Me? You're kidding right?
Me? Take a wild guess what I am doing this New Year's Eve...
Champagne? - nope
LBD? (Little Black Dress for those of you out of the know) - nope
Party with horns and hats? - nope again
Had to call 911 earlier today to bring mom to the ER.
We ate a late lunch/early dinner yesterday. Mom was up before the birds and took her PM meds around 5pm, which of course will make her tired. She headed to be around 7::30pm saying her stomach didn't feel right...
This morning, when I came downstairs, she was sitting in the living room with a cup of tea watching the tv. She hadn't slept most of the night, her stomach was bothering her. I changed the channel on the tv so she could watch Good Morning America (#GMA) and proceeded to go to the kitchen to work from home.
A little later I walked in the living room to find her sleeping soundly so I turned off the tv and went back to work.
Shortly thereafter, I heard a grunt from the living room and went in to investigate. Mom was slumped over on her side trying to get up. I asked what was the matter and she indicated the pain in her stomach again saying she felt sick. I asked, "Sick like I have to get to the bathroom or sick like I need to throw up?" and she said, "Just sick." in a very low voice.
Her eyes were shut, her face grimaced in pain and she asked me help her get up. I put out my arms for her to grab and she got up to a sitting position... this is when the fun began.
Her eyes opened wide as can be, not focusing on anything, she became limp and I guided her to the back of the sofa saying, "Mom can you hear me? Mom... mom?... mom? She became unresponsive and limp then her breathing began to get 'funny'. Her cheek began flapping and she was making a noise, which became louder then faded to nothing.
This unresponsiveness lasted about 1 minute so I called 9-1-1 to have an ambulance come... I knew she needed medical attention.
So now I sit in the ER, room 3, with mom while tests are done and wait for results... thank goodness for Intranet and my laptop. I can keep myself busy with Internet and work too.
Happy New Year!
I resolve not to have to do any ER runs in 2015, how about you?
#eldercare #takingcareofmom #momsgettingold #momsmovedin #somethingaboutmom #mom
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Money and Credit Card Missing...
The latest dilemma, Mom went shopping for a few Christmas gifts today at Modell's. She picked out a couple of presents and went to the register.
As the cashier was ringing up her finds and announced her total to be $114 and some change, Mom went into her pocketbook to retrieve her wallet.
To her surprise, her credit card was not in her wallet. Her store credit cards were there but not the MasterCard.
We used it yesterday. Hubby went to local pharmacy to purchase Iron pills and Vitamin C pills. I took mom to her hemotologist appointment yesterday. While there we discussed mom's fatigue to be a bit more than normal. He suggested adding these two supplements to her regimen to see if it helps.
When hubster returned from the pharmacy, he gave her back her credit card.
I told mom to get her pocketbook and I'd look through it because we had it yesterday. I began the search by digging into the purse and pulling out one thing after another. No credit card.
So my sister stopped by to drop off some mail, a list of vendors needing to be contacted and have the 'billing address' changed to my sister's house. Who knows when the forwarding address will expire at USPS.
I figured if I found the paperwork sis brought up, I'd find the credit card.
I went upstairs and found the paperwork on her bed. I moved it and the blanket across the end of the bed moved and lo and behold, what to my wondering eyes should appear?????
You guessed it, mom's credit card.
I brought it down and we activated the other one sis brought up. We placed it into her wallet.
She's all set to go back to Modell's and get the items tomorrow. Luckily the cashier said she'd hold them for her to come back and purchase.
Problem solved... that is, of course, except for the two $100 bills she had, at some point, in an envelope in her purse that's missing... I'll deal with that at another time... More to come.
Have you ever had to deal with this issue? How did you handle it?
#eldercare #momsmovedin #elderlycare #helpwithmom #losingmoney #confusedmom
As the cashier was ringing up her finds and announced her total to be $114 and some change, Mom went into her pocketbook to retrieve her wallet.
To her surprise, her credit card was not in her wallet. Her store credit cards were there but not the MasterCard.
