Dorothy ’s Story

Site created on June 26, 2020

Welcome to the CaringBridge page for Dorothy (more commonly known as Dot, Dolly, Mom, or Grandma). We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

Dot celebrated her 91st birthday on June 19. Lots of family celebrated with her at her home in Trinity, NC. Sadly, the following day she suffered a stroke. After being in ICU at Moses Cone, she’s now in their rehab unit. They’re working on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech/language therapy (which includes eating and cognitive skills).

The stroke has left weakness on her left side, lack of thirst or appetite, and cognitive issues. The majority of the time she seems content but doesn’t always recognize family members. She struggles to converse but enjoys talking. She talks about all the things that were part of her life at home, where she lived independently until this event. There’s lots of mention of her only great grandchild, Noelle, she remembers upcoming family birthdays, and talks lots about baking her wonderful desserts for her family.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Carol Evans

Dot has been at the care facility for 3 weeks and things seem to finally be settling down. We had to make some changes regarding her care which seem to be an improvement.

Unfortunately, Dot had a second fall a few weeks ago which we think was a result of our previous hospice group over medicating her. We found a new hospice group that is being more careful with her medications and also plan to provide some physical therapy for Dot. The hope is that she’ll  be able to use a walker more than the wheelchair.

As you know, visits with Dot are limited to once a week, due to Covid. In days when these porch visits don’t happen, Carol visits at Dot’s window. In the first week at Carolina Reserve, Dot recognized Carol everyday. Now she doesn’t know her even though she talks about Carol, often. 

We’ve hired a private caregiver who works with Dot every afternoon. She helps with getting her to eat and drink more, makes her a cup of tea, and keeps her company.

One bit of good news- we found a foster home for Dot’s kitty, Pippa. She’s in a loving home and has responded well to her foster family.

Kim is coming to visit this week. Maybe seeing her will jog Dot’s memory and she’ll recognize her. We’re hopeful that will be the case.

If you’d like to write Dot, please send it to Carol. That way we can be sure she receives her mail.
Dot Evans
c/o Carol Evans
3 Citation Drive 
Durham, NC 27713
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