Saturday

I called the nurse station and spoke to Amena (sp?). There is nothing unusually to report on Dad's status. Vitals are fine, he is eating (but still needs assistance to do so. I couldn't get much on his mental state or alertness. He is still on oxygen as well. She transferred me to the therapy office, where I spoke with Abby. Although Abby had not worked with Dad, she read the report to me, which indicated he still required 2 people to assist him to get to the edge of the bed and to stand and transfer. They took him to the gym to the gait trainer (parallel bars) where they did some 'pre-gait' exercises, which seem to involved stepping forward and back. The report indicated that he is confused but cooperative, and that he does exhibit signs of pain still. Ken was to visit this afternoon, so I look forward to his report.

Friday

Saw Dad today from around 10:30 to Noon. He was more alert today. Nurse said he ate all of his breakfast. When I arrived, PT was just about to start therapy. Dad still cries out a bit with moving...we moved him to the edge of the bed, then we helped move him into a wheelchair. We headed to the "gym" area...we discovered Dad had not yet received any pain meds (new medication nurse had not gotten to him yet, even though his order says he should get Tylenol at 8am and 1pm). She came to give him the meds and PT suggested I walk Dad around a bit and then return for the therapy. He seemed to enjoy the stroll around the place--kept his eyes open. I left him with the therapist to begin therapy, but I had to leave (kids have short day today.)

When strolling we saw the Doctor who was pleased with Dad's alertness. On my way out I asked her if she had any medical concerns (reminding her I was leaving for the week.) She said not anymore having seen him more awake today. Said Dad would be in good hands while I was gone.

I brought in our family beach photo to leave by Dad's bedside.

Thursday

Went to Transition Care Unit at 11am today. There was a planned "team meeting" that the doctor had mentioned yesterday. Each therapist (speech, Physical, Occupational) provided some status on where Dad was with respect to therapies. I had not yet met the OT so I had the opportunity to speak up about Dad's pre-fall capabilities (e.g., could feed himself). Goals were discussed, and doctor (not the same one Justine and I had met the day before) indicated that Dad seemed to have a ways to go, so would definitely not be leaving before Monday the 12th, though they will re-assess at next week's meeting. PT mentioned that she had been unable to arouse Dad earlier in the morning to perform any therapy.

After meeting I went and checked in on Dad and he was sleeping. I tried rousing a few times, got an occasional verbal nod or response with eyes closed, or he would open his eyes for a moment or two...he was definitely not as alert as he had been the morning before when Justine and I were there. I inquired about how he had slept the night before. The nurse said there weren't any notes to say he had been awake in the night. I spoke to the bedside nurse who reported that Dad ate breakfast well. Note that they had removed the catheter, apparently earlier in the day.

Occupational Therapist (not same one who was at meeting) came in a little later and I went over Dad's history with her. She tried doing some grooming with Dad...handed him a wet washcloth and prompted him to wash his face, which he did. Speech therapist arrived shortly after, and lunch arrived. OT left and I worked with Speech to help Dad eat lunch. When Dad knew lunch was in front of him, he did perk up enough, to indicate readiness to eat. Most of the meal though, his eyes were slit and he only opened to find the food. Like the night before last, we would give him the spoon and he would fill the spoon, needing help to ensure spoon was loaded properly, and he also needed help guiding spoon to mouth (he would get it just shy of his mouth.) Towards the end, he was doing better with his aim and was pretty persistent to work through his entire meal.

Dad was doing a lot of complaining when being moved in the bed today...after lunch the bedside nurses needed to change the sheets and with each roll, Dad cried out...not sure how much is pain or just irritation with the process, though I'm sure there is some pain. Today, the dressing had been removed and I could see his sutures on his left thigh. Another odd thing was it appeared he had a bruise on the top of the penis....perhaps from the catheter?

I left around 1:40pm. Around 4pm I got a call from the PT (who offered to call me after doing the therapy)...she was able to move (with help) Dad to the edge of the bed like the day before, and said he stood again a few times, also taking a step to one side. She also mentioned that he was standing straighter than the day before.

