Tuesday - Uphill, A Little

You never know from day to day.  Our Hospice Visiting Nurse Beth said she thinks one of the hardest parts for caregivers is the roller coaster effect of the ups and downs of their loved ones.  I don't know - I'm always happy there is an up day, but I am frustrated at the down days even when I know there will be more and more of them.

Dad had a better night, but was still very restless.  Beth recommended adding additional anti-anxiety medication, which we will do tonight.  Dad slept from about 9:30 pm - 5:30 am, but when he is restless and talking in his sleep, he is not in a deep sleep.  He is easily awakened if we ask if he is okay.  I would like him to sleep deeply at night.

Dad ate much better today, and was able, for the most part, to feed himself.  I thought he looked a little thinner, then Beth mentioned it looks to her as if he is losing weight.  He had a little bit of trouble eating, getting grits on his spoon, and seeing his pieces of clementines, but overall he ate a good variety and a fair amount of his meals.  He is eating ice cream and strawberries as I type this.  He is not eating big meals, but does eat a good deal of ice cream in malts, with chocolate sauce, with fruit, and with oatmeal cookies!

He was a little more focused today, and had a decent conversation with Beth, although he was easily confused and thought she was trying to trick him, or "catch" him with all her questions.  When she asks how he's feeling on a scale of 1-10, he tries to remember what he told her last time, so he can give the same answer, not realizing she wants to know about any changes, not giving him a memory test.

Charisse came today while I had gone to the Village to get a few things.  Dave was here.  Dad declined his shave.  He is getting so he says no to the bath, so I have to insist, even though he always feel better afterwards and thanks Charisse for her help.

Not much news today.  The weather is gorgeous, Molly has brought us buttnernut squash soup and chicken & biscuits which were wonderful, Dave is at our couples book club tonight and I plan to go to a girlfriends' get together tomorrow evening for dinner.  I cleaned up the pine cones out of our yard and pitched some worn-out summer flower pots. Let's hope for an even better night tonight.