This is about Ellen. She came to live with us at the age of 87. She had slight dementia and was able to walk just a few feet. Her ankles and legs were very swollen and it was painful for her. Ellen watched TV a lot and would try to walk to the bathroom but you knew it hurt. She was so proud and you had to try and help her without letting her know. It really got interesting at times.
The holidays were always a beautiful time in the house. Everyone would watch or try to help. We always decorated so much. If it didn’t move it got decorated. The tree was the biggest thing. Everyone had ideas and I just let them do what they wanted. When it was all done we would spend the evening singing songs and telling stories. No one went to bed on time so it was always late. By the time 10:00 rolled around I had everyone tucked in. Ellen wanted to talk to her husband (who had died) but she finally drifted off.
I was busy trying to get everything done and set up for breakfast. Before I knew it the clock struck 11:00. I told my Mother, who was visiting at the time, to go to bed. I said I would check everyone and go myself. When I got to Ellen’s bed it was empty!!! I mean it was empty!! I even went over and patted the bed because I could not believe it was empty. Her walker was there but she was gone. I checked the bathroom and no one. I got my husband up and Mother heard us. Ellen had gotten up; put on her shoes and coat and was gone. This lady could hardly walk.
It had snowed about 3 inches and my husband looked out on the sidewalk. You could see where she had gone. She had walked down the ramp across the road and was lying on the neighbor’s lawn! My husband picked her up and carried her back to the house. We got her coat and shoes off and got her in bed. I checked every inch of her and determined she wasn’t injured but I knew she could get pneumonia very easily. Mother and I decided we would keep her nice and warm but massaging her for a few hours. We took turns and about 4:00 I figured we would let her sleep. I still could not believe she had done that.
I didn’t want to call the Doctor because I was afraid I would be in trouble since I had only been in business a few months. I did tell him several years later and he got a laugh about it.
The next morning she was in great shape and didn’t remember anything! My Mother and I both caught colds from the whole ordeal.
Ellen was with us for about a year or more and died one night in her sleep.
I learned a lot from all the people and believe me no two were ever alike.
The next story will be about Bill and the lesson he taught me.
Today, dear reader is a day to smile. It can be contagious so smile all day long.
Love Red
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
SAVING MEDICINE
I have been a little late in posting my story but we have been sick. Dave got a cold that turned into bronchitis. Then we thought he had pneumonia but he didn’t. Finally started on the antibiotics and then I stared coughing. I really don’t have time for a cold so I started on the pills also.
It is interesting but when I ran the business it was rare for me to get ill. I guess I never stood still long enough for anything to catch up with me.
I had been discussing pills with Doctor Pitkin. He always tried to keep the pills low and not give out any medicine that was not necessary. That was fine but there was always one person who would want more.
When I got a new resident in Doc would come and check the person out. Sometimes he would change the medicine and the person usually agreed with what he said. I had one lady, Nellie, who insisted she needed pain pills all the time. It was almost impossible to reason with her. She would insist she was in horrible pain but you knew she wasn’t. She was the type of person who cried out in pain if you tried to give her a small hug. She didn’t want anyone touching her at all. When Dr. Pitkin came he had to do an exam on her. He told me she would scream and to prepare myself. I tell you, gentle reader, that was an understatement. and I am telling you, dear reader, she screamed!! I don’t mean she yelled I mean she literally screamed! It scared a few people but when he left she was fine. I was just happy he didn’t have to do that anymore.
There were a few people I got who had been off their medicine for a long time. They thought if they cut their pills in half it would save money. I heard these stories like this and also another was to save teabags. If done properly they would use the same tea bag over & over. It made me sad to think of how they deprived themselves.
We had no rules when it came to visiting. I always said anyone could come when they wanted. If I was vacuuming or washing clothes it never seemed to bother anyone. One day a lady said her son, who was a president at a college was coming to visit. So I got my hair done and dressed up and waited. I wanted to make a really good impression. He finally showed up and he was wearing mens knee pants and a T-Shirt. He remarked he never dressed unless he was working!! I really felt stupid so I went and changed into my everyday clothes and forgot about it. The residents always wore what they wanted because it was their home and they were comfortable.
