Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Just some random thoughts from Alzheimers' Group Meeting. It was a nice meeting. Only a few showed up but there was an ombudsman who works as an advocate for nursing home patients in North Carolina. Jean, the leader, talked about how it is a mistake to put a pacemaker in a person who develops alzheimers. It keeps his heart beating long after he is brain dead. And it can be painful as it constantly shocks a person over and over. (and a pacemaker can not be removed!).

Also, I mentioned that Dad sits on the toilet backwards. She said that Alzheimer's patients can not see the toilet behind them so backing up feels frightening (they might fall down on the floor, even if a person holds their arm and tells them that there is a toilet there) Also, they want to "see" what is going on. Strange, but helps to understand what they are going through.


Tuesday, November 09, 2004

Mom and Dad came over on Sunday for anniversary party. Suzie and her boyfriend Jacob came over as well. I made brownies for dessert. Mom brought over some ice cream for dessert. I made chicken barbecue in crockpot, peas, orange marmalade carrots, and rolls. It was easy to make! (good since I am getting over a cold).

The nurse has to remind Dad to drink still, he doesn't want to drink. Mom reminded Dad that if he doesn't drink he would have to go back to the hospital!

We played some cribbage yesterday. One of the ladies there, Virginia, said he was the greatest!

I asked the priest if he would pray for Dad. Dad isn't sure he wants to see a priest, but the priest said I could give Dad Holy Communion if I wanted to. Anyway, the priest thought that perhaps Dad might be hesitant to see a priest because maybe he was thinking that this was last rites?. Not sure, what to do. But Dad did say a couple of years ago that he wanted me to call a priest at Holy Family Church (after he died!). But I don't want to wait that long.

Wednesday, October 27, 2004

Well, Dad just spent the last week at the hospital for dehydration. The IV didn't work too well, so after sticking him multiple times and complaining that his veins were too small, the IV was removed after about four days. One time his hand blew up like a balloon. He had a hard time eating and Mom had to feed him breakfast one day. I was able to talk him into eating his dinner that night. Mom said a volunteer helped him eat as well. The rest of the time I just had to nudge him a bit to get him to eat. He had trouble for a while (since he was hooked up to IV) using the bathroom and the Depends from the hospital were very leaky. But with someone walking him and helping him he got better. Though he tried to walk too fast and later to eat too fast as well. He seemed to enjoy chatting with the nurses though when one nurse took his blood pressure he kept trying to pump his arm (like when he gives blood). The nurse had to hold his arm down firmly. While in the hospital, Dad seemed very talkative (his Zyprexa was also stopped last week). He asked about how much money he makes, also that Mom should turn in his guns to the police, that they were not safe to keep around the house. (I am not sure if Ken wants his hunting rifles and bb guns).

Dad keeps saying Hollin Hills and Hollin Meadows when he means to say Homestead Hills. I also say Heather Hills when I mean to say Homestead Hills!

Yesterday I couldn't find Dad's cribbage board so we played a form of dominos. I couldn't remember the exact rules but we managed some type of game. I have another cribbage board that I will bring in.

Dad got a special shoe that looks like a Birkenstock for his right foot. It is supposed to help the "foot bone get back in shape", but the doctor at Homestead says maybe he shouldn't wear it because he might lose his balance wearing it. So Dad is not wearing it anymore. But he still wants someone to fix his foot! Maybe the podiatrist can do something about it. It seems like a bone that got injured a while back and healed badly.

Tuesday, September 28, 2004

I ate dinner with Mom and Dad at The Homestead. It was quite tasty, fish cabobs, french fries, cole slaw, vegetable capri and ice cream. Dad mentioned that he thought he saw Justine's car in the parking lot. I am not even sure what kind of car she has but sadly I had to say she was not coming here (at least not this weekend!).

After Dad used the bathroom I had to use it as well. He was worried that I might pee on myself!

We played cribbage, but I had to go home after one game I was so tired. Mom stayed and played another game with Dad.

Tuesday, September 14, 2004

I played cribbage with Dad yesterday, but we were unable to finish the game. We were about even though during the game so it was fun anyway.

The nurse hurt the side of Dad's foot while putting on his support socks. I am not sure why it hurts so much to pull over the side of his foot, but the socks themselves did not hurt his foot once they got put on. We also thought it was his toe nails catching that caused the pain. Dad then started talking about prices of Homestead Hills and taxes going up and she responded by addressing his foot pain.

I noticed that my right ankle is also causing me some pain when I push down on my foot (but only during yoga class doing the downward dog position!) Could this be some kind of sympathetic pain. Strange!

I did not have Mom and Dad over for dinner on Sunday, I slept most of the day. Not sure if I am sick or just tired. But I plan to have them over next week.

