watched the birds and did some personal care. Mom was contrary today. We went to dining room II and did some watercolors. Mom did a “Flowers By The Sea” and gave it to another resident, Bob or Bill, the gentleman who had won a Silver Star at D-Day in 1944. Pat got Mom a coffee. Then they began a “Cooking with out a kitchen” activity and I left. I changed her TV back to the DVD before I left about 3:40 PM. I reported the lack of baby wipes. 

SAT., JUNE 15; FRIDAY, JUNE 16; AND MONDAY JUNE 17, 2013

June 15, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 11 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I assisted C.N.A. Hammah in changing Mom and getting her a clean dress. Mom & I watercolored with the Peerless watercolors I brought. Mom did well, painting in the negative space. I accompanied Mom to the dining room for lunch. I left about 12:10 PM.

June 16, 2013, Sunday. I went to the NH about 3:15 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed. I got Mom into her w/chair. We did some personal care, watched the birds then went to the dining room II for the Father’s Day Party and Ice Cream Social. Bob Appel entertained with C & W music, guitar and singing. Carl and Charlotte came and we all had ice cream, cookies and a drink. Mom stirred her ice cream to a pudding before eating. No cold tolerance? I sketched Bob. Carl brought bumper stickers that said “Your Blinker is Broken”. Mom & I went up to the entertainer afterwards and gave him a bumper sticker and I gave him the sketch. It was a fun afternoon. Carl, Charlotte & I accompanied Mom to dining room for supper then Carl and Charlotte left. Then I took her to the big TV room to wait because it will be awhile before supper is served. I left Mom in the big TV room. Carl gave me one of Dad’s suits for Riley and a bumper sticker for me. Charlotte said she heard the parrots but didn’t see them. They have a distinctive “song”. I left about 5:15 PM. 

June 17, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH about 9:50 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was sound asleep, O2 on, no glasses, sound down on DVD. I opened the blinds, Mom awoke and objected to the light. So I closed the blinds, got Mom her glasses, turned up the TV and raised the head of her bed at her request. Mom did not want to get up. I left her sleeping and went to dining room II and sketched residents. Today I drew Isabella, Jean, and Marietta.  I returned to Mom’s room where Mom was still sleeping and did not want to get up. I left about 11:15 AM.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13 AND FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013

June 13, 2013, Thursday. I went to the NH about 10 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I saw the C.N.A. Flo in the hallway and she assisted mom in getting out of bed and into her w/c. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on, glasses on, DVD playing, sound down. We did some personal care, watched the birds and channel surfed some. I changed the DVD to South Pacific. I accompanied Mom to dining room II for the Nail Spa. She propelled herself most of the way. Mom chose blue fingernail polish today. Mom said she wanted to go “home” after polishing her nails. I accompanied her back to her room. By all indications, today “home” meant her room. I gave Mom a chocolate and a sugarless candy to Tina. Mom got into bed, mostly independently, and I turned up the sound. Mom said that she wanted to watch South Pacific. I left about 11:15 AM.

June 14, 2013, Friday. I went to the NH about 2:40 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on, glasses on, DVD playing, sound down. I started to get Mom up but the C.N.A. came in and suggested that we change Mom. During the change, the C.N.A. and I both noted the dramatic increase in redness in diaper rash area. We got Mom up. Mom & I did some personal care, watched the birds then I accompanied her to dining room II for the music and Flag Day celebration coffee hour. Mom and I clapped and sang along then I left about 3:50 PM. I spoke with Nurse Luz and Nurse Diane about Mom’s rash before I left. I fed the birds again. From home I sent an email to Mary Gilmore of Hospice, also, about the rash.

TUESDAY, JUNE 11 AND WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013

June 12, 2013 watercolor by Geraldine

June 11, 2013, Tuesday. I went to the NH about 10:30 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I saw Gus from physical plant department and asked about the erosion by the feeder. He does Not want rocks as they will block the drain. He recommended leaving it be. I brought clean clothes to Mom and cookies for staff (C.N.A. week). Mom was resting on her bed, under covers, no O2, glasses on, teeth in watching DVD, sound down. The bed controls worked today. I opened the blinds and we watched the birds. One parrot was at the feeder this morning. We hung up her clean clothes and I got the dirty clothes bagged up. Mom was good at problem solving this morning. We went to dining room II and got a cup of coffee. Mom propelled herself most of the way. No activity going on there so we returned to her room and colored and watched the DVD. We channel surfed some. I gave Mom a chocolate. Nurse Audra came by and asked if Mom had adequate Hospice supplies. I said yes. We looked at old photos. Mom identified more than half correctly. I accompanied Mom to the dining room for lunch. C.N.A. Eglise gave Mom a Boost supplement. I left the NH about noon.