That is it for now,dear reader, so until the next time when you have nothing to do for 5 minutes count your blessings. This is very easy to do when you're sitting at a stop light. Don’t get upset with traffic, cool down. Think positive and start counting and you will be amazed at how nice life can be.
It is interesting but when I ran the business it was rare for me to get ill. I guess I never stood still long enough for anything to catch up with me.
I had been discussing pills with Doctor Pitkin. He always tried to keep the pills low and not give out any medicine that was not necessary. That was fine but there was always one person who would want more.
When I got a new resident in Doc would come and check the person out. Sometimes he would change the medicine and the person usually agreed with what he said. I had one lady, Nellie, who insisted she needed pain pills all the time. It was almost impossible to reason with her. She would insist she was in horrible pain but you knew she wasn’t. She was the type of person who cried out in pain if you tried to give her a small hug. She didn’t want anyone touching her at all. When Dr. Pitkin came he had to do an exam on her. He told me she would scream and to prepare myself. I tell you, gentle reader, that was an understatement. and I am telling you, dear reader, she screamed!! I don’t mean she yelled I mean she literally screamed! It scared a few people but when he left she was fine. I was just happy he didn’t have to do that anymore.
There were a few people I got who had been off their medicine for a long time. They thought if they cut their pills in half it would save money. I heard these stories like this and also another was to save teabags. If done properly they would use the same tea bag over & over. It made me sad to think of how they deprived themselves.
We had no rules when it came to visiting. I always said anyone could come when they wanted. If I was vacuuming or washing clothes it never seemed to bother anyone. One day a lady said her son, who was a president at a college was coming to visit. So I got my hair done and dressed up and waited. I wanted to make a really good impression. He finally showed up and he was wearing mens knee pants and a T-Shirt. He remarked he never dressed unless he was working!! I really felt stupid so I went and changed into my everyday clothes and forgot about it. The residents always wore what they wanted because it was their home and they were comfortable.
That is it for now,dear reader, so until the next time when you have nothing to do for 5 minutes count your blessings. This is very easy to do when you're sitting at a stop light. Don’t get upset with traffic, cool down. Think positive and start counting and you will be amazed at how nice life can be.
Love Red
Monday, November 17, 2008
DEALING WITH DEATH
I dealt with people dying a lot in the 30 years of running the business. It was never easy but I learned to cope with it over the years. It was never the same with anyone. I never developed the professional attitude. I cried for all of them because I cared.
When my Mother died it was very peaceful and she was actually smiling. Mom had Parkinson’s disease and years ago there was not a lot you could do about it. To see this beautiful intelligent woman deteriorate was horrible. She had always enjoyed making quilts but her hands shook so she had to stop. I think that was the worst time of the disease. The night she died she told my sister, Esther, she was going to see Harry & Paul. Harry was my Dad who had died before and Paul was my brother who died when he was 8 years old. My sister told me what Mom said and I walked into the bedroom and asked her how she was. She said she was tired. I said, “You better get some sleep or you will have dark circles under your eyes. How can I tell everyone I have the most beautiful Mother in the world with that?” She smiled that beautiful smile and said “I love you, honey”! I said “ I love you Mom” and that was all. She died in her sleep about four hours later. It was sad but I was happy she was at peace. That is the way I always felt when one of my people passed on. Their suffering was over and they were in a better place with no pain.
I had a phone call last Tuesday to let me know my dear friend, Edith, had died. I tell you dear reader; it was a very hard thing to hear. This is the lady I met in the Doctor’s office and helped out. I wrote about her in my blog May 18. She did move to Georgia and lived with her daughter & son-in-law and she loved it. We visited her in October and went to the Atlanta Aquarium with the family. This is because I took a minute to talk to someone in a doctor's office who needed a friend. I ended up meeting the family and now I have more friends and a lot of beautiful memories. When I think I only knew her a short time but I will remember this gracious lady the rest of my life.