At 4:30pm I returned to meet Haydee and show her the place and see Dad. Had Dylan with me so could only stay for a short time, but left Haydee there who was going to stay for a couple of hours. I had brought some magazines and cards as options for her to engage with Dad, when he gets to that point. Spoke to Haydee later this evening who said Dad did eat all his dinner, though still not overly alert. Note that while there, I discussed with Haydee the need to ensure Dad is adequately swallowing with each bite per the instructions from the Speech Therapist.

I will return again tomorow. Spoke with Ken who plans to visit the next two Saturdays. Haydee will be able to spend a few hours with Dad Tu/Th/Fri, and perhaps Mon and Wed as well (if she's not too tired from other job, said she would stop by.)

Wednesday Update

Barb and I got to the rehab centre around 9 this morning. Dad was being evaluated by a speech therapist, who identifies any issues with eating and swallowing. Dad does have a little difficulty still, so he is on a chopped food diet for now, and an eating assistant will be with him for meals to prompt him, or help with feeding and drinking if needed. She mentioned that Dad's CT scan had shown some evidence of 'hematoma' or bleeding. We hadn't read the report yet, but the doctors had never mentioned this. Later the rehab doctor came by and we discusssed Dad's conditions in more detail. He said it is possible that the fall could have caused some temporary brain issues that are affecting Dad's speech and coordination, though it could also still be the after effects of surgery and anesthesia. (FYI - the scan report also mentioned evidence of chronic small bleeds, not unusual in the elderly). Dr. Sheedy went over medications with us, and also the expected course of therapy. Generally, patients with hip surgery take 2 weeks in the rehab centre. Dad's morning medications came around 10:15. He takes pills with a little applesauce, one at a time. There are a couple of medications that were ordered from the hospital, but mainly just the ones he has been taking before. The doctor agreed that he will not get any sedating medications unless we are called. He will get tylenol twice a day to manage pain. If this is deemed not sufficient, they will call us. After the meds and finishing off a dish of applesauce, Dad went to sleep. When the PT came for evaluation at around 11:15, it was difficult to get him to wake up. Nonetheless, we did get him to sit at the edge of the bed and even stand up. He had had another bowel movement as well. The PT felt that Dad was too sleepy for more work, so he was put back to bed. The CNA came to help clean him up. Barb and I left around noon. I will be returning to Vancouver tonight. Barb will visit again tomorrow, as well as Friday morning. We decided to see if Haydee might be able to come by a few times while Barb is in Costa Rica (for a week starting Saturday). While his care is fine, when he is awake he does like to have company and interaction. The staffing at the nursing centre does not allow the caregivers to spend much time with anyone. I plan to be in touch with the centre on the phone daily to get a report of progress and can continue to post any news. Please let us know if you have any specific questions to ask the doctor or therapists.

Dad moves to Transition Care Unit

Dad continues to make slow but steady progress. He is eating more, even though he is still not very wakeful most of the time. He seems to have difficulty talking (very soft and not clear) when he is awake. He is on Tylenol for pain now, no narcotics. He was able to work with the PT a bit more (moving his legs), but still cannot sit up long without support. He was also repositioning himself on his own though. He was given a suppository and successfully had a bowel movement, which is why the doctor said he was ready to be released from the hospital to the rehab centre in the afternoon. During his 2nd PT session at the hospital, he was helped to a standing position. He didn't seem to experience as much pain during this, but couldn't yet stand on his own. He was transferred around 4:30pm. The new facility is just a couple of blocks from the hospital. Barb obtained copies of all the hospital reports so that we have a complete record for the future.