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

I played another game of cribbage yesterday with Dad.

He has some sort of hard skin on the back of his ankle, probably a callus of some sort. I hope he talks to the doctor about it. He doesn't seem in too much pain about it anymore (or else he is very stoic).

Mom and Dad had dinner again last Sunday. I fixed Breaded shrimp, Cajun rice, Squash and brownies. Also some homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream that Suzie made in her ice cream maker.

We watched the golf game on tv. Since I am taking lessons, it seems more interesting to watch now!


Tuesday, July 27, 2004

Well, Dad has his new walker with wheels. He seems to like it better. Going up the front stoop is a little tricky but we manage. When he left, his ankles hurt him for a second or two though when I move the walker away, until he can grasp it again at the bottom of the stoop.

We had a nice meal of meat loaf. I use a recipe that calls for a layer of mashed potatoes and cheese in the middle.  Dad has started leaving food on his plate, I think he is imitating Mom. (I never know for sure how much to serve Mom, since her appetite is small).  He said "should I leave food on my plate?" I wasn't sure whether that was a question or a remark. I also had Boston Creme Pie which I made thinking about Justine's birthday. (not to slight Ken. I will be making brownies later this week in your honor). 

I practiced my putting in the house using a ping pong ball. Mom gave me some good tips about differences in golf clubs and hitting underneath the ball when I was practicing my drive. (I am not sure that hitting a ball in the house is a good idea though) 

Suzie and her boyfriend Jacob stopped by.  Suzie took her Scrabble turn and then left shortly. (we are having a revolving scrabble game).

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Dad is now using a walker. He hurt his ankles somehow. But when he visited me he could not use the walker going down my front stoop, so he had to take my arm which confused him and seemed to hurt his ankle more. But anyway, it was only two steps, so we managed and he got back to using the walker to get to the car.

Tuesday, July 06, 2004

I called Cathy's house on July 4, when Mom and Dad came over for a pizza dinner. Dad still sounds alert, and was glad to hear from me, and confirmed that it was the 4th of July and so maybe he would see fireworks. He said he felt like he'd been in a coma for months, and couldn't believe he'd been in "this place" for so long, which he referred to as a "club" of some sort. He mentioned some concerns about his blood (being thin or something) and that he'd tried to do some running and his muscles knotted up, so he wasn't doing that anymore.

Tuesday, June 29, 2004

Dad took another memory test at Dr. Johnston's. She doesn't want us to give him "help". It is hard because I can sort of understand what he is talking about and at times she seems confused by his answers. But he seems to be able to talk about the war in Iraq easier than names. He was talking about Jennie, his sister than started talking about Jennie my sister. (I personally don't mind that kind of conversation that switches gears, but she was asking him about his own siblings).

Anyway, Dad says his shoes bother him, and his eyes feel better when he takes them off. SOmetimes he just slips them on with the heel pushing down on the back of the shoe. Maybe some clogs or sandals would be better.

Dad is still doing good with Scrabble and Cribbage. I was getting bored with dominos and solitaire for three. I always make sure he has the blue peg. One time he was green and he kept asking what color he was. By the end of the game I forgot what color I was!

Monday, June 21, 2004

I called Dad while he was at Cathy's house, to wish him a Happy Father's Day. He sounded very alert and with lots of enthusiasm. He thinks things aren't going
so great, I think in terms of the fact that he doesn't really know what's going
on, although he can't articulate it well. I tried to ask how his day caretaker was,
I thought his name was "Robert" from when I was there in the Spring, but maybe
he has changed, because we couldn't seem to agree on the fellow's name. Mom
wasn't sure, either.

Then I just told him how much I loved him, and what a great Dad he was, sense of humor, doing for others, etc. He really appreciated it. I told him Faye and I would see him
in August - I will go a couple of days early before the beach.

Tuesday, June 15, 2004

We played Scrabble yesterday. Dad tried to use the word Foxer but I challenged him. I had tried to use the word brainer but Dad challenged me. I was thinking of the expression no-brainer, but was not in dictionary. Since Dad will not count his score Mom and I do it--I watch Mom carefully but ususally she gets it right.

I tried a new food item for the lunch Black bean burgers, made with beans, corn and tomatoes, okay but a bit dry. I also prepared a frozen spinach souffle and added swiss cheese and eggs to make it different.

Talked about getting a cell phone. I may get a tracphone at first because there is no commitment. Mom thinks the "free" phone is a better deal, but the ad does not tell how much the activation fee is. Dad immediately said no. Suzie might get one and I want to borrow it to see how it works.