The only bad time when a person dies is when the family doesn’t care. There have been many of those. One time they even refused to buy a decent dress for burial and I was so shocked. It wasn’t that she didn’t have anything it was the fact the relatives wanted it all. They didn’t understand why she needed something new to be buried in. She had lots of night gowns but no dresses. The reason for not having dresses or slacks is because she was bedridden and only wore night gowns. The niece suggested we use her nightgown. You must realize, dear reader, I had to be nice to everyone but in a situation like that it was very hard. On the other hand there were relatives who literally went to pieces. In my way of thinking the true colors of people came out.
In closing ,dear friend, I ask you to call a person you have neglected or argued with and remain friends. Life is too short to hold grudges and you will feel better for it and so will they.
Love Red
When my Mother died it was very peaceful and she was actually smiling. Mom had Parkinson’s disease and years ago there was not a lot you could do about it. To see this beautiful intelligent woman deteriorate was horrible. She had always enjoyed making quilts but her hands shook so she had to stop. I think that was the worst time of the disease. The night she died she told my sister, Esther, she was going to see Harry & Paul. Harry was my Dad who had died before and Paul was my brother who died when he was 8 years old. My sister told me what Mom said and I walked into the bedroom and asked her how she was. She said she was tired. I said, “You better get some sleep or you will have dark circles under your eyes. How can I tell everyone I have the most beautiful Mother in the world with that?” She smiled that beautiful smile and said “I love you, honey”! I said “ I love you Mom” and that was all. She died in her sleep about four hours later. It was sad but I was happy she was at peace. That is the way I always felt when one of my people passed on. Their suffering was over and they were in a better place with no pain.
I had a phone call last Tuesday to let me know my dear friend, Edith, had died. I tell you dear reader; it was a very hard thing to hear. This is the lady I met in the Doctor’s office and helped out. I wrote about her in my blog May 18. She did move to Georgia and lived with her daughter & son-in-law and she loved it. We visited her in October and went to the Atlanta Aquarium with the family. This is because I took a minute to talk to someone in a doctor's office who needed a friend. I ended up meeting the family and now I have more friends and a lot of beautiful memories. When I think I only knew her a short time but I will remember this gracious lady the rest of my life.
The only bad time when a person dies is when the family doesn’t care. There have been many of those. One time they even refused to buy a decent dress for burial and I was so shocked. It wasn’t that she didn’t have anything it was the fact the relatives wanted it all. They didn’t understand why she needed something new to be buried in. She had lots of night gowns but no dresses. The reason for not having dresses or slacks is because she was bedridden and only wore night gowns. The niece suggested we use her nightgown. You must realize, dear reader, I had to be nice to everyone but in a situation like that it was very hard. On the other hand there were relatives who literally went to pieces. In my way of thinking the true colors of people came out.
In closing ,dear friend, I ask you to call a person you have neglected or argued with and remain friends. Life is too short to hold grudges and you will feel better for it and so will they.
Love Red
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
SLIDIND at MINERS
It was a beautiful day with the sunshine and the snow on the trees. Everything sparkled and looked so beautiful, dear reader. You would have thought Mother Nature was putting on a show. We had about 8 inches of new snow and everything l;ooked so fresh.The folks were excited because I told them the kids were coming to slide. If there was one thing they enjoyed it watching the kids come flying down the hill on their sleds. There was a large picture window that looked out over the lower part of the hill. It was a long steep hill and Clem would pull them up to the top with the 4-wheeler and than they would come down fast. Someone was always running into the other one but it was all in fun. When they were cold they came in and of course had to tell everyone how fast they were. Then it was who was the fastest and who got in the way. The folks just loved this. Margie was always giving out hugs and Amy was giving out cookies. Andrew was a little shy and stayed by the fireplace waiting for the mittens to dry. Bridget would supervise and go in Bob’s room to tell him. Bob could look out his window and see the kids but Bridget was his best friend. Remember, gentle reader, Bob was the WW2 POW. He always called Bridget “Lynn Bridget”. I asked him once why he called her this instead of Bridget Lynn and he said “Because she is special”. That was the beginning of a great friendship with the two of them. Once they had hot cocoa and cookies it was back to the hill to slide.
