Journal entry by Tammy Klopp —
Many people ask how our family is doing. We are struggling. We are grieving the loss of an amazing woman. We miss her deeply.
Our family did the best we could with very limited resources to give her an amazing send off. We will be getting her a plot in Rock Falls, Wisconsin shortly. So she can be with her parents, sisters, brother, and many other loved one's. If we missed anyone or anything it wasn't intentional. We were exhausted and heartbroken when she passed. Her services were to honor her life.
During this time Kim and I were also helping Tim care for our father. His mobility has been steadily declining since mom received her diagnosis in September. After mom's funeral the lack of mobility increased. Feet weren't working right. Legs always heavy. Falls where paramedics had to be called for lift assistance increased. Dad's safety became an enormous concern. We were and still are grieving our loss. Then we were terrified for dad and Tim.
Any of you that have been to the home know there is no way to make it wheelchair accessible. We chose to try hospice for the added help. We were desperately trying to keep him at home as mom wanted. Being a caretaker 24/7 is not a good idea for anyone's mental well-being. With heavy hearts Kim, Tim and myself decided to seek help. St Croix Hospice (they are amazing) got dad in respite care on March 15th at St Joseph's hospital. This was only for five days as they searched for a facility. On Monday, March 20th dad was moved to Oakbrook in Thorp. He is adjusting and doing well. Hasn't had a cigarette since late afternoon on March 15th. Uses a wheelchair now. Seems content. Doesn't even complain about smoking. Who would have guessed that?
Due to Medicare/Medicaid rules we were forced to put their home on the market. We have spent the last two weeks going through everything in their home. The house will go on the market May 1st. The exhaustion will continue for several more weeks as we sort through the many things we still need to accomplish. At first we felt we failed mom when dad was placed. However, we now feel this was the right choice for him. The right choice for us. It has been a really tough year so far.
If anyone wants to visit dad he enjoys the company. The address is:
Oakbrook Health and Rehabilitation
John Klopp
Room 108
206 W Prospect Street
Thorp, WI 54771
Eventually we will make a Caring Bridge page for dad.
We thank everyone for the tremendous amount of love and prayers we have received through everything.
Our family did the best we could with very limited resources to give her an amazing send off. We will be getting her a plot in Rock Falls, Wisconsin shortly. So she can be with her parents, sisters, brother, and many other loved one's. If we missed anyone or anything it wasn't intentional. We were exhausted and heartbroken when she passed. Her services were to honor her life.
During this time Kim and I were also helping Tim care for our father. His mobility has been steadily declining since mom received her diagnosis in September. After mom's funeral the lack of mobility increased. Feet weren't working right. Legs always heavy. Falls where paramedics had to be called for lift assistance increased. Dad's safety became an enormous concern. We were and still are grieving our loss. Then we were terrified for dad and Tim.
Any of you that have been to the home know there is no way to make it wheelchair accessible. We chose to try hospice for the added help. We were desperately trying to keep him at home as mom wanted. Being a caretaker 24/7 is not a good idea for anyone's mental well-being. With heavy hearts Kim, Tim and myself decided to seek help. St Croix Hospice (they are amazing) got dad in respite care on March 15th at St Joseph's hospital. This was only for five days as they searched for a facility. On Monday, March 20th dad was moved to Oakbrook in Thorp. He is adjusting and doing well. Hasn't had a cigarette since late afternoon on March 15th. Uses a wheelchair now. Seems content. Doesn't even complain about smoking. Who would have guessed that?
Due to Medicare/Medicaid rules we were forced to put their home on the market. We have spent the last two weeks going through everything in their home. The house will go on the market May 1st. The exhaustion will continue for several more weeks as we sort through the many things we still need to accomplish. At first we felt we failed mom when dad was placed. However, we now feel this was the right choice for him. The right choice for us. It has been a really tough year so far.
If anyone wants to visit dad he enjoys the company. The address is:
Oakbrook Health and Rehabilitation
John Klopp
Room 108
206 W Prospect Street
Thorp, WI 54771
Eventually we will make a Caring Bridge page for dad.
We thank everyone for the tremendous amount of love and prayers we have received through everything.
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