Journal entry by Angela Lowther —
So first let me apologize for not updating this in forever. I realize that this is my daily life but for everyone else I'm the window into how Mom is doing. So I'll try and update more often.
As of right now Mom is in St. Mary's still. We're trying to find a place that can take her in that can give her the care she needs. She needs 24 care and guidance. We need to have a place that is a locked facility because she would more than likely try and leave or wander and that would be scary and dangerous for her. For some reason she doesn't feel the need or the want to eat which is sad. She'll have a couple of bites a day if we're lucky. So that being said they've never taken her feeding tube out and they're good about getting her 3 "meals" a day even if they have to sneak in the last one while she is sleeping. This is also how she gets most all of her medications. They offer her food and snacks throughout the day and have her breakfast lunch and dinner brought to her in hope that she'll eat something. She is still having behavioural issues which I guess might be her personality coming through! We all know she can be feisty! I'm sure that it's hard for her to communicate what she's thinking and feeling which would be frustrating for anyone. Her mobility has been up and down. At times she's up and doing alright walking with some help to make sure she doesn't fall... Then other days she needs two people to help her get out of bed to take a few steps to the commode. At least I can say that the Nurses and the PCA's that have been with her consistently the last few months have been absolutely wonderful! I have a sense of relief knowing that while I can't visit her she's in great hands. I wish we could find a place for her that had such a great staff like this.
Today is Mom's 60th birthday and I wish more than anything I could change things for her and make it so this never happened. I know it's not possible and the reality is that this is our new normal. I'm still holding onto the hope that she'll progress more and be able to have some parts of herself and her life back.
I know you guys never stopped caring and praying for her and I appreciate so much! So keep it up 💚💙💚💙
As of right now Mom is in St. Mary's still. We're trying to find a place that can take her in that can give her the care she needs. She needs 24 care and guidance. We need to have a place that is a locked facility because she would more than likely try and leave or wander and that would be scary and dangerous for her. For some reason she doesn't feel the need or the want to eat which is sad. She'll have a couple of bites a day if we're lucky. So that being said they've never taken her feeding tube out and they're good about getting her 3 "meals" a day even if they have to sneak in the last one while she is sleeping. This is also how she gets most all of her medications. They offer her food and snacks throughout the day and have her breakfast lunch and dinner brought to her in hope that she'll eat something. She is still having behavioural issues which I guess might be her personality coming through! We all know she can be feisty! I'm sure that it's hard for her to communicate what she's thinking and feeling which would be frustrating for anyone. Her mobility has been up and down. At times she's up and doing alright walking with some help to make sure she doesn't fall... Then other days she needs two people to help her get out of bed to take a few steps to the commode. At least I can say that the Nurses and the PCA's that have been with her consistently the last few months have been absolutely wonderful! I have a sense of relief knowing that while I can't visit her she's in great hands. I wish we could find a place for her that had such a great staff like this.
Today is Mom's 60th birthday and I wish more than anything I could change things for her and make it so this never happened. I know it's not possible and the reality is that this is our new normal. I'm still holding onto the hope that she'll progress more and be able to have some parts of herself and her life back.
I know you guys never stopped caring and praying for her and I appreciate so much! So keep it up 💚💙💚💙
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Sandy Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $30 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Sandy's site for one month. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
