I last wrote about trying to find the right home health company... but it looks like it may be some time before we can bring her home. Since going into rehab a month ago, my mom has gotten worse - not better. One aide left her in the hallway with a wet head. From that she got a sore throat and then pneumonia set in. Big setbacks. She had been doing pretty well in PT, working hard and with a pretty good attitude but now she is depressed and just seems sort of "out of it" much of the time. I'm talking w/nurses and trying to keep up with the meds, altho' I'm no expert, but I have worked to keep her on the antibiotic for the pneumonia and Vesicare for the bladder incontinence. But now she is retaining fluid, big-time, and they have doubled her Lasix to try and deal with that. Big swollen ankles, still a bad cough, very lethargic.
What to do??? I do think she would get better here at home... but she's TOO weak to be here. She would be downstairs, we're up... can't hear her but we're looking into the right intercom system. But she has to be able to get to the bathroom at night, etc.
Still, I don't feel like she's getting the right nutrition out there... doesn't eat right, food doesn't taste good. Mostly eats the desserts. Sits in the wheelchair SO much of the time... ankles swell, etc.
Any thoughts would be appreciated... I'm so worried. I mean, she's 94 1/2 yrs old so time is not on her side... but I came here (from Costa Rica) largely to keep her from suffering and going into a nursing home... and yet, look at what's happened!!!