I just realized a couple of days ago that Dad would be asked for picture ID at the airport. He has a VA card, (but no drivers license). [I didn't want to have to carry his birth certificate-it is fragile and falling apart.]
So I went to the DMV. I needed two forms of ID so I had to go back home. I got a copy of his birth certificate. But they needed the original. Also Dad had to come and get a new picture.
After two trips, I brought his DD-214 and his original birth certificate and Dad! Bettie came also. I said I would drop her off at the shopping center for an hour. But she said no to that. She helped Dad negotiate the steps at the place.
I didn't have to wait too long. I guess a lot of people must be out shopping!
I also bought Dad some new pants. He only has one pair that is not falling off. I only had to make two trips to figure out the correct size. And I still have to return some. But I don't mind; I always have to return and exchange my own clothes at least once (especially when I don't try them on in the store!)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
More Thoughts on Dad's Visit with Dr. Lichstein
Well, here are some things I left out of the last blog.
Dr. Lichstein asked why Dad's left side of his mouth was drooping. I said does that mean he had a stroke? Dr. Lichstein asked my Dad to raise his arms up and then he said he didn't think so.
We talked about Dad's itching. Dr. Lichstein asked if Rx cream was doing any good--I said it seemed to work for about an hour. [Looking back, he hasn't scratched as much as he had been doing about a month ago]. I told him he takes claritin for it as well.
I also talked about Hospice as a place for Dad to go to. He said that they don't take Alzheimer patients. But I was only thinking of it as a place for late stages of life (like last couple of weeks?). He wasn't sure of that situation.
I might think of other things. I will try to write them down later.
Dr. Lichstein asked why Dad's left side of his mouth was drooping. I said does that mean he had a stroke? Dr. Lichstein asked my Dad to raise his arms up and then he said he didn't think so.
We talked about Dad's itching. Dr. Lichstein asked if Rx cream was doing any good--I said it seemed to work for about an hour. [Looking back, he hasn't scratched as much as he had been doing about a month ago]. I told him he takes claritin for it as well.
I also talked about Hospice as a place for Dad to go to. He said that they don't take Alzheimer patients. But I was only thinking of it as a place for late stages of life (like last couple of weeks?). He wasn't sure of that situation.
I might think of other things. I will try to write them down later.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Dad's Visit with Dr. Lichstein
Dad visited Dr. Lichstein last Thursday.
First of all, Dad weighs 146. He has gradually lost about 10 pounds. I just noticed it recently in the last couple of weeks. I had to replace the large size Depends with medium size.
Dad's BP was 166. Dr. Lichstein did not comment on this during the visit. Later that week at home his BP was 130.
Dad was somewhat apathetic. I think it has something to do with the cold. Though Dr. Lichstein mentioned that Dad probably will gradually becoming more ? this coming year. [not sure what the word is].
Dr. Lichstein told Dad that he was "very expensive", when I mentioned moving to save money. I then mentioned to Dad that he used to tell us that it costs about $100,000 to raise each of us. I asked Dr. Lichstein about Dad living at my house. He also asked (like Justine) whether I could handle the burden of it. He seemed to think the chair lift was okay, though. His sister has one.
I told Dr. Lichstein about the visit to California and he reminded me to tell the airline about using wheelchairs, etc.
Dr. Lichstein renewed Dad's prescriptions. Dad got a flu shot. He also got a blood test, to test thyroid and other things.
First of all, Dad weighs 146. He has gradually lost about 10 pounds. I just noticed it recently in the last couple of weeks. I had to replace the large size Depends with medium size.
Dad's BP was 166. Dr. Lichstein did not comment on this during the visit. Later that week at home his BP was 130.
Dad was somewhat apathetic. I think it has something to do with the cold. Though Dr. Lichstein mentioned that Dad probably will gradually becoming more ? this coming year. [not sure what the word is].
Dr. Lichstein told Dad that he was "very expensive", when I mentioned moving to save money. I then mentioned to Dad that he used to tell us that it costs about $100,000 to raise each of us. I asked Dr. Lichstein about Dad living at my house. He also asked (like Justine) whether I could handle the burden of it. He seemed to think the chair lift was okay, though. His sister has one.
I told Dr. Lichstein about the visit to California and he reminded me to tell the airline about using wheelchairs, etc.
Dr. Lichstein renewed Dad's prescriptions. Dad got a flu shot. He also got a blood test, to test thyroid and other things.