At the new centre, we began the process of helping the new staff get to know Dad. We made sure to review the medications as it seems his record includes quite a long list of things which we are not sure when they were ordered (many are just 'as needed', but even so we want to minimize the different drugs if possible). His vital signs are all very good. He is on oxygen for the moment, and was diagnosed with pneumonia so he is receiving antibiotics. At dinnertime, we tried to get Dad to feed himself for the first time. He was as usual VERY hungry. He held the fork/spoon and tried to feed himself, but is not able to lift it all the way to his mouth. Barb and I helped him with each forkful and he ate 100% of his dinner: beef/vegetable stew, lentil soup, pears, chocolate pudding.

We will return this morning, hoping to catch the therapists when they come to do his initial evaluation. I will be returning to Vancouver this evening.

Monday

When we arrived this morning (after 9), the physical therapist was just finishing with Dad. He wasn't responding very much. They said they would be back later. Dad actually started to wake more a bit later, so we were very relieved. He was able to eat some oatmeal and drink some juice. He responded with nods or yes when asked if hungry, and started opening his eyes much more. Both Dr. Park (ortho surgeon) and Dr. Lai came by. Dr. Park said that his leg was fine to stand on and from that point of view he was ready to leave the hospital for intensive therapy. Dr. Lai told us his blood count was still a little low. During his exam, Dad cried out when the doctor was palpating his stomach area. Not sure what the reason for that was. Dr. Lai came by after we had seen Dad waking, so he said he would come back later and maybe he would be able to be released to the transition care unit (therapy). PT returned around 11:30, and saw that Dad was now more alert. They began with leg exercise and noted that he was resisting (flexing muscles) and responding to commands to move sometimes. Unfortunately, not having had any pain meds for over 24 hours, when they moved him to the side of the bed to sit up, he cried out quite a bit. He remained sitting for a while, but he was looking down and it was difficult to get him to hold his head straight. After they finished, we asked the nurse to get him some pain meds. we decided on vicodin instead of morphine and gave it to him crushed in applesauce. He finished the applesauce, but after that became quite sleepy. Barb and I left to have lunch, and when we returned he was quite sleepy still. We could get him to rouse a bit, but not really eat or drink much. Clearly the drugs were making him sleepy, plus perhaps the effort of sitting up. Barb had to return home for Dylan, but I stayed through the afternoon until after dinner. He was mainly sleepy all day. He would occasionally rouse (I would talk to him and gently shake him every 15min or so). By 5 he was a bit more awake and I fed him some more applesauce which he took well. At dinner, he ate several bites of pulled pork, some cheddar potato soup, and mashed potatoes. We discussed with the nurse to admnister tylenol for pain instead of vicodin if he requires it, and we will ask that he get some before the next PT. We are hoping he can move to the transition care unit tomorrow.

Sunday Update

Barb and I visited Dad around 5pm, Sunday. He was still sleeping, and the nurses said he had not really woken, although when moved he did sometimes groan or grunt. They were giving him blood, due to readings from a blood test earlier, and his face was flushed. He also still had a small fever (99). Barb and I tried to get him to wake by talking, gently shaking or rubbing him, even using a cold compress on his forehead and neck. We gave him oral swabs with water to help relieve his dry mouth, and with some prompting, he did suck on it. He seemed to rouse slightly sometimes, making facial expressions or moving his mouth, but did not open his eyes. We will visit again later this morning, hoping that he is beginning to rouse more.

Post-surgery update

Barb and I visited Dad yesterday around 11am. He had been moved from the recovery area to his regular room. He was having an ultrasound to look at his heart. Apparently there were some possible indications of an enlarged heart which the internal medicine doctor wanted to get more details on, to see if there may have been some congested heart failure. We spoke to Dr. Lai that morning as well and he explained what he was looking for. It appeared that there wasn't anything seriously concerning after the ultrasound. Dad came in and out of sleep while we were visiting over the next 3 hours. He was given some morphine to control pain, and seemed to be relatively comfortable and not complaining too much - although a couple of times when asked how he felt or was doing - he replied 'pretty bad'.

