So, some last minute issues.
Cover. Home Instead have not yet come up with cover for the weekend early mornings.
It seems the evening carers are already timetabled for a bit of extra time to help get D to bed (which news he has just welcomed with a thumbs up!).
Medicines - Home Instead are not able to issue / give medicines out of their original packing - or a blister pack. So my well-intentioned dispensing in to individual envelopes flies in the face of their restrictions
The very nice Pharmacist in the village has undertaken to handwrite a MAR sheet (?Sp) which is effectively an authorisation to give these medicines. She can't put it through the computer since the medicines already exist! She will then let me have a pair of blister packs and cover sheets and that'll have to do. It should. But she hasn't managed to do it today so I have to pick it up tomorrow and then re-pack the pills from the envelopes into the blister packs. Hmmmm
The system is otherwise working fairly well.
Food. Gillian dropped in. There is a cottage pie in the fridge for tomorrow lunchtime, and other food in the freezer. A meal for one shared at lunchtime, with a pudding, seems about right and we are trying the first of the soup-runs (and pudding) today.
This didn't work very well.
D didn't finish the soup, ate the desert fine. M had to be fed the soup by me after the carers had gone, ate the cake ok.
We need to think of a "safe to leave" item for M since the carers are only here for 30 minutes at this time.
We need to ensure that the ladies check on day 1 that there is either a meal in the fridge for day 2, or get one up out of the outside freezer.
Gillian is happy to shop as always (she seems well on top of the shopping list) but could P2 please arrange a main dish for Monday and agree with G the time for other shopping?
Competence. D again got himself up and used the loo with no trouble returning OK to his chair.
That seems all for now - I might add to this as things occur to me.
Continuing medical care. Harrogate hospital have sent D a cardiac review on the 6th of Feb. We need to see how to cover this.
D is presently on some new Cholecalciferol (Vit D) intense therapy which will need adjusting in due course, and a soon-to-be finished anti-viral and a tapering, increasing dose of Memantine for his memory. He should not have come off the Finasteride (prostate) and so Dr Toogood has re-commenced that. They will appear in the blister packs when the present two weeks of Harrogate issue medicines are finished. BUT Dr Toogood would like to see D on review within the next 3 to 5 weeks in the surgery.
Friday, 18 January 2019
Wednesday, 16 January 2019
New regime
Well.........
16.30
Awake early after another night on the settee (slightly easier than the camping mattress), concerned that the carer would arrive before I was up! No such worries but D was fast asleep. He can't sit up in bed to drink a cup of tea but he did swing himself around to sit on the edge of the bed. Which revealed the first flaw in the system; if he was asleep, how would the carer get in?
By the key safe of course, but some of the carers are citizens of the Shire and the box is currently above my eye line.
So I borrowed a hammer drill from G - her daughter is 11 weeks and massively affected by hyperemesis gravidarum so G has her work cut out there! - and re-positioned the key safe on the other side and lower down.
The carer - essential for the adjusting of the absorbent underwear - did the job fine and then the next two arrived to see to mother. Who is sleepy again today.
D has not really moved from his chair - not needed to - but has pored over the paper, and eaten half a dressed crab for lunch, which I picked up from the wonderful fishmonger's yesterday. Happy memories of crabs from the U Leeds Research station!
He's bored.
As far as I can see from the staff timetable, D's last personal support (very useful for the preparation of supper) is before M's. Bed time for him last night was a bit of a protracted, precarious dance around the bathroom and bed. This needs some coarse - let alone fine - tuning!
20.20
I originally wrote that I thought we were looking at residential care but I've changed my mind.
At 17.30 D asked if I could bring a pee bottle - but I said why not try walking to the loo.
A bit cautious, a wobble in the loo (I shadowed) but he grabbed his new walker and all was well, and back to the chair. One point! He checked his padded undies - dry - two points!
At 18.10 I had a call from HI - there'd been a big crash on A1 and Wetherby was gridlocked. Our carer was stuck in town and not moving - so I said not to bother and I made tea.
D ate a full portion of chicken Dijonais, and then half an M&S bowl of mixed fruit - with ice-cream. Three points!