The other part of a great surprise was watching the deer come walking down the hill. Everyone gathered around the window and whispered. It was so exciting to them to see this. They could talk for hours about what the deer were doing. Usually there was two deer or more and if there happened to be a fawn the folks would be speechless!!
Mary was due home from the hospital. She had fallen the day before and had to go to the ER. They kept her overnight and decided she could return and just rest. Of course, gentle reader, she lapped this right up. If there was one thing Mary liked it was a lot of attention and she sure got it. Mary was one of the best liked people in the family. She had one problem I had never handled before. When she went to bed she always managed to put her foot on the floor. If I tried to get her to put both feet in bed she would but as soon as you left the room her foot was slowly eased back out and on the floor. No matter what you did the foot was on the floor. I finally gave up and let her do this but I never encountered this again. I guess, dear reader, we all have our little habits.
I also had Violet, who was in the same room as Mary, and she worried about Mary as much as Mary worried about her. Sometimes it was a contest to see who could cover the other one more. Violet was afraid Mary would catch cold so she had to tuck her in. Than Mary would do the same. It usually stopped when I told them to stay in bed but you had to just love them To see the elderly care for each other was a great thing and it always amazed me how much they cared.
Until next time, gentle reader, give someone a hug and call an elderly person and say hello.
Love,
Red
The other part of a great surprise was watching the deer come walking down the hill. Everyone gathered around the window and whispered. It was so exciting to them to see this. They could talk for hours about what the deer were doing. Usually there was two deer or more and if there happened to be a fawn the folks would be speechless!!
Mary was due home from the hospital. She had fallen the day before and had to go to the ER. They kept her overnight and decided she could return and just rest. Of course, gentle reader, she lapped this right up. If there was one thing Mary liked it was a lot of attention and she sure got it. Mary was one of the best liked people in the family. She had one problem I had never handled before. When she went to bed she always managed to put her foot on the floor. If I tried to get her to put both feet in bed she would but as soon as you left the room her foot was slowly eased back out and on the floor. No matter what you did the foot was on the floor. I finally gave up and let her do this but I never encountered this again. I guess, dear reader, we all have our little habits.
I also had Violet, who was in the same room as Mary, and she worried about Mary as much as Mary worried about her. Sometimes it was a contest to see who could cover the other one more. Violet was afraid Mary would catch cold so she had to tuck her in. Than Mary would do the same. It usually stopped when I told them to stay in bed but you had to just love them To see the elderly care for each other was a great thing and it always amazed me how much they cared.
Until next time, gentle reader, give someone a hug and call an elderly person and say hello.
Love,
Red
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
LOSING YOUR TEETH
We were looking for false teeth!!! Verna had taken her false teeth out and didn’t know where she put them. To make matters worse she had gone into someone’s room and taken their teeth and she didn’t understand why they wouldn’t fit!!! This is when your sense of humor kicks in. I finally figured out who’s teeth she had and we found hers. In her mind she thought it was ok to take those teeth. It never occurred to her they were someone else’s. When I explained it to her she would just smile and say she was sorry. I tried to tell her she could not just take her teeth out and put them anywhere. She needed to put them in her room in her own cup. She agreed but of course in twenty minutes it was gone. That is how Dementia works.