June 12, 2013, Wednesday. I went to the NH about 2:10 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on, glasses on, teeth in, DVD on, sound down. Carl had signed and the Hospice social worker in Mom’s guest book. I opened the blinds and raised the head of her bed. We hung up the clean clothes I brought. Mom had difficulty with problem solving but got better as we proceeded with the task. I called for assistance and Dalmacio came and said he had just changed her so just assisted getting Mom into her wheelchair. We did some personal care, watched the birds and channel surfed some. We went to dining room II for watercolor with Pat. Mom propelled herself most of the way. Mom did two watercolors today and Pat gave me one of Mom’s from a previous session. Mom and I went to the covered patio and bought Cheetos. I got Mom a cup of cranberry juice. We returned to dining room II for the craft program was starting. Mom propelled herself more than half the way on that walk. I left Mom in the craft program decorating birdhouses and took home her watercolors about 3:50 PM.

RECENT ART BY GERRI

This is a watercolor that Mom did practically independently in the painting activity at the NH. The drawing she did in my sketch book while we were sitting outside recently.

SATURDAY JUNE 8, SUNDAY JUNE 9 and MONDAY JUNE 10, 2013

June 8, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 11 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I went to Mom’s room. Mom was flat on bed (no pillow), O2 on, glasses off, TV off. I noticed the fresh flowers and clean vase indicating Carl had visited but he had not signed in on Mom’s guest book. The C.N.A. Mary came in with a Trainee. They toileted Mom and got her a clean dress. We did some personal care then hurried to dining room II where we caught the last two pieces of Jane Walls Students; a Debussy piece on harp played by Don Cho and then a duet on the piano. We missed the flutist and earlier piano pieces. I accompanied Mom on a walk to the front of the facility. Mom sketched the large hibiscus growing in pots and we counted the buds. Mom was alert to her environment. We returned to Mom’s dining room. I went to her room to fetch her bib and turned on the TV, discovering that it was messed up, asking to be programmed or something. I pushed buttons until I got the TV to respond properly to the remote and left the TV on a Fred A DVD. I took Mom her bib, said good-bye and left about 12 noon.

June 9, 2013, Sunday. I didn’t go to the NH today.

June 10, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH about 9:15 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, no teeth, no O2, no glasses, sound down on DVD. I opened the blinds and got Mom into her chair. I could not get the head of the bed to raise but the whole bed would go up and down and the foot of the bed responded to controls. I got Mom her teeth, we did some personal care then we went to dining room II. Mom propelled herself most of the way. I got Mom a coffee. I sketched a portrait of Tammy and Mom watched and drank her coffee. Mom joined the group for the sing along. I did portrait sketches of Dorothy and Horace, and  “B”. I observed Mom waving her hands with the music. We returned to her room, watched the birds and I changed the DVD to Brigadoon. I gave Mom a chocolate and left Mom in her room, in her w/c about 11:30 AM.

THURSDAY, JUNE 6 & FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

June 6, 2013, Thursday. It was Carl who visited yesterday and filled the bird feeder, twice, he says. I went to the NH about 10:30 AM. I fed the birds, blinds partially open. I took magazines to the front office to donate and saw Mike in administration briefly. I gave him the blog address. Candy Sandlin told me that the automatic brake system for Mom’s wheel chair will likely be done today. I went to Mom’s room and put sign-in guest book on her table. She was lying on her bed, no pillow with foot of the bed raised. O2 was on but Mom did not have nostril hose on her nose. She had her glasses on and greeted me immediately. I opened the blinds more and we talked about the birds. I turned off the O2 and got Mom to sit up and eat a chocolate. We did some personal care then went for a walk. Mom propelled herself to the covered patio where I bought her a Dr. Pepper, at her request. We returned to her room for a straw and watched part of Winged Migration, then I changed her DVD to a Fred A. movie. We colored together in her bird coloring book. I left her in her about 11:30 AM, w/c, brakes locked, coloring at her table. She said “Ciao” to me as I departed, indicating her alert mood today.

June 7, 2013, Friday. I went to the NH about 10:50 AM. I fed the birds blinds closed. When I entered facility, Nurse Diane reported that braking system was on Mom’s w/chair and that Mom had gotten out of her w/c independently this morning and sat in a chair nearby and put her feet up in the w/c. I spoke to Annie from Rec. about this incident later as it was she who discovered Mom in the TV room sitting in one of the permanent chairs. Mom was not in her room but was at the residents meeting in dining room II. No glasses and she was not participating. I got her glasses and a scarf and joined her. She voted for lemon pie with my cues to her to choose. I noted the braking system on her w/c will prevent me from folding the chair and putting it in the car. I accompanied Mom to her room and we did some personal care. I took out old photos and letters and prompted her to discuss and or identify people and memories. She identified me in photos 2 out of 3 times. She identified Dad as Brooks and other confusions. She had difficulty identifying the 4 youngest children. She mixed things up but did Not demonstrate “false memories” as far as I could tell. We went for a walk around to the back of the facility and fed the birds again upon returning. Mom propelled herself most of the way. We returned to her room, watched the birds then I accompanied Mom to the dining room for lunch. I left about 12:10 PM. Nurse Diane expressed concern about the increased possibility for falls as Mom increases her physical capacity.