M had some chicken too, finely diced but it still causes her problems chewing. Only about 4 tablespoonsful (she had had lunch casserole and pudding!) but then polished off a Strawberries and cream mousse!
Bedtime - ladies on time; M fine.
D already in dry undies (see above) went to bathroom unaided, a little help from the ladies to dress for bed (they were still here), prayers with M - he still tucks her coverlet in firmly, but not a physical restraint - and into bed unaided. Four points!
Still took his alarm off too early - we had agreed "once he was in bed". Need to check up on that tomorrow.
Also need to deal with the paper bill - Ali sent a cheque a while back but it seems not to have been cashed.
Overall, I think we need to ask for an extra 1/4 of an hour for just one of the ladies at the day's end - just to make sure he's in to bed.
I've consciously intervened very little today, trying the system as far as I can. As a result I've had a pipe practise in the bitterly cold conservatory and then gone back to some watercolours as a first stage for a woodcut. Maybe I should have a go at a hedge tomorrow if the weather's any good.
But the system has pretty much worked. I can't say they've been very stimulated and D is touchingly preoccupied by his love for and care for M. Hmmm - perhaps that's where I get the SoppyDate from? Wherever, I'm not complaining.
This article was interesting - I'm sure it's well known but it interested me....
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/same-wine-different-tastes-study-pits-b-c-oenophiles-against-montreal-sommeliers-1.4979598
16.30
Awake early after another night on the settee (slightly easier than the camping mattress), concerned that the carer would arrive before I was up! No such worries but D was fast asleep. He can't sit up in bed to drink a cup of tea but he did swing himself around to sit on the edge of the bed. Which revealed the first flaw in the system; if he was asleep, how would the carer get in?
By the key safe of course, but some of the carers are citizens of the Shire and the box is currently above my eye line.
So I borrowed a hammer drill from G - her daughter is 11 weeks and massively affected by hyperemesis gravidarum so G has her work cut out there! - and re-positioned the key safe on the other side and lower down.
The carer - essential for the adjusting of the absorbent underwear - did the job fine and then the next two arrived to see to mother. Who is sleepy again today.
D has not really moved from his chair - not needed to - but has pored over the paper, and eaten half a dressed crab for lunch, which I picked up from the wonderful fishmonger's yesterday. Happy memories of crabs from the U Leeds Research station!
He's bored.
As far as I can see from the staff timetable, D's last personal support (very useful for the preparation of supper) is before M's. Bed time for him last night was a bit of a protracted, precarious dance around the bathroom and bed. This needs some coarse - let alone fine - tuning!
20.20
I originally wrote that I thought we were looking at residential care but I've changed my mind.
At 17.30 D asked if I could bring a pee bottle - but I said why not try walking to the loo.
A bit cautious, a wobble in the loo (I shadowed) but he grabbed his new walker and all was well, and back to the chair. One point! He checked his padded undies - dry - two points!
At 18.10 I had a call from HI - there'd been a big crash on A1 and Wetherby was gridlocked. Our carer was stuck in town and not moving - so I said not to bother and I made tea.
D ate a full portion of chicken Dijonais, and then half an M&S bowl of mixed fruit - with ice-cream. Three points!
M had some chicken too, finely diced but it still causes her problems chewing. Only about 4 tablespoonsful (she had had lunch casserole and pudding!) but then polished off a Strawberries and cream mousse!
Bedtime - ladies on time; M fine.
D already in dry undies (see above) went to bathroom unaided, a little help from the ladies to dress for bed (they were still here), prayers with M - he still tucks her coverlet in firmly, but not a physical restraint - and into bed unaided. Four points!
Still took his alarm off too early - we had agreed "once he was in bed". Need to check up on that tomorrow.
Also need to deal with the paper bill - Ali sent a cheque a while back but it seems not to have been cashed.
Overall, I think we need to ask for an extra 1/4 of an hour for just one of the ladies at the day's end - just to make sure he's in to bed.
I've consciously intervened very little today, trying the system as far as I can. As a result I've had a pipe practise in the bitterly cold conservatory and then gone back to some watercolours as a first stage for a woodcut. Maybe I should have a go at a hedge tomorrow if the weather's any good.
