kangahop's Journal

Wow, it's been awhile since a journal entry! And still not alot to journal. We're still dealing with the issues with the parents. My Mom is still in a 'skilled care facility' (quote, unquote), which she likes and dislikes. She's very homesick, which is understandable. She was in a rehab facility 7 years ago after a hip replacement, and says the place she is in now is the better of the two. The first one, I didn't know alot about, as she had a hip replacement 8 days after my first back surgery, and my visits were very limited. The facility that she's in now has its good points and bad points. The director of the place is leaving on the 14th, so I'm watching to see what's gonna happen next! I've had a few issues with this place...one that comes to mind and bothers me alot. A friend and I were over one day at lunchtime, and went to the dining room with my mom. Another resident seated at her table was being assisted by a cna. She was obviously on a pureed food diet. The cna helped her with her lunch, then got crushed pineapple from the dessert cart and began to feed it to her. The resident started choking and coughing. When she did, the cna said 'well, I can tell you're full cos you're starting to cough'. The cna left the table, with the lady still coughing and choking. My friend that was with me went to the director's office immediately (which was only about 10 feet from the dining room) and told him. His reaction was....'when you see things like that happening, please let me know'. Okay, so.....what's his job? I kinda informed him that things like that were his job, not mine nor my friend's job. Needless to say, there are very few conversations between me and him any more. Aaugh!

 The situation with my dad has improved greatly. He has had his afib corrected and had surgery for his prostate problems. So far, so good. He goes back to his heart doc on Monday and will be wearing a monitor for 48 hours to see what's going on with his heart, what with the surgery and all. He's not the most patient 'patient'. He's always been a wiggle worm, and I think this has made him more of a wiggle worm. Anytime anyone (like a doc) gives him specific instructions, that's the exact opposite of what he tries to do. Go figure. Plus, he's missing my mom at home very badly. I didn't know he knew my phone number until he was home alone some. I stayed with him at night for quite some time, and that option is still open to him. He's not asked for me to stay recently, but I think I'm supposed to be there more than home. I also have a friend who had emergency surgery for an infected hernia screen last week, and is stuck at home  (is at my house) with a woundvac for now. So, my days are spent at my house, the nursing home, the parent's house, repeat.....over and over. So far, I've managed to find a place to lie down at all 3 places. I even park in my mom's bed at the nursing home sometimes! So, long story short, so far, so good, all things considered.

I really appreciate all the prayers and friendship from everyone on DS. And to a couple of ya.....thanks for being a 'sounding board' for me when I get frustrated.

Hope everyone has a great day!