I had a fireplace in the home and it was located in the sitting room. In this room there was no TV and folks could just sit and visit. When my Mother came to live with us she always enjoyed the fireplace. Clem, my husband, was the only one allowed to start the fire up and he took care of the wood. He was a logger so he knew how to do all this. Whenever Clem came in to put more wood on the fire they were all happy. They enjoyed talking to him and he really enjoyed talking to them. To have someone visit just made their day.
On this day, dear reader, my Mother had arrived from Indiana to live with us. My sister, Esther, had driven all day to get here and Mother was exhausted. We opened up the couch for her to lie down and Clem came to stoke the fire. Mother thought he was the best and was so very happy. She went to sleep and the next day we moved her into her room and she lived with us for a long time but always enjoyed Clem fixing the fire.
WE also had two dogs, German Sheppard’s, and they followed Clem everywhere. On this particular day, gentle reader, it had been very windy and cold. You could feel winter coming and almost smell the snow. It was getting late and Clem said he better put some wood on the fire for the evening. He headed for the house and both dogs went with him. About a half hour later he came back and I knew he was upset. He said “I have some bad news for you”. “When I was fixing the fire I heard the dog chewing and I thought he had brought a stick in the house. I wasn't paying much attention and when I got the fire done I called the dogs to leave. One of the dogs was still chewing so I checked to see what he had in his mouth. This is what he had”!!! He opened up his hand and there was a mangled mess!! It was what was left of Verna’s teeth! I could not believe what I was seeing. Evidently the dog found the teeth on the end table and started chewing them up. There is no way you are going to fix this mangled mess. Clem felt terrible and so did I. I was trying to think how to handle Verna the next morning. I got so stressed out I could not sleep. Everyone was sleeping for a change. I decided the only thing I could do was try to explain this to Verna in the morning.
The next morning I set the table for breakfast and then called everyone to wake and get ready to eat. The most shocking thing in the world was when I called Verna and she didn’t respond. She had died in her sleep. She never knew about her teeth and for that I am thankful.
It just goes to show you never knew what was going on at Miner’s.
The snow did come and the wind blew. I think we got about 18 inches and for the first time we were really snowed in. Usually Clem could keep ahead of snow by using the skidder but not this time. This is when Dick got sick and all signs pointed to a stroke or heart attack. I called the emergency number and explained I was snowed in. The next thing you know two huge snow plows came roaring up the driveway. It only took two runs and everything was cleared and Don was taken to the hospital.
He had a stroke but thankfully lived through it.
All in all it was just another week but you learn something new all the time. From then on everyone kept their teeth in their room, when not in their mouth!!!
Until next time, gentle reader, do a good deed and don’t tell anyone.
Love
Red
I had a fireplace in the home and it was located in the sitting room. In this room there was no TV and folks could just sit and visit. When my Mother came to live with us she always enjoyed the fireplace. Clem, my husband, was the only one allowed to start the fire up and he took care of the wood. He was a logger so he knew how to do all this. Whenever Clem came in to put more wood on the fire they were all happy. They enjoyed talking to him and he really enjoyed talking to them. To have someone visit just made their day.
On this day, dear reader, my Mother had arrived from Indiana to live with us. My sister, Esther, had driven all day to get here and Mother was exhausted. We opened up the couch for her to lie down and Clem came to stoke the fire. Mother thought he was the best and was so very happy. She went to sleep and the next day we moved her into her room and she lived with us for a long time but always enjoyed Clem fixing the fire.
WE also had two dogs, German Sheppard’s, and they followed Clem everywhere. On this particular day, gentle reader, it had been very windy and cold. You could feel winter coming and almost smell the snow. It was getting late and Clem said he better put some wood on the fire for the evening. He headed for the house and both dogs went with him. About a half hour later he came back and I knew he was upset. He said “I have some bad news for you”. “When I was fixing the fire I heard the dog chewing and I thought he had brought a stick in the house. I wasn't paying much attention and when I got the fire done I called the dogs to leave. One of the dogs was still chewing so I checked to see what he had in his mouth. This is what he had”!!! He opened up his hand and there was a mangled mess!! It was what was left of Verna’s teeth! I could not believe what I was seeing. Evidently the dog found the teeth on the end table and started chewing them up. There is no way you are going to fix this mangled mess. Clem felt terrible and so did I. I was trying to think how to handle Verna the next morning. I got so stressed out I could not sleep. Everyone was sleeping for a change. I decided the only thing I could do was try to explain this to Verna in the morning.