We used it yesterday. Hubby went to local pharmacy to purchase Iron pills and Vitamin C pills. I took mom to her hemotologist appointment yesterday. While there we discussed mom's fatigue to be a bit more than normal. He suggested adding these two supplements to her regimen to see if it helps.
When hubster returned from the pharmacy, he gave her back her credit card.
I told mom to get her pocketbook and I'd look through it because we had it yesterday. I began the search by digging into the purse and pulling out one thing after another. No credit card.
So my sister stopped by to drop off some mail, a list of vendors needing to be contacted and have the 'billing address' changed to my sister's house. Who knows when the forwarding address will expire at USPS.
I figured if I found the paperwork sis brought up, I'd find the credit card.
I went upstairs and found the paperwork on her bed. I moved it and the blanket across the end of the bed moved and lo and behold, what to my wondering eyes should appear?????
You guessed it, mom's credit card.
I brought it down and we activated the other one sis brought up. We placed it into her wallet.
She's all set to go back to Modell's and get the items tomorrow. Luckily the cashier said she'd hold them for her to come back and purchase.
Problem solved... that is, of course, except for the two $100 bills she had, at some point, in an envelope in her purse that's missing... I'll deal with that at another time... More to come.
Have you ever had to deal with this issue? How did you handle it?
#eldercare #momsmovedin #elderlycare #helpwithmom #losingmoney #confusedmom
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Television Content Confusion
For my fellow elder care peeps, today's concern & question is...
Has your parent ever confused the news reports with the commercials on television?
This morning, when I came down, mom was already up and in the kitchen sipping her coffee watching tv. The local news was on and she had a perplexed look on her face.
(Background) Yesterday I went into center city with my daughters and grandsons to see the Christmas light show and a Holiday Spectacular show at one of the largest, if not THE largest cable provider in the states.
When I asked mom what was the matter, she said... Oh my, you wouldn't believe everything that's going on out there and I am so happy you got out of the city before all this.
Me: All this?
She: Oh the air has something in it, and I look out at the tree tops outside and they are as still as can be. There's cars running off the highway and there's something coming up the coast, things are flying... makes me look out to see if I see it but no, it's gray and calm out there.
Me, sitting down: What are you talking about mom? Cars ran off the highway in the city after we left?
She: Yes, wait and watch, they keep repeating the same things... and then there's kids and toys...
Me: Mom, you're watching the news
She, interrupting: Look those two keep coming on.
Me: Mom, it's the news... they are the anchors... they tell you the news.
She: He's the one telling about slippery roads and sleet and rain...
Me: Mom, he's the weatherman... that's his job.
She: Oh really?
Then a commercial came on and she was so intrigued by them... especially the auto commercials... and I said you need not pay attention to the commercials, they are trying to sell you something, these are for cars... they are made up stories and you are not in the market for a car so don't pay attention. Maybe you should stop watching the news and just read a book.
Needless to say, I am a wee bit concerned, about this confused episode and how long it will last. I'll keep an eye on it and not rush to any conclusions but still... concerned.
Has anyone ever had this type of experience and was it temporary or did it lead to more confusion? Feel free to share your experience... that's why I started this blog; to help others as they begin the path of taking care of their parent.
#eldercare, #momsmovedin, #parentcare, #elderlycare
Has your parent ever confused the news reports with the commercials on television?
This morning, when I came down, mom was already up and in the kitchen sipping her coffee watching tv. The local news was on and she had a perplexed look on her face.
(Background) Yesterday I went into center city with my daughters and grandsons to see the Christmas light show and a Holiday Spectacular show at one of the largest, if not THE largest cable provider in the states.
When I asked mom what was the matter, she said... Oh my, you wouldn't believe everything that's going on out there and I am so happy you got out of the city before all this.
Me: All this?
She: Oh the air has something in it, and I look out at the tree tops outside and they are as still as can be. There's cars running off the highway and there's something coming up the coast, things are flying... makes me look out to see if I see it but no, it's gray and calm out there.