There is concern after surgery about digestion, so we first fed Dad a cup of ice chips to make sure he could swallow properly and that his stomach would tolerate intake. He was then only allowed to have a clear liquid diet, so lunch consisted of chicken broth, juice, jello, and sherbet. He was quite hungry and especially thirsty. Even though he was sometimes half-asleep, we could rouse him and he would usually respond yes when asked if he was still hungry, so he went through most of what was provided. He occasionally had some difficulty with sucking on the straw (chewing instead of sucking), but still managed several cups of juice/water. In fact he downed almost a whole can of Gatorade in one go (resulting later in quite a large belch!). Even though he was responding to us, it wasn't clear if he recognized us at all.

We asked about probable timeline of recovery care and were told that once the surgeon assessed him post-op, he would determine when PT would try to get him up and assess a course of rehab. Assuming all is well, he would likely be transferred to a transition care unit for PT/OT work. Difficult to know how long that would last until they see how he proceeds, and therefore when he might be released back to the care home (where he could still get some in-home therapy). We'll get more details as we see how he does.

We left around 2:30 or so, and then returned at 7:30, hoping that he would be able to eat more. However, at that point he was so soundly asleep that we really couldn't rouse him. The nurse said that they had been able to get him to eat some of his dinner (full liquid style - which means still all liquid but with cream soup and milk, instead of broth and juice). We don't know how much he took though. We stayed for about two hours, and although he opened his eyes once or twice, never roused sufficiently to respond much and so we didn't try to give him any more food. He had not had any further pain medication since the morning, so the nurse administered another dose of morphine. We assumed he needed to rest, being so tired from the surgery. Before we left, the assistant was taking the routine vitals (temp, pulse, oxygen, bp) and discovered he had developed a fever (101.6). He didn't feel exceptionally hot, but the temp was retested and he clearly had elevated temp.

We returned this morning just before 8, hoping that we might see the doctor doing rounds, and also assuming he would be more alert after the night and ready to eat breakfast (now a 'soft' diet, including oatmeal and custard). He was in pretty much the same state as he had been when we left - soundly asleep and we were unable to rouse him with talking and gentle shaking. We inquired if he had roused at all during the night and were told no. All of his other signs remained good (bp, pulse, etc.). His fever had continued, but just before we left when it was tested, it had reduced to 99.4. Because he has not shown any further signs of pain (even when his position is shifted by the nurses), no further pain medication has been given. The doctor had prescribed a single dose of vancomycin (1000mg) earlier in the evening for the fever. We decided to return home and asked the nurse to call us if he showed signs of being more alert, and also if either of the doctors visited.

Missing info

Sorry...realized I left out some stuff. Yes, discovered yesterday following x-rays that Dad had indeed broken his hip. He was referred to an Ortho Surgeon and an Internal Medicine Doc, with the expectation that he would need surgery. They withheld any food for the rest of the day with the possible expectation of surgery, perhaps by the evening. Ortho Doc didn't see him until close to 9 and scheduled the surgery for 7:30am today. After picking up Justine from the airport, we headed to the hospital and arrived about 9:45--the nurse had already tried to find some snacks, and I had a banana in my car, so we helped him drink and eat. We stayed until after 11 and he seemed to be resting comfortably.

Surgery today

Quick update...Dad had surgery this morning. It was to repair the fracture with a pin. He is still in recovery. Justine are heading over there right now and hope to speak to the doctor to get more information.

Saw him several times yesterday and he was mostly staying comfortable...he was receiving pain meds when needed.