The next morning I set the table for breakfast and then called everyone to wake and get ready to eat. The most shocking thing in the world was when I called Verna and she didn’t respond. She had died in her sleep. She never knew about her teeth and for that I am thankful.
It just goes to show you never knew what was going on at Miner’s.
The snow did come and the wind blew. I think we got about 18 inches and for the first time we were really snowed in. Usually Clem could keep ahead of snow by using the skidder but not this time. This is when Dick got sick and all signs pointed to a stroke or heart attack. I called the emergency number and explained I was snowed in. The next thing you know two huge snow plows came roaring up the driveway. It only took two runs and everything was cleared and Don was taken to the hospital.
He had a stroke but thankfully lived through it.
All in all it was just another week but you learn something new all the time. From then on everyone kept their teeth in their room, when not in their mouth!!!
Until next time, gentle reader, do a good deed and don’t tell anyone.
Love
Red
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
DEPRESSION
Sometimes it is hard to figure out if someone is depressed or just feeling a little down. The same is true of the elderly. I would try to figure if the person was just having a bad time or was truly in need of help.
Thinking about this reminded me of Kay.
Kay was a very nice lady who had called me from the hospital. The doctor told her she could no longer live alone so she called and asked me to come and see her. I went there the next day and had a long talk with her. She was having a lot of problems breathing and the doctor was thinking of putting her on oxygen. She didn’t want to do this, she thought it would be terrible and she would die faster. I had a talk with the doctor and we decided to try oxygen just at night and see how that worked. Kay came to live with us in May and was very talkative. Her husband, he was a scientist, had died several years before. Kay had taught nursing at a college in NYC. She was on a lot of medicine but her mind was very good. She knew each pill and what it was for. Kay liked to joke a lot and was always trying to cheer people up.
One day she asked if I ever went to the track. I told her I didn’t but my husband went every night. She wanted to know if she could go. She said she loved going out to dinner and watch the races. I thought this was nice so I offered to take her. She really enjoyed my husband and they would get into some great discussions involving horses. We got reservations at the Club House for dinner and off we would go. Of course she had to have her portable oxygen on but she didn’t mind. My sister, Esther, would go with us because you never knew what was going to happen with Kay. I always took an extra tank along just in case we needed it.
One night, while at the track the oxygen started running quite low. I told her not to worry I would go to the car and get the extra. I went to the car, which was quite a ways, and discovered I had lost my keys!! I got a Security Guard to help me to see if we could get in through the window. He couldn’t do it and by now I was really worried. What if she ran out?? The Security Guard assured me the Doctor on the Track had oxygen in the First Aid office. Than someone noticed the back side window was open just a tiny bit. They managed to get a long rod through this and hit the unlock button!! I grabbed the extra tank and hurried back to the Clubhouse. It was really just in time because the other one was out. When I told Kay and Esther what happened my sister said, “Your keys are in your sweater pocket, hanging on the back of your chair”!!I had completely forgotten I had a sweater on that evening! It turned out to be a good evening anyway because Kay won $12.00 on a bet.
I noticed over the next few days she did not seem to be herself so I called the Doctor. He said she was depressed and prescribed a medicine for her.
I tell you, gentle reader, you just don’t know when this happens. He said she had been depressed for quite a long time but just tried to hide it. After she took her medicine you could see a change in her. She was lot of fun and never complained about anything. The one thing she enjoyed in the evening was a glass of Johnny Walker Red before she went to bed. The Doctor said if she wanted it she could have it and she did. Never more than one but it was her choice.