Me, sitting down: What are you talking about mom? Cars ran off the highway in the city after we left?
She: Yes, wait and watch, they keep repeating the same things... and then there's kids and toys...
Me: Mom, you're watching the news
She, interrupting: Look those two keep coming on.
Me: Mom, it's the news... they are the anchors... they tell you the news.
She: He's the one telling about slippery roads and sleet and rain...
Me: Mom, he's the weatherman... that's his job.
She: Oh really?
Then a commercial came on and she was so intrigued by them... especially the auto commercials... and I said you need not pay attention to the commercials, they are trying to sell you something, these are for cars... they are made up stories and you are not in the market for a car so don't pay attention. Maybe you should stop watching the news and just read a book.
Needless to say, I am a wee bit concerned, about this confused episode and how long it will last. I'll keep an eye on it and not rush to any conclusions but still... concerned.
Has anyone ever had this type of experience and was it temporary or did it lead to more confusion? Feel free to share your experience... that's why I started this blog; to help others as they begin the path of taking care of their parent.
#eldercare, #momsmovedin, #parentcare, #elderlycare
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Mom's Happy Room Almost There...
I know, it's taken a loooonnnnngggg time!
But, I am further along than I have ever been.
I painted the ceiling and primed the walls yesterday. Today, I followed that up with painting the walls. Still need to paint the crown molding, trim and baseboard... that will come in time.... maybe next weekend's chore.
It's a bright yellow, that's what Mom wanted...
a H-A-P-P-Y room, and it is...
especially since it's been so gray this weekend,
the room radiates warmth and sunshine!
Can't wait to begin layering and decorating the room.
It will be spectacular for her. So exciting!
I'll add a pic or two later, if I can.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Why Does My Sister and Brother Insist on Doing Things Behind Mom's Back?
There's a few things left at mom's house.
My sister just wrote to me and said she was going to have mom stay at her house tonight so my brother could go and put some things out in the trash.... and asked if I could get the 'Goodwill' boxes over to Goodwill this weekend without her knoweing... b/c she'll want to go through them again.
Honestly, I don't have any issues going thru the boxes with mom again.... afterall, I went thru them with her the first time.... and we decided they were either too big or too old....
Yes, mom keeps thinking these are things she wanted to keep, but they are not... and I think including mom in this decision is important b/c she doesn't know what happened to a lot of stuff and it's disconcerting to her.
This time, when we go through the box, we'll make sure to bring them right away to Goodwill to donate so she doesn't have to remember if they are keeps or giveaways.
Friends out there in Internet land, have you struggled with this type of thing and how did you handle it?
#elderlycare #momsmovedin #parentalcare #momsinthehouse #careforparents #howtohandleagingparents #agingparents
My sister just wrote to me and said she was going to have mom stay at her house tonight so my brother could go and put some things out in the trash.... and asked if I could get the 'Goodwill' boxes over to Goodwill this weekend without her knoweing... b/c she'll want to go through them again.
Honestly, I don't have any issues going thru the boxes with mom again.... afterall, I went thru them with her the first time.... and we decided they were either too big or too old....
Yes, mom keeps thinking these are things she wanted to keep, but they are not... and I think including mom in this decision is important b/c she doesn't know what happened to a lot of stuff and it's disconcerting to her.
This time, when we go through the box, we'll make sure to bring them right away to Goodwill to donate so she doesn't have to remember if they are keeps or giveaways.
Friends out there in Internet land, have you struggled with this type of thing and how did you handle it?
#elderlycare #momsmovedin #parentalcare #momsinthehouse #careforparents #howtohandleagingparents #agingparents
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Ugh! Some Adjustments Are Needed
I think everyone knows that when a parent picks up and moves in with their grown, adult children after 35+ years apart, there's going to be some adjustments needed when the household combines into one home.
I mean, come on, it's a given.