But the system has pretty much worked. I can't say they've been very stimulated and D is touchingly preoccupied by his love for and care for M. Hmmm - perhaps that's where I get the SoppyDate from? Wherever, I'm not complaining.
This article was interesting - I'm sure it's well known but it interested me....
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/same-wine-different-tastes-study-pits-b-c-oenophiles-against-montreal-sommeliers-1.4979598
Tuesday, 15 January 2019
Home!
At 08.45 I left an answerphone message for the Leeds SW. At 10.15 I rang again - and she rang back 5 minutes later!
To cut a long story short, I think she just pushed the right buttons and, at 13.15 or there abouts, two very pleasant ambulance people delivered D to his arm chair. The delight was palpable.
I've bought pads, spoken to Dr on the phone and have a plan for pills - no need for details here - and the need for a check-up at the practise ideally, but with a relative present - within 4-6 weeks
and we're settled in.
The "extra" evening carer came at 6.00 and when introduced with "this is to support your catering efforts", was met with rapturous applause - or its equivalent.
Both have eaten well - particularly D who wolfed down a desert (and then fruit and ice-cream!) after a reasonable main course - and the evening carers have just begun to arrive, with exclamations of delight.
So - let's see what the night brings. Dr is going to re-instate the Finasteride in due course - which may stop the need for getting up in the middle of the night.
Anyway - Covenant Service sermon comes on; the piping, too (I can nearly play a scale now), Scouting preparation moves along; I might even get out in to the garden tomorrow.
And I'll be thinking of a certain young lady for tomorrow.
P
To cut a long story short, I think she just pushed the right buttons and, at 13.15 or there abouts, two very pleasant ambulance people delivered D to his arm chair. The delight was palpable.
I've bought pads, spoken to Dr on the phone and have a plan for pills - no need for details here - and the need for a check-up at the practise ideally, but with a relative present - within 4-6 weeks
and we're settled in.
The "extra" evening carer came at 6.00 and when introduced with "this is to support your catering efforts", was met with rapturous applause - or its equivalent.
Both have eaten well - particularly D who wolfed down a desert (and then fruit and ice-cream!) after a reasonable main course - and the evening carers have just begun to arrive, with exclamations of delight.
So - let's see what the night brings. Dr is going to re-instate the Finasteride in due course - which may stop the need for getting up in the middle of the night.
Anyway - Covenant Service sermon comes on; the piping, too (I can nearly play a scale now), Scouting preparation moves along; I might even get out in to the garden tomorrow.
And I'll be thinking of a certain young lady for tomorrow.
P
Monday, 14 January 2019
Two steps back...
M had a good day. ate well on all occasions, perky but lots of sleep.
Rang the hospital at 10.30 - they have flu on one of the other wards and I was told that D had a raised temperature (not so as it transpired) Big pow-wow due at 11.00.
I rang back at 12.30 - were talking about hanging on to him; they were worried about his possibly bringing flu home to a vulnerable M. I was quite firm - why was this the case when surely there was an increased risk if he remained close to the source of infection.. Impasse.
HI provided a M-watcher and I went over - hand scrub and mask (although I was the only one on the ward dressed like that?!). They have taken a nasal swab from him to see whether he is carrying the strain of flu that they have. The ward are continuing to be worried that there is no support for him for (only one session) on the weekends. I have said that I am here on Saturday morning and that (big guess here) my sister could cover Sunday morning.
Now the ward are "waiting to hear" from HI as to whether they will be able to use gloves and masks for 72 hours after he comes home....
If he stays in, surely there is greater risk of catching flu; if he comes home - this is a very big fuss over two sessions, one of which I shall be here for anyway!
This is getting silly. Not sure where to go from here; I think I have to ask to speak to Da's consultant;
Hmmm. Time to come the retired Consultant?
Rang the hospital at 10.30 - they have flu on one of the other wards and I was told that D had a raised temperature (not so as it transpired) Big pow-wow due at 11.00.
I rang back at 12.30 - were talking about hanging on to him; they were worried about his possibly bringing flu home to a vulnerable M. I was quite firm - why was this the case when surely there was an increased risk if he remained close to the source of infection.. Impasse.
