Tag: walking

The Sneaks are Made for Walking!

My siblings and I agree that to serve our mom, we won’t pursue things we believe will extend her life. There are so many times when this creates an internal struggle for me. When my mom was declining and refused to eat, I struggled with the notion of giving her Ensure. There were other benefits like avoiding skin tears due to malnutrition so we brought in a variety of flavors to see if mom would even drink these meal replacement shakes. I didn’t want my mom to be hungry so I have used a rule that what she is being offered needs to bring her pleasure. That simple question has helped me navigate several choices recently.

Before my mom was in the wheelchair, she would constantly be walking around her community. Being able to move about as she wished gave her control. It took her a while to adjust to being dependent on someone for everything from sitting up, to dressing and toileting. In the beginning she would yell “Wait, wait,” in hopes of at least commanding the pace of her movement. She eventually began to thank everyone who was helping her move and lamented at the fact of being so dependent on someone else for everything.

One of the benefits of the hospice care were visits from a social worker. She shared with me that my mom has expressed feeling depressed over the loss of control. I was sad, but also happy that my mom confided her feelings with someone. I know she’s lonely and it’s difficult for her to understand what occurred to land in her the current community. I have explained it all to my mom in varied ways different times. First to fulfill my golden rule of always telling mom what’s coming and discussing the options with her, then as she has asked questions.

I saw how much stronger my mom’s been getting and her personal daily assistant (PDA) has been encouraging her to transfer herself giving her back some control. The doctor ordered three physical therapy sessions. I must say, we were not sure mom would comply when it was time to do the exercises and work with the therapist. She did and within two weeks I saw her walking down the hallway supported by her PDA.

On my last visit a walker appeared in her room. On my visit today, I found my mom sitting in the living room of her community without her wheelchair. She then proceeded to use it to go all the way to the Activity Room. She was slow and needed to sit down once, but she did it. 

The choice to move my mom to this new community has brought wonderful results. My mom is adapting and has actually been improving. I never thought I would have good news to share about my mom, but things have been getting better.

The diagnosis is frightening and brings so many unknowns. The only fact that I seemed to latch onto early was “things will never get better.” I am happy to have to eat my own words. Gulped. 

Finding ways to work through the stress of caregiving

tennisI wanted to improve my tennis game so my husband and I joined the local gym that offered tennis. It took me a while to get into lessons, flights and play with others who would help me be able to improve my game.

Several women welcomed me and invited me to join their weekly groups and even join into their lessons. Tennis has been an incredible way for me to find new friends as well as work off the stress of caring for my parents.

Most of my tennis friends know what I’m dealing with. My parents have come to watch matches. When my father died, I actually volunteered to step in and play if someone needed a sub as soon as the day after his death. I find the rules that require you to turn off your phone and dedicate uninterrupted time therapeutic. I can shut off my brain to life outside of the court lines.

A friend shared an article that was recently posted in The New York Times called “Walking the Talk” and I love the idea. After the winter we have faced, the story is compelling and makes me wonder if there are local groups like this to help move through the stress of caregiving.

What are you doing to work through the stress of your caregiving experience? Asked. 

 

 

 

Did you know Dad was in a Wheelchair?

wheelchairOn a daily basis I call my parents. When my brother’s text arrived asking ” Did you know that Dad was in a wheelchair?” I’m alarmed. I just called my parents yesterday and there was no mention of a fall, an issue or a wheelchair.

I first call my brother who tells me that when he spoke to our Mom today, she mentioned that Dad is now in a wheelchair. They could not remember when he got it or exactly why. I do recall watching when I visited my parents a few days ago that my Dad was limping. When I asked him, he just responded that his leg is a little sore.

Three years ago, my dad broke his hip. To me, that was a pivot point in his cognitive decline. I believe the surgery was very difficult on him. However, he easily bounced back physically and was playing racquetball within three months of the surgery.

I tell my brother I’m alarmed that the nursing staff didn’t call to tell me they issued a wheelchair for Dad. I immediately call them and they confirm that my Dad is not in a wheelchair. What is going on?

I finally connect with my parents on the phone and they confirm to me that Dad is in a wheelchair. If the staff doesn’t know about it — did my Dad possibly take someone else’s wheelchair? Puzzled.