I was so relieved that we had no doctor appointments today and we did not have to get Dad in and out of the car, wheel chairs, etc. His fractured hip is a major concern, as any further break would be devastating. We even wheel him from his bedroom to the living room, just to avoid extra pressure on the hip. Also, his right arm is in a sling, so he can't put both hands on the walker.
He said he felt a little better this morning, and again as he was eating dinner. His breakfast and lunch were very light, but he ate a slightly bigger dinner of beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes and gravy, sauteed squash and onions and a salad. They were small portions, but that's the biggest meal he's had in a week. He said he had no room for dessert, though if he wakes up later, I'm sure Jon will satisfy that sweet tooth.
Another very positive thing that happened today was that Cherisse, a visiting nurse assistant, came. Dad asked her how old she is, as she looks young (38) and he told her at least 5 times she has to be careful with his arm. She has 17 years experience but was not the least bit huffy that Dad was coming across as though he didn't trust her. I am sure, with her experience, she's run into that attitude before. By the time his bed bath was over, Dad was in love with Cherisse. He commented, She really knows what she's doing! He was washed from head to toe, shampooed, and dressed in clean clothes. Jon had shaved him yesterday, and he looked nice and fresh.
We moved Dad into the living room so we could change the sheets. He reclined in the Big Blue Chair, and immediately fell asleep. All that moving around exhausted him. His housekeepers arrived and they did their magic, including vacuuming all over the living room, under the footrest of his chair, and he slept through it all! Oh to be able to sleep that well!
Jon and I had taken a short, 30 minute walk, and I was overdue for my shower. When I came back all clean, into the clean house with a clean Mr. Green, it felt wonderful. I filled a basin with warm water and epsom salts, and Dad soaked his feet. Jon got out the clippers and cut Dad's toenails. Thank God for Jon!!! I can do all the duties when I need to, but Jon takes care of so much when he's here. Plus, I get to sleep at home while he is here. That will change tomorrow when he leaves. Boo hoo (about Jon leaving, not sleeping here at Dad's).
Dave also is such a tremendous help. He made a fantastic dinner tonight - beef tenderloin, sauteed squash and onions, and a great salad. He has been cooking up a storm and I am so appreciative. Plus, he's been running all the errands. I could not do this by myself!
Dad's pills from Hospice arrived today, and it took me about an hour to read the instructions, make a simple chart, then rearrange it according to the timetable of what Dad needs to take when. Dad's two biggest worries are his eyesight and pill management - if we are giving him the right pill at the right time. I am sure that concern is exaggerated by the fact he can't see the instructions for himself.
We did more furniture rearranging today. When Dad wakes up at night, he wants Jon to stay with him (he's been having nightmares) so we moved a loveseat into the bedroom. At least Jon (or whoever is here) will be able lie down until Dad goes back to sleep. Jon called the Hospice nurse and told her about the nightmares and anxiety, so we will get yet another miracle drug to help relieve Dad's anxiety. We want him to sleep well, and to be as strong and alert as possible during the day.
Dad was in a much better mood as he was being tucked in tonight. He is very appreciate of our help, he had a good dinner in his Buddha belly, and there was a place for company (the loveseat) if he wants it during the night. We will take the small joys!
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