JUNE 4 & JUNE 5, 2013 and CARE PLAN MEETING

June 4, 2013, Tuesday. I went to the NH about 9:45 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I signed her out at the Nurses desk. I mentioned concern about erosion around the bird feeder to Nurse Audra. Mom was asleep on her bed, O2 on, glasses on, sound down on DVD. When I opened the blinds, she awoke and said “hello!” I asked if she wanted to go for a ride. I started to get her up but she was stinky so I called for help and put Mom back on the bed. I did a bad job changing her, tore the diaper then C.N.A.  Dalmacio came and finished changing Mom, new diaper. I cleaned Mom’s hands, gave her a chocolate, brushed her hair and we went to the car. Mom propelled herself most of the way. We drove around a bit then we went to Buck Moore’s Feed Store and I bought 4 bags of birdseed while Mom waited in the car. We drove back to the NH by circuitous route. Mom mostly dozed off in the car today. Mom expressed no reluctance to returning to NH and I accompanied Mom to the Great Room where a game of batting a beach ball was in progress. Mom joined in readily and I left about 11:20 AM.

June 5, 2013, Wednesday. I went to the NH about 2:15 PM. The blinds were half open and the birds were fed. I believe Riley had visited. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on, no glasses, sound down on TV on TCM. I took some clean clothes and Mom and I hung them up. Mom was pretty good at problem solving today. The pet Therapy dog, Mimi, and her handler came by. We put Mimi on her bed and Mom petted her vigorously. We did some personal care and I helped Mom into her chair. We went to dining room II where watercolor painting was in progress with Pat. Mom and I started a watercolor but I left to go to the Care Plan Meeting for Mom. The meeting went longer than I anticipated and I returned to dining room II about 4 PM. Mom had done another watercolor and Pat was gone. Another crafts program was in progress but Mom was not participating. I tried to get her to work with them but Mom was recalcitrant and wanted to return to her room. I accompanied her back to her room and assisted her onto her bed. I put the TV on the Carmen DVD and left Mom resting on her bed watching the DVD. I took her dirty clothes and the new watercolors and left the NH about 4:20 PM.

 THE CARE PLAN MEETING, 3:15 PM - we discussed Mom’s improved alertness and talked about getting a restorative therapy order for her and having her remain on Hospice. It was suggested that I get a Guest Book for Mom’s room as we don’t have a clear idea of who visits. Hospice has a record of a volunteer for Mom but I have never seen or seen evidence of one visiting her. The Hospice C.N.A. visits Mom twice a week but I don’t cross paths with her, often. I do not know when Riley and Carl visit. The Hospice social worker, nurse and others visit Mom also. All evidence is that the increased contact agrees with Mom. We discussed the automatic braking system for Mom’s chair. Hospice reported that they have one for Mom’s chair which will be put on as soon as maintenance gets around to it. Nurse Diane said she would write the order (again). When I returned home Nurse Diane called and reported follow-up on the things we discussed.

SUNDAY JUNE 2 AND MONDAY JUNE 3, 2013

June 2, 2013, Sunday.

 “when I went by yesterday mom was laying down and her o2 was on but on the floor.the seeds weren't all gone so you must have been by earlier.there was a parrot.Singing in the rain was on.mom ate her banana.” Email From Carl

I went to the NH about 3:15 PM today. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was on her bed with a blood pressure gauge on her wrist. The C.N.A. followed me into her room and checked Mom’s BP and O2. Her BP was about 115 over 52, something like that, O2 okay. Mom had her O2 on. The C.N.A. changed Mom and we got her into her chair. I brushed her hair, we watched the birds and we did some personal care. Mom was a little confused about following cues. It is not her hearing because I lowered my voice and made shorter sentences and she understood. I checked Mom out and we went for a ride. We went slowly through the neighborhood. Mom was alert to her environment, noticing flowers and passer-bys. We went to Walgreens and I bought her some chocolates and we mailed a letter at the drive through post office. We returned to the NH. I strategically gave her a chocolate to eat while I got the w/c in place then told her there was a party inside. I accompanied her to dining room II where performer was strolling, singing and playing an accordion. I got Mom a coffee and a cup of ice water and said good-bye. Mom showed no distress at my leaving. I put the chocolate in her room, changed the DVD to Carmen and left about 4:20 PM.