What's not typical is that the 'in-law' (my hubby) has been on disability for 23+ years, is in pain, recently went through a hospital stay of 6+ weeks to ween him from his Dr. prescribed narcotics over the years, and is just a tad bit difficult to live with when he's in pain.
I get it, it sucks to be in pain, but really?
He's short with me, our son and now mom...
When we were pre-injury and young, my parents helped us out all the time with basic necessities... my mom helped us so much.... I owe so much, excuse me, WE owe so much to her and her generosity over the years whether it was time, money or talent, she was and is always there for us.
As such, I don't belive she owes us one thing and the rest of her life should be filled with peace and enjoyment.
Yes, mom has some habits that differ from ours... for example, she hangs the kitchen towels from the drawers instead of the dishwasher or oven handles like we do... no biggie, I just take them off the drawer, fold them and place them on the appliance handles... DONE! OVER! FINISHED!.... not with my hubby.
He has to complain that she keeps putting them on the drawer... why can't she put them back where she got them?
Or another of his pet peeves, when mom 'washes' the dishes that are in the sink and lays them on a towel on the coutner to dry... he hates when things are left on the counter oh, and it doesn't help that they are not washed fully... i.e. little lipstick on the glasses.... OMG! You would think that she killed his favorite toy! I simply let her do it and later come back and load the stuff into the dishwasher... I often suggest just place it in the dishwasher but oh well, for over 80+ years habits become hard to break.
Dear readers, have any of you ever run into a situation like this and HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO SURVIVE IT? I honestly am ready to throw in the towel vs. hanging it on the drawer or hanging it on one of the appliances!!!!!
#elderlycare #seniorcare #agingparents #toomanycooksinthekitchen #adjustingtomom #livingwithmom
I mean, come on, it's a given.
What's not typical is that the 'in-law' (my hubby) has been on disability for 23+ years, is in pain, recently went through a hospital stay of 6+ weeks to ween him from his Dr. prescribed narcotics over the years, and is just a tad bit difficult to live with when he's in pain.
I get it, it sucks to be in pain, but really?
He's short with me, our son and now mom...
When we were pre-injury and young, my parents helped us out all the time with basic necessities... my mom helped us so much.... I owe so much, excuse me, WE owe so much to her and her generosity over the years whether it was time, money or talent, she was and is always there for us.
As such, I don't belive she owes us one thing and the rest of her life should be filled with peace and enjoyment.
Yes, mom has some habits that differ from ours... for example, she hangs the kitchen towels from the drawers instead of the dishwasher or oven handles like we do... no biggie, I just take them off the drawer, fold them and place them on the appliance handles... DONE! OVER! FINISHED!.... not with my hubby.
He has to complain that she keeps putting them on the drawer... why can't she put them back where she got them?
Or another of his pet peeves, when mom 'washes' the dishes that are in the sink and lays them on a towel on the coutner to dry... he hates when things are left on the counter oh, and it doesn't help that they are not washed fully... i.e. little lipstick on the glasses.... OMG! You would think that she killed his favorite toy! I simply let her do it and later come back and load the stuff into the dishwasher... I often suggest just place it in the dishwasher but oh well, for over 80+ years habits become hard to break.
Dear readers, have any of you ever run into a situation like this and HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO SURVIVE IT? I honestly am ready to throw in the towel vs. hanging it on the drawer or hanging it on one of the appliances!!!!!
#elderlycare #seniorcare #agingparents #toomanycooksinthekitchen #adjustingtomom #livingwithmom
Sunday, October 26, 2014
What?
I am sure I am not alone in this taking care of your parent situation but
has anyone else in this situation been driven nuts by a constant barrage of
What?...
What?...
What?....
I've told mom several times that she needs to get a hearing aid because
everytime I say something, she says... 'What?'
And I have to repeat myself...
And it's just the start of my having to repeat myself...
God, give me the strength and humor to continue down this path.
Can a daughter get an AMEN!?
AMEN!
#elderlycare #momsinthehouse #takingcareofmom #parentalcare #agingparents
has anyone else in this situation been driven nuts by a constant barrage of
What?...