Heading to hospital

Got a call from Chris around 7:15 this morning at Emerald Isle. Al had heard a loud thud around 5:30am and found Dad on the floor in his room. Dad was complaining about his leg/hip area. Chris had contacted an ambulance service who was to pick him up and take him to the emergency room at 8:30am. I went over after getting kids off to school. When I arrived shortly after 8am, Dad was sitting in his wheelchair and Al was in the room with him watching TV. He was calm and responsive, but occasinally complained of the "constant pain" and was mentioning he had never broken his leg before. He was leaking through his pants, so Al, Anna and I worked together to lift/shift him to another wheelchair with a fresh diaper. He complained when being moved, and we also discovered an abrasion above his left elbow. The ambulance arrived around 8:50...they checked his BP (136/58) and he had a low pulse (58). They moved him to a gurney and loaded him in the ambulance. I had to take care of a couple of things at home, and now I will head over to the hospital where I assume they will take some x-rays. Will keep you all posted. Note that Justine is scheduled to arrive tonight...had planned to come in for the weekend to help me with Dad's taxes.

FYI...Al had reported that Dad had been sleeping very well and they had not administered the Haldol since the last time I reported it.

Kenny visit to Dad at Emerald Isle

I visited Dad last Saturday (3-20-10) at his new home. Dad was half sleeping and half awake, and switched between sleeping and awake every minute. He was in the living room. I asked him is he wanted to walk around and he said yes. We walked outside to the front of the house, to my car. He walked very slowly, and wanted to sit down after we got outside. He sat on the front wall and talked to Judy and the kids. Al also joined us. We went back inside, and Judy talked to Al and Anna in filipino language. I walked with Dad to his room, and looked around. I stayed there about 45 minutes, then Al walked Dad back to the TV room.

VIsits with Dad

I visited with Dad last Thursday, and also today. On both occasions he was less sleepy than on previous visits. Today the house was celebrating Mamie's 105th birthday. so they had pizza and cake. I got to meet Mamie's son Harry (former Marine) who I had previously reported enjoys talking to Dad on his visits. The three of us chatted a bit and Dad definitely seemed to acknowledge his company, with friendly, polite statements. Janice was there and I asked her how things have been gong from her perspective. She said Dad has been sleepy on the past few Bingo occasions, but said she thought he seemed content.

I brought over some rice pudding that I had made on Saturday night for a dinner party...hopefully Dad will enjoy it later.

Visit with Dad

Yesterday I went for a visit with Dad. When I arrived, he was in his recliner...I asked him if he wanted to go for a walk with me and he said yes. We walked around the house (very cold yesterday)...he knew his way around without my direction. After circling the hall and coming back through the kitchen/dining area, I asked him if he wanted to go to his room and we did. He was able to sit in his chair on his own, moving very slowly and cautiously. I reviewed some photos with him. I asked him if he was comfortable here and he said yes. I asked him if he liked living in this new house and he said "is this the new house?" to which I responded yes. I then asked him if he wanted to toss the ball and he said yes so we did. He threw it back and forth quite forcefully and with strength. After awhile it was time for lunch so we walked back to the dining room to join the ladies for lunch (green salad with tomato and grilled cheese.)

Juana reported to me that the night before Dad did get up around 10:30 or 11 to walk around. They gave him the Haldol and he slept the rest of the night.

Today, Laura stopped by and wanted to go visit Dad...I sent her with some oatmeal choc chip cookies I had made to give him. She reported that she had a nice visit and Dad was energetic...they walked as well.

This week - Haldol administered twice

I went to visit Dad today. When I arrived, Dad was asleep in the living room in his recliner. Juana and Al shared with me that on Sunday, Dad was quite anxious, not wanting to sit down, wanting to continue to get up, even after long walks before bed in which Al said his legs were shaking. Dad apparently kept talking about wanting to go somewhere. They administered the Haldol that night, and they said Dad did eventually calm down and sleep through the night. Juana said that for the next couple of days, Dad was very alert and stayed awake during the entire days, no naps. Again, last night he was anxious and they gave him the Haldol. He did go to bed, but they said when they went to see him this morning, they found him lying on the floor (eyes closed, apparently comfortable). He was located in a position in which his feet were partially inside the closet. THere didn't seem to be a sign of a fall. Since the morning, Dad had been sleepy, and that was his situation when I arrived around noon. This is consistent with a pattern I had seen a couple of times where Dad is quite active for a couple of days, and then is VERY sleepy for a couple of days until "leveling" out. Janice was also there today and I discussed it with her as well.