June 3, 2013, Monday. I went to the NH about 9:15 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on, DVD on, sound down, no glasses. I called for assistance as Mom was sopping wet and leaked through her slacks. I changed Mom and got her some clean slacks then turned off the call light. I got Mom into her chair, cleaned her hands and gave her a chocolate. We watched the birds and I turned up the sound. I brushed her hair and such then we went to dining room II. I got Mom a coffee. I drew a portrait of Tina. Mom drank all her coffee then I assisted her into the group for the group activity about cows. Then I did a portrait sketch of Mary from NY then I did Tom from Seattle. I got a chance to observe Mom in the group without my giving cues. She does not advocate nor participate although she knows about cows. She was paying attention. I left Mom in the group about 11:00 AM. Mom showed no distress at my departure. I went to the administration desk at the NH about 11:30 AM. We talked about the proper way to make two checks each month from her Trust. One check for payment into a personal account for Mom to get her hair done and the like.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29 - SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2013

May 29, 2013, Wednesday. I went to the NH about 2:20 PM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed watching a DVD, sound down, no glasses, O2 on but nostril connection on the bed beside her. I turned up the sound, opened the blinds and got Mom a chocolate. She cleaned her hands, put on handcream and I helped her into her chair. Mom was in a good humor, joking with me. I accompanied Mom to the dining room II for the art activity. She propelled herself most of the way. Mom painted a watercolor, repeatedly saying she was hungry. The alarms went off, doors closed automatically. I went down the hallway to get Mom some chips from the vending machine on the covered patio and encountered the staff gathered by the Nurse station on Unit II having a meeting to discuss emergency procedures. Upon returning to dining room II, I gave Mom the chips. She ate half, returned to her watercolor. We took her watercolor to her room and put it on her bulletin board. She wanted to return to the activities and I accompanied her back to dining room II. We looked at the birds and discussed the parrots and the other birds. Tara had a puzzle project set up for Mom and I left Mom there with the building blocks. I left about 3:40 PM.

May 30, 2013, Thursday. I went to the NH about 10:45 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. Mom was resting on her bed, O2 on but nostril apparatus on the bed beside her. The sound was all the way down on the DVD, glasses on, teeth in place. I got Mom up, brushed her hair, cleaned her hands and gave her a chocolate. We went to the Nurse station and I checked out Mom for a ride. We rode slowly through the neighborhoods. Mom was alert and talkative today. We returned to the NH and sat and watched the birds. I fed the birds again.  Mom was extremely resistant to returning to the NH today. I had to go through the whole explanation of why I couldn’t take care of her and encouraged her to play Bingo this afternoon and win some prizes. I accompanied her to the dining room. I got her a coffee and we visited with Maggie and Stan for a minute then they went for a walk. I left Mom in the dining room, brakes locked about 12:10 PM.

May 31, 2013, Friday. I went to the NH about 3 PM. I fed the birds, blinds partially open. Mom was on the bed, under covers, asleep, O2 on, DVD playing, sound down. I opened the blinds and Mom awoke immediately. We did some personal care and C.N.A. came and we got Mom into her chair. I put “new” dress on her and we hung up clean clothes I had brought. Mom was somewhat confused but did help some. We went to the entertainment, happy hour. We clapped and sang, ate chips & dip and Mom ate half a banana. I accompanied Mom back to her room and changed the DVD to Singing in the Rain. I left Mom in her room, in her w/c, brakes on watching TV. I gave Mom and Tina a chocolate before I left about 5 PM. 

June 1, 2013, Saturday. I went to the NH about 10:15 AM. I fed the birds, blinds closed. I signed mom out for a ride then went to her room where she was asleep on her bed, O2 on, covered with another one of her dresses, no pad under her and she was sopping, leaky wet. I called for assistance but never did see a C.N.A. I changed Mom, opened the blinds, changed her dress and got her up. We did some personal care then went to the car. Mom propelled herself most of the way. I gave her a banana to eat and she ate it all. We drove slowly through the neighborhoods then went to the gas station for gasoline and mailed a letter at the drive through mail box. Mom was alert and noticed her environment. We returned to the NH and Mom was resistant to returning to the NH. I told her I would give her chocolate inside and told her that she had to go inside or I wouldn’t take her for any more rides. After some back and forth she seemed to understand the threat?! We returned to her room, I gave her a chocolate and turned up the sound on the DVD. She said that she had seen this film before but wanted to see it again. I left her in her room, brakes locked, bed in high position about 11:30 AM.