HI provided a M-watcher and I went over - hand scrub and mask (although I was the only one on the ward dressed like that?!). They have taken a nasal swab from him to see whether he is carrying the strain of flu that they have. The ward are continuing to be worried that there is no support for him for (only one session) on the weekends. I have said that I am here on Saturday morning and that (big guess here) my sister could cover Sunday morning.
Now the ward are "waiting to hear" from HI as to whether they will be able to use gloves and masks for 72 hours after he comes home....
If he stays in, surely there is greater risk of catching flu; if he comes home - this is a very big fuss over two sessions, one of which I shall be here for anyway!
This is getting silly. Not sure where to go from here; I think I have to ask to speak to Da's consultant;
Hmmm. Time to come the retired Consultant?
Sunday, 13 January 2019
A gentle day
M woke clear-speaking, which was great. It pretty much stayed that way all day. She didn't initiate much conversation, but answered fairly well, always knew it was me and ate enthusiastically, albeit slowly and with some repeated reminders.
3 meals today and then surprisingly intense interest in "The search for Spock" (gripping stuff!).
Nothing wrong with (corrected) eyesight.
Gently to bed; let's see what tomorrow brings.
3 meals today and then surprisingly intense interest in "The search for Spock" (gripping stuff!).
Nothing wrong with (corrected) eyesight.
Gently to bed; let's see what tomorrow brings.
Saturday, 12 January 2019
Bright start, sleepy afternoon
Slept OK. Went to see D at 10.30, took clothes for Monday (provisional discharge) since I shan't be able to get there tomorrow. He's fine, but bored. Lucid. Still hoping that the hospital will get the weekend morning cover in place......
M quite bright this morning, ate a decent breakfast - G came in to take over from the ladies whilst I was with Da. A decent lunch, too but somnolent since and hasn't roused for supper. Expect the staff soon.
A package from a cosmetics company has arrived for P.
M quite bright this morning, ate a decent breakfast - G came in to take over from the ladies whilst I was with Da. A decent lunch, too but somnolent since and hasn't roused for supper. Expect the staff soon.
A package from a cosmetics company has arrived for P.
Friday, 11 January 2019
Small steps
Went to see D today and met with the Leeds Social Worker. Very nice, understanding and helpful lady.
The only perceived gap in the care for D is Weekend mornings, first thing for personal care.
The ward Discharge coordinator is going to speak to the Hospital Support Service to see whether that can be arranged.
The SW will arrange a falls detector - to be delivered during the coming week.
A two-wheeled walking frame will be sent home with D.
On that basis, Monday to return home seems possible.
G covered for me this pm and will do so again tomorrow morning; she may not be able to cover Sunday so I shall take clothes for D in tomorrow.
I have a direct phone number for the SW.
Fingers crossed.
M has been pretty somnolent today but ate a full bowl of porridge this am, Some Cauliflower cheese and a desert lunch time and is due for supper about now.
My slide copier does not link to Windows 10!
I have found a slide of the Mirror crossing the bar at Salcombe :-)
The only perceived gap in the care for D is Weekend mornings, first thing for personal care.
The ward Discharge coordinator is going to speak to the Hospital Support Service to see whether that can be arranged.
The SW will arrange a falls detector - to be delivered during the coming week.
A two-wheeled walking frame will be sent home with D.
On that basis, Monday to return home seems possible.
G covered for me this pm and will do so again tomorrow morning; she may not be able to cover Sunday so I shall take clothes for D in tomorrow.
I have a direct phone number for the SW.
Fingers crossed.
M has been pretty somnolent today but ate a full bowl of porridge this am, Some Cauliflower cheese and a desert lunch time and is due for supper about now.
My slide copier does not link to Windows 10!
I have found a slide of the Mirror crossing the bar at Salcombe :-)
Camping out
Just to let you know that I'm in residence at Number 8. Although this is a private blog, acccess by invitation only. I'll still codify it.
All of you know how to contact me if you want to.
M ate a whole desert but only a few spoons full of main at supper time. She was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
All of you know how to contact me if you want to.
M ate a whole desert but only a few spoons full of main at supper time. She was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
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