Jean Tennyson

We all know Jean (Helen) as a vibrant upbeat person. Lately she has seen some hard times. Her health has steadily decreased to the point that she can not even get out of bed. She has had recent bouts of dehydration that has put her in the hospital and nursing homes, multiple times. On her last visit to the nursing home, she had a loss of appetite and found it difficult to swallow. She started losing weight and a decrease in muscle mass. When she got home, she had a physical therapist to try and develop her muscles. The problem was, she wasn't eating. She has nothing to build her muscles. Since she was not progressing on the program, her next step is to put her into a Hospice program. This will allow for some assistance for my Dad to help care for her. Scott, Matt and myself are all taking days to go over and make sure she starts eating, and my Dad! He has been taking such good care of my Mom that he is neglecting his own health. There will be a Hospice nurse coming in once a week and a Social Worker and Chaplain in once a month. There will also be an aide coming in twice a week to help bathe her, change her sheets and any other personal needs. I know Hospice sounds like a bad word and most people think "this is the end." To me Hospice is a "New Beginning". Many people ask, "What can I do to help"? Just go over and visit. Spend some time with her, even if its for a few just to say hi.
Please keep her and my Dad in your prayers.


Jimmy