Libbie arrived shortly after 10 PM last night, and Mom came today, after stopping at Costco for some staples - in our house that means artichoke spinach dip and bagels. We had our usual Friday visitors as well, Beth the Hospice visiting nurse and Charisse the nurse assistant that makes sure Dad is cleaned from head to foot. Actually, she is allowed to clean only from head (including shampoo and shave) to ankles. For some reason, Hospice assistance does not include foot care. Knowing this, I gave Dad a foot bath and scrub yesterday and Dave cut his toenails.
With Beth, we discussed Dad's continuing chatter at night (last night it was from 2 AM onward) which means he is not sleeping well. Also, his gums are beginning to hurt, and Charisse found a sore spot by the catheter. Dad does not like the catheter, so having a sore spot in addition is even worse. We need to apply ointment 3 times a day to his sore, and we're going to get a denture adhesive for his gums. Beth thinks his dentures are now too loose (Dad is slowly losing weight), but the good news is he does not have thrush. She called the Hospice doctor, and we are going to replace his sleeping pill with something stronger. Sorry, I can't remember what it is, but it will arrive by FedEx either tomorrow or Monday.
Dad stayed in bed all day today, as he was very weak, and exhausted from his morning "activities" and Charisse's visit. He didn't get his morning nap, and had lots of trouble talking to Beth. He didn't sleep well in the afternoon, either, so maybe he will vacation in DreamWorld tonight. Libbie is on duty, Mom is there for reinforcements, and Dave and I will get to be in our bed tonight!
Libbie and Mom insisted Dave and I go out for dinner, and they didn't have to make that suggestion twice. We went just to the club, and ran into our neighbors from whom Dad rents his house. They already had a foursome with other neighbors, so Dave and I had a table to ourselves. We had a delicious dinner. We went back to Dad's, got him to take his pills, get his ointment, and get settled down for the night. Mom said Dad ate just a few bites of pudding for dinner (though he had had a malt before we left) and that he was more coherent with his conversation. That was good to hear. Earlier today he was saying to Beth, "Why can't I control my breath?" but what he meant was his speech - I know because he's asked me that several times. It's got to be maddening to him to have to struggle to find the right words, and to know he's having problems. I was glad to hear he was in a pretty good mood and fairly coherent while we were out. By the time Dave and I got back from dinner, he was very sleepy, so we went through his bedtime routine as quickly as we could.
Then we said goodbye to Lib and Mom. Now I'm going to hit the sack!
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