What?...
What?....
I've told mom several times that she needs to get a hearing aid because
everytime I say something, she says... 'What?'
And I have to repeat myself...
And it's just the start of my having to repeat myself...
God, give me the strength and humor to continue down this path.
Can a daughter get an AMEN!?
AMEN!
#elderlycare #momsinthehouse #takingcareofmom #parentalcare #agingparents
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Sniffles and the Change of Weather...
If you reside in an area of the country where there are four seasons, do you find that when the seasons change, you usually get a cold and the sniffles?
Maybe it's not the seasonal changes, it could be the little 4 and 1 year old rug rats that visit who could be described as the cutest ball of germs on the planet.... hmmm, I may be onto something.
The weekend before last, I had the joy of having my grandsons with me. The older one, Dylan, had a cold and his voice sounded like someone else was living inside him. He didn't have any complaints, no not feeling wells, no I feel sick, no I can't swallow... he was perfectly fine except for this new voice from within... but you could tell, he was fighting a ccccccooooollllllddddddd!
Fast forward to the following Thursday night, it was as if someone had a 'cold' switch and flicked it on! Before dinner I was feeling fine, okie-dokie, peachy, honkey dorey.... but by the time I was finished dinner, I noticed a slight scratchiness to my throat... ahem, ahem, ahem.... rut roh!
Those gorgeous germs had been transfered to me by my adorable grands! Dagnabbit!
So my time last weekend was spent in bed, tired, sleepy and full of phlem. Plus I had a slight headache to boot! Can you say this weekend sucks... beautiful weather and I am stuck in bed... heck, I didn't wake up and go downstairs until 3:15pm!!! YIKES!
Sunday I did force myself to get up, dressed and out of the house... even with that nagging headache... I know it was a sinus headache, just the way it lingered... but I did have phlem and I did have a runny nose.
Hey, wait a minute, isnt' this called It's Not Always ApParent???? or did I change the name to It's Not Always About Me????... naw, this is where the parent enters the story... hold your horses peeps!
So as you know, my faithful followers (all zippo of you), mom now lives with me... so she too was here when the boys spent the weekend... she too loves these little germ monsters to death and they love her too.... so she too was exposed to the nasty germs....
Well, as luck would have it, she's developed the cold this week... and has phlem and is coughing and nasal drip too! So what? Well, as you may recall, this whole 'what to do about mom' dilemma started when mom was hospitalized in March... that was because her meds were not adminstered and taken correctly but... the hospital stay before that one was because she got a cold that turned into pneumonia...
I'll have to keep an eye on her to make sure she continues to expel the phlem v. sucking it down.... don't need a hospital stay...
So, knowing that mom doesn't eat as she should either and has this cold, has anyone out there who's cared for their elderly parent in this situation have any ideas on how to keep her healthy under the circumstances?
#elderlycare #lovemom #momsinthehouse #momcare #itsnotalwaysapparent #howtodealwithagingparents #agingparents
Saturday, October 18, 2014
So It's Been Placed on the Market...
And while awaiting the MLS posting,
the realtor sent a message that it's
We may settle in early December!
Can I get a Whoo Hoo!
#eldercare, #momsmovedin, #momsinthehouse, #lovemom
#eldercare, #momsmovedin, #momsinthehouse, #lovemom
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
730 Is Just About on the Market... Can You Say Hooray?!?!?!?!?!!?
Hip, hip, hooray!
Had the realtor over, mom signed the paperwork and all's that left is for us to go over the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement and return to realtor... then it's officially placed on the MLS and it's up for sale.
We priced it to sell and hope that there's some traffic early and it sells quickly. It would be such a great feeling to get this sold and mom have a nice cushion to spend on herself!
As you might expect, getting this house ready and on the market has been the monkey on our collective backs and we're just about ready to sling that chimp across the room!Keep your fingers cross it sells for asking price and fast too!
#eldercare, #momsmovedin, #momsinthehouse, #lovemom
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