I was able to wake Dad while in his chair to chat with him for a little while. He smiled when I greeted him. The TV was on and a "Music Choice" channel was on. Dad read the words on the TV aloud, and then kept repeating those words "Music Choice". I brought out the multi-photo flip frame and reviewed some of the photos with Dad, asking if he knew who was in the picture. He was able to identify all of his children and Mom, and at some point started saying the names with "choice" afterwards, e.g., "There's Barbara choice" and "That's Jennie choice", etc...

At one point I asked him if he was comfortable living here and he said yes. I left the photo frame open on the dresser with the photo of Cathy & Dad at Emerald Isle a few years ago...Cathy has on a straw-type hat with a rolled brim and it's a close-up from the shoulders up, Dad has on a short-sleeve button shirt that has blues/turquoise in it (remember that one Cathy?)

I just called over there this evening and they reported that Dad was still quite sleepy and would be getting ready for bed soon. I will check in again tomorrow by phone and try to get by again by Friday.

Doctor's appt

Yesterday Dad had 6 month (from annual physical) follow up appointment with Dr. Gee. When I picked Dad up, he was VERY tired. Al reported that Dad had been sleeping well, but had been a little more tired than usual the previous day or two. 

We made it very slowly into the doctor's office. When the nurse called us in, he was going so slow and getting too tired so the nurse brought out a wheelchair. She took his blood pressure which was approx 157/76. When the doctor came in, he wanted to take it again and it had gone down to 110/60. No other issues for now. Dad continued to be quite sleepy/tired until return. 

When he arrived home, he appeared ready for lunch at the table with his "girlfriends" when I left.

More birthday photos and lunch by the sea

Group Photo and Dad's Room Photos

Dad's 94th Birthday

Today I went to visit Dad and take him out to lunch for his birthday. At Emerald Isle, they had brought him a cake, so we all sat at the table and sang Happy Birthday to Dad before I took him out (photos below.) I also took some pictures of his room. They had hung the photo of Mom on the wall surrounded by hearts that I brought in when Dad first moved in 3 weeks ago...at some point I plan to bring in more of the navy and other photos from home.

On the way from the house to the car, Al was assisting and Dad was saying he "didn't feel right" and didn't think he could make it, though he continued to walk and make it to the car. When I arrived at Subway (not fancy, but I had to return to my house to pick up Dad's wheelchair, and was a little short on time...besides, this Subway has a nice ocean view!) I asked Dad if he wanted to walk in the walker or sit in the wheelchair, he said he wanted to walk, and did fine the rest of the time. He ate up his turkey sandwich and chips heartily.

During lunch Dad seemed hungry and not too talkative, but responsive to my questions. When I asked him if he liked the new house he said Yes. I mentioned that Ryland and Paul had left early this morning to go snowboarding for the long weekend. Then I asked him if he had ever skied and he said yes, in the mountains. Does anyone know if that's true?

Al mentioned that Dad has been sleeping well ever since the 1st week and said that he felt that Dad had "settled in" nicely. They added Dad's picture to their bulletin board (previously had just the 4 ladies, now Dad's picture is in the center surrounded by the other ladies)...they are calling it "Charlie's Angels."

Friday night

Tonight I stopped by to see Dad on my way to see a play at the local theater (with several friends from my charity group, Special Children's League.) I brought a gallon of Mint Chocolate Chip Ice cream over and got him a bowl and sat with him for a little while in the living room. He seemed comfortable and we chatted a little. He mentioned it was nice to see me, and his smile was bright and friendly. Somehow we got to talking about "girlfriends" and I commented that he has a few girlfriends here, and he laughed. I talked about his birthday coming up and when I asked him if he knew how old he would be, he said 73. That is the same age he has told me several times in the past year when I have asked him.

By the way, he has now been moved into the originally planned room (as the other lady has passed away), and it is quite nice.