She was one of the people I will never forget. When I think about the people I had, gentle reader, I don’t think I will ever forget any of them.
They were all special in their own way and I just loved them.
Until the next time, gentle reader, remeber to count your blessings.
Love Red
Thinking about this reminded me of Kay.
Kay was a very nice lady who had called me from the hospital. The doctor told her she could no longer live alone so she called and asked me to come and see her. I went there the next day and had a long talk with her. She was having a lot of problems breathing and the doctor was thinking of putting her on oxygen. She didn’t want to do this, she thought it would be terrible and she would die faster. I had a talk with the doctor and we decided to try oxygen just at night and see how that worked. Kay came to live with us in May and was very talkative. Her husband, he was a scientist, had died several years before. Kay had taught nursing at a college in NYC. She was on a lot of medicine but her mind was very good. She knew each pill and what it was for. Kay liked to joke a lot and was always trying to cheer people up.
One day she asked if I ever went to the track. I told her I didn’t but my husband went every night. She wanted to know if she could go. She said she loved going out to dinner and watch the races. I thought this was nice so I offered to take her. She really enjoyed my husband and they would get into some great discussions involving horses. We got reservations at the Club House for dinner and off we would go. Of course she had to have her portable oxygen on but she didn’t mind. My sister, Esther, would go with us because you never knew what was going to happen with Kay. I always took an extra tank along just in case we needed it.
One night, while at the track the oxygen started running quite low. I told her not to worry I would go to the car and get the extra. I went to the car, which was quite a ways, and discovered I had lost my keys!! I got a Security Guard to help me to see if we could get in through the window. He couldn’t do it and by now I was really worried. What if she ran out?? The Security Guard assured me the Doctor on the Track had oxygen in the First Aid office. Than someone noticed the back side window was open just a tiny bit. They managed to get a long rod through this and hit the unlock button!! I grabbed the extra tank and hurried back to the Clubhouse. It was really just in time because the other one was out. When I told Kay and Esther what happened my sister said, “Your keys are in your sweater pocket, hanging on the back of your chair”!!I had completely forgotten I had a sweater on that evening! It turned out to be a good evening anyway because Kay won $12.00 on a bet.
I noticed over the next few days she did not seem to be herself so I called the Doctor. He said she was depressed and prescribed a medicine for her.
I tell you, gentle reader, you just don’t know when this happens. He said she had been depressed for quite a long time but just tried to hide it. After she took her medicine you could see a change in her. She was lot of fun and never complained about anything. The one thing she enjoyed in the evening was a glass of Johnny Walker Red before she went to bed. The Doctor said if she wanted it she could have it and she did. Never more than one but it was her choice.
She was one of the people I will never forget. When I think about the people I had, gentle reader, I don’t think I will ever forget any of them.
They were all special in their own way and I just loved them.
Until the next time, gentle reader, remeber to count your blessings.
Love Red
Thursday, September 4, 2008
JUST ANOTHER DAY
I had received a call from Saratoga Hospital about a room. There was a gentleman who could no longer live alone and wanted to meet me. I told Laura I would be there the following morning. I had recently remodeled and now had 5 bedrooms and five bathrooms, which sure made it a lot easier. The carpenter was almost finished so I thought I would be ok with getting another resident.
When I arrived at the hospital the next day I met Don. Don had Dementia (beginning stages) and was a very quiet gentleman. He had been married but his wife had died many years before so he tried to live by himself. The report said he had lived in one room for years, sleeping on a couch and eating TV dinners most of the time. His hair was down to his shoulders and so matted- you knew he hadn’t combed it in a looooong time! When I saw his toe nails I just could not believe it. They hadn’t been trimmed in months and were so long they curled.
I took him home and it was really interesting. The first thing I did was try to get him in a shower and what a battle that was.