Thursday, June 10, 2004

Dad said he forgot what "rung" meant. Then he immediately remembered that it was from a ladder. He then talked about ladders on ships. I also mentioned that rung was past tense of ring. He also asked me if I had replaced the window in my dining room where we were sitting, which was broken accidently by a falling piece of wood used when I was widening the doorway to my kitchen. (which happened 10 years ago). Anyway, this doesn't seem very interesting, but just wanted to write it down for future reference.

We also played checkers and he won. I am unable to see beyond one turn, so whenever I jump him, he is able to jump me twice the next turn. I do enjoy the cribbage with him though.

Saturday, June 05, 2004

I went to a support group for Alzheimer's. There was a very belligerant man there who spoke harshly about his mother. Unfortunately he sat down next to me and seemed to direct his comments at me, which made me feel very uncomfortable. I said a few things, but one or two ladies were doing most of the talking. I hope next time that everyone will get a chance to speak. The facilitator was obviously tired that night and unable to let everyone have a turn. The support group I went to last month was more organized but the facilitator was trying to "solve" peoples problems for them. I think she should have just listened more. Anyway it lets me see other people who are in the same situation and how they are dealing with it.

Thursday, June 03, 2004

We played Cribbage for three today. Dad says his eyes were itchy. Mom had to lie down after the visit for a few minutes because her back hurt. But she was fine earlier in the day and had gone to water exercise class. It is a pleasant day so I will go to community wide picnic at nearby Bolton Park for light supper. (I am writing this on Mom's computer but this message is from Cathy).

Tuesday, May 25, 2004

Yesterday Dad and Mom came over to my house for lunch. Dad, Suzie and I played Scrabble. Dad did very well, even though his seven-letter word inlines was found not to be. I went out first but Suzie got the most points, beating Dad by just one point. (Don't ask how much she was ahead of me!) Anyway, Mom and I will go to support group tonight that takes place at the Senior Services.

Tuesday, May 18, 2004

Sunday I took Dad to the picnic (and Mom too. Dad mentioned that either Jennie or Justine had called him earlier.

It was a nice picnic sponsored by the running club. I grilled some steaks and brought a salad to share. It soon starting raining, but we were under shelter. (The same shelter at Tanglewood where the reunion a few years back was held).

Anyway, we ate a lot and I drove them home. Then I drove back to pick up my side dish that I had forgotten! I walked down to see the horses nearby and talked with a few people.

Sunday, May 16, 2004

I spoke to Dad on the phone today. He knew who I was and sounded
good.

Though it was about 1:00 p.m. his time, when I asked if I had interrupted anything, he said "No," that he was just waiting around for breakfast (or lunch) - which he thought would be another hour or two. I asked him about cribbage with Mom, and he said he usually plays solitaire with her. He seemed to think that Cathy would be picking him up later to go somewhere that night (Sunday), and possibly Barbara. He wasn't sure about me, but when I said I was in Minnesota, he indicated "Oh, yes," that of course then I wouldn't be.

He said the weather was nice, though a little cooler today. I asked about a walk, and he said he does run up and down the hall a little bit! Also, that maybe he would go out with Cathy.

I told him that I loved him.

Love, Jennie

Wednesday, May 12, 2004

I noticed for the past few days that Dad is getting finger sticks twice a day for blood sugar. I wasn't sure why, since the tech seemed to think his blood sugar was normal (last night anyway). That is something to ask the doctor about. Hopefully, it is just a temporary measure.

We played cribbage again. It went well, we played neck and neck the whole time. But Dad won in the last round by 6 points.

Friday, April 30, 2004

I spoke with Mom after the appointment with Dr. Johnston. She noted that Dad was unable to recall how many children he has, ultimately indicating "there were 5 girls and then 3 boys" - clearly recollecting his own sibling cohort. When asked to name the children, he eventually mentioned Cathy (who was there). While Dad had no problem recognizing us when visiting, this indicates he is having some difficulty with memory when there is no prompt or cue present. This is not uncommon - and something I noticed often with Arelli as well.

Monday, April 26, 2004

I sat with Dad during his lunch of chicken, dressing, broccoli, carrots, butter beans, roll and banana pudding. He ate it with no hesitation (like he used to have a few months ago).

We played cribbage, but it took a few turns for Dad to remember what to do exactly. But then he did fine mostly, and even remembered some things I didn't about the right jack.

The pollen was really bad so Wally hasn't been able to visit this week. He took Mom and I out for pizza after church on Saturday.

Mom and I will take him to see Dr. Johnston tomorrow and he may repeat the memory test he took last month to see if there is an improvement.

Friday, April 23, 2004

Just thought I would give my impressions from my visit to W-S April 7-9.