“No woman was going to see him naked let alone give him a shower”!!I tried talking very quietly but after 15 minutes of that I got forceful. Melanie and I managed to get him undressed and in the shower. I had called Fran, my hairdresser, and she came to the house. When we got out of the shower she cut his hair. He was so mad at us he wouldn’t talk!! He looked about 10 years younger when we got through. Then I left him in his room saying his dinner would be ready in a little while. He never answered me so I knew we could have a big problem.
It was about a half hour later I went to the room to call him for dinner. What a surprise I got. He had turned on the TV and found the NYMETS playing and was so happy. I ended up fixing him a plate and letting him eat in his room and watch the game.
I always liked to have everyone together for meals but sometimes you bend the rules. This was one of those times. When the game was over and I wanted to get him ready for bed I expected a huge argument but he was great. Did not want to brush his teeth (found out he only had about six) otherwise he was fine. When his brother came to visit him the following week he couldn’t believe the change in him. He said he had tried for a long time to get him out of the apartment but Don wouldn’t leave. He was sure happy to see him being cared for. The only thing we had to wait for was Dr. Finger to come and trim his nails. He came the following week and Don was happy to get that done.
One of the most interesting things was that he couldn’t figure out where he was. When he got up the next morning he had forgotten completely where he was. He didn’t remember the shower, haircut or anything. That is the way dementia works which at times made our work easier. However it could also be the other way around.
If someone with dementia asked for a pain pill and you gave it to them, an hour later they didn’t remember and wanted another. It just kept us on our toes all the time.
Sometimes I swear I was getting forgetful so I would tell anyone who noticed” I am just rehearsing for Alzheimer’s so when I get it I will know how to act”!!
Keep smiling, dear reader, it always helps lighten the load.
Love Red
When I arrived at the hospital the next day I met Don. Don had Dementia (beginning stages) and was a very quiet gentleman. He had been married but his wife had died many years before so he tried to live by himself. The report said he had lived in one room for years, sleeping on a couch and eating TV dinners most of the time. His hair was down to his shoulders and so matted- you knew he hadn’t combed it in a looooong time! When I saw his toe nails I just could not believe it. They hadn’t been trimmed in months and were so long they curled.
I took him home and it was really interesting. The first thing I did was try to get him in a shower and what a battle that was.
“No woman was going to see him naked let alone give him a shower”!!I tried talking very quietly but after 15 minutes of that I got forceful. Melanie and I managed to get him undressed and in the shower. I had called Fran, my hairdresser, and she came to the house. When we got out of the shower she cut his hair. He was so mad at us he wouldn’t talk!! He looked about 10 years younger when we got through. Then I left him in his room saying his dinner would be ready in a little while. He never answered me so I knew we could have a big problem.
It was about a half hour later I went to the room to call him for dinner. What a surprise I got. He had turned on the TV and found the NYMETS playing and was so happy. I ended up fixing him a plate and letting him eat in his room and watch the game.
I always liked to have everyone together for meals but sometimes you bend the rules. This was one of those times. When the game was over and I wanted to get him ready for bed I expected a huge argument but he was great. Did not want to brush his teeth (found out he only had about six) otherwise he was fine. When his brother came to visit him the following week he couldn’t believe the change in him. He said he had tried for a long time to get him out of the apartment but Don wouldn’t leave. He was sure happy to see him being cared for. The only thing we had to wait for was Dr. Finger to come and trim his nails. He came the following week and Don was happy to get that done.
One of the most interesting things was that he couldn’t figure out where he was. When he got up the next morning he had forgotten completely where he was. He didn’t remember the shower, haircut or anything. That is the way dementia works which at times made our work easier. However it could also be the other way around.
If someone with dementia asked for a pain pill and you gave it to them, an hour later they didn’t remember and wanted another. It just kept us on our toes all the time.
Sometimes I swear I was getting forgetful so I would tell anyone who noticed” I am just rehearsing for Alzheimer’s so when I get it I will know how to act”!!
Keep smiling, dear reader, it always helps lighten the load.
Love Red
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)