Dad was doing better than I thought, he is mostly coherent, remembers me and others, and played a good game of cribbage (he had me doing the pegging, but Justine said he pegged other games that she played). However, he basically seems to lack any motivation - to bring up topics, to want to do anything. Everything has to be suggested to him, but then he is very amiable. He is very concerned about toileting (doesn't want to go anywhere without using a bathroom first), and he needs assistance in there, this verified by Justine (e.g, he might use a towel to wipe vs. toilet paper).

He is also much quieter than he used to be - not much conversation initiated by him. I did notice that he indicated he looks forward to visits, and he was disappointed one night that we were going out to the play and not back to see him. This was an example of being a bit more assertive in expressing what he wanted to do or in being involved with family.

I do think he needs the 24 hour care and supervision he's getting in the Alzheimer's Unit. What is lacking at Homestead Hills that he could use more of, is 1x1 and exercise. The activities at Homestead Hills don't actively engage Dad (although I noticed the item that he participated in dancing - good!), he needs 1x1 at this stage it seems. I do think that the staff is friendly, kind to the patients, etc. However, their tasks seem geared to medical and basic needs like meds, dressing, safety, toileting.

I am encouraged by the interaction that Cathy and Mom are having, and that Wally wants to come visit weekly, too.

I think the Blog is a GREAT idea, and will help us to understand how he reacts to the stimulation.


Thursday, April 22, 2004

Today, Mom and I played checkers. Dad was coaching. We both play at the same level so it was fun, so I was able to win for a change. I am going to have to learn strategy I think if I am going to beat Dad.

Sunday, April 18, 2004

I saw Wally and family at church on Saturday. Mom and I went out to K&W with them afterwards. Wally wants to try and play Cribbage with Dad once per week!

Mom bought some more sweat pants and shirts, she is not sure if she likes the pants that zip apart to make shorts.

Dad says he DOES NOT want the exercise bike in his room. But it will be more fun to walk around outside anyway (at least until the end of the year).

Friday, April 16, 2004

I appreciate your update Cathy!

Here's a few more comments and observations from my recent visit.

Dad's focus definitely varies from day to day and time to time. Overall, I was really pleased at how well he can still follow games and strategies, when he is focussing. Occasionally he required some prompting, but mostly only at the beginning of a new game. With Cribbage, he seemed to have most trouble in remembering which direction the pegging was supposed to go, rather than knowing which cards to play.

Dad seemed to me to require a fair bit of prompting and assistance with daily living - dressing, toilet, grooming. For example, when brushing his teeth, he continued to brush for a very long time, until I suggested he could stop.

He does seem to engage with the activities at the center. Mom mentioned she had visited once to find him up and dancing (one of the regularly scheduled activities). Barb and I talked with the Activities Director, who mentioned that recently exercises have not been scheduled as frequently as before, but these will be reinstated when she is better (she broke an ankle). The exercise is normally 'sitercize' type activity, running a few times a week. I didn't really get much chance to observe the activities, as we frequently took Dad out, rather than staying around the residence. When we were leaving, one caretaker (Joyce) mentioned that she would like to learn cribbage (she had been observing us play).

One day when we took Dad to the house, a Braves game was on so he was watching it. He definitely seemed to enjoy this, and was clearly following the play and told me what had been happening when I returned from being out of the room. At the Homestead, when we found him in the TV room, I didn't sense he was really following it there, and Mom had said before he didn't always seem to be interested in the games the way he used to be, so I thought this was good.

I'm feeling more comfortable with the arrangements now. I think Dad is generally happy where he is. We can continue to look into additional activities which might offer more physical activity, and work regularly with the staff to keep information flowing.

I will really enjoy hearing any comments everyone has whenever they talk or see Dad. Cathy and Mom carry most of the burden for providing companionship - I really appreciate the efforts. It can be difficult day after day, particularly when Dad is less responsive from time to time.

Wednesday, April 14, 2004

I played Dominos with Mom and Dad. Mom took the instructions home to try to understand them better. I think they were translated from a foreign language. Dad decided to skip some of his turns to "see what would happen" .(Mom and me were unable to play so eventually Dad took his turn). The lady who cleans was in the room when we were playing. She likes to watch, but sometimes she annoys me when she asks questions. I think I will ask her next time if she wants to play....

The meal looked good, braised beef in sauce, broccoli and cauliflower, homemade mashed potatoes, roll and some kind of beans.

Monday, April 12, 2004

April 11, 2004

Had a nice Scrabble game with Dad, Justine, Suzie and me (Cathy). I won! Dad played quite a bit on his own, with help at times. He also played Cribbage and won easily.
Picked Dad up around 2pm today to bring him to Mom's house. He is watching the Braves on TV. When he first arrived he started talking about "3 destroyers" that were sent to Coney Island, one of which was equipped to handle nuclear fire.