It's been a mildly frustrating couple of days trying to get things sorted for Ma now, and also for when she comes home.
Once I'd got hold of wheelchair services they said that it would be 'many months' before Ma would be near the top of the list. When I explained her situation they said that they would have to come out and assess her when she was back at home and then move her up the list depending on need etc. This doesn't sound terribly speedy to me so I had a toot on Amazon and this arrived this morning. Brilliant service. Nice and sturdy, folds easily and the only assembly bit needed was to slot on the foot rests. So one box ticked.
The GP is still not inclined to prescribe Fortisip but as the respite home had requested it I was able to collect 12 bottles this morning. Another box ticked.
Both items delivered to Spurr House this morning where Ma is much more with it after being taken off the Zopiclone again. I'm told she fed herself some breakfast this morning. A bit of a difference to being unable to take some Calpol the other day. Tick.
Equipment Services have been leaving messages trying to deliver equipment for when Ma comes home. I finally got hold of someone yesterday who said they would be dropping off the mattress and seat cushion...The what??!? I requested a frame for the loo....
Yes that's right. That was returned.
Umm that was returned last year after her other operation?
Well you're down for a mattress and seat cushion. Don't you want them?
No. I want a frame for the loo!
Oh well I'll cancel these then and you'll have to speak to Occupational Therapy and get a re-referral.
*sigh*
No reply at OT yesterday or today. Will try again tomorrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No blip yet. Off to play.
Showing posts with label vascular dementia carer caring support. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vascular dementia carer caring support. Show all posts
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Meeting
The meeting went well this morning, I was pleased with the outcome and think everyone was keen to do what was best for Ma's interests.
The plan is to review her medication and perhaps look at taking away some of the heavyweight mood drugs, get her off the catheter and hopefully back to continence, get her seen by the nutritionist, arrange a stay in a nursing home before coming home and then have some additional help come in to support me.
Ma was 100% brighter today, far more alert and responsive. I fed her some lunch and while she didn't eat an awful lot of it, she did eat some mashed potato, apple sauce, a few green beans and some ice cream. I think this may be the result of not being given either her sleeping tablets or codeine for a few days. We had quite a laugh too which was wonderful.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's blip is another spring flower, a teeny tiny narcissus. I love their sweet little faces. As usual I agonised over which one to choose as my blip, here are the others.
The plan is to review her medication and perhaps look at taking away some of the heavyweight mood drugs, get her off the catheter and hopefully back to continence, get her seen by the nutritionist, arrange a stay in a nursing home before coming home and then have some additional help come in to support me.
Ma was 100% brighter today, far more alert and responsive. I fed her some lunch and while she didn't eat an awful lot of it, she did eat some mashed potato, apple sauce, a few green beans and some ice cream. I think this may be the result of not being given either her sleeping tablets or codeine for a few days. We had quite a laugh too which was wonderful.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's blip is another spring flower, a teeny tiny narcissus. I love their sweet little faces. As usual I agonised over which one to choose as my blip, here are the others.
Monday, 23 January 2012
Here we go again - a very short update
Monday morning dawned. I say this with certainty because I was wide awake when it happened. This would be because Ma crashed about all night not settling in bed for any longer than 5 minutes at a time. Today she has dozed frequently but not for any prolonged period and therefore I am feeling a bit knackered.
My plan to keep her awake until 7:00 by turning the TV up has worked so well it's stirred her up to the point where she is pacing, shouting at people on the television, cushion worrying and door rattling. So not going to settle any time soon and I'm not rushing to get her to bed, it might pay off with a decent night in the long run. I can but hope!
She's eaten everything today - not a massive amount admittedly - but without any battles.
Every cloud.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's blip and here's the others
Ps. I've corrected all the other Blip links so they should show the correct photograph for that day.
My plan to keep her awake until 7:00 by turning the TV up has worked so well it's stirred her up to the point where she is pacing, shouting at people on the television, cushion worrying and door rattling. So not going to settle any time soon and I'm not rushing to get her to bed, it might pay off with a decent night in the long run. I can but hope!
She's eaten everything today - not a massive amount admittedly - but without any battles.
Every cloud.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's blip and here's the others
Ps. I've corrected all the other Blip links so they should show the correct photograph for that day.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Pffft!
So today was going to be me and Lily and a day filled with fresh air, nature and the muted beep of my little camera.
I had my coat on as soon as Ma was out of the door, Lily dancing with excitement at the sight of her lead and my pockets filled with the essentials: bank card, camera, phone, glasses. We jumped in the car and... it refused to start. It did this in Cornwall on the day I was coming home but I managed to get it started in the end. No chance today. RAC came and got it going but said it needed repairing (some valve thing) so we took it to the Ford garage and then the nice man brought me home to wait for a hire car.
I'm not complaining about the service at all, everyone was extremely helpful and things were sorted as quickly as possible, but I really really wanted to spend some time outdoors. Oh well. There's always next week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ma came home in a garrulous mood which is fine so long as you don't try and decipher what she's saying, I find nodding and mhmm-ing is the best route with the odd comment when you can. She's definitely more hyped up after a day out which tends to lead to a more disturbed night and some of the more bizarre behaviours turning up. Tonight she was undressing anywhere and everywhere. However she did eat ALL of her takeaway tea from Pinfold - a full round of tuna sandwiches ('I hate tuna') a Blue Riband and a cup of tea. Sadly the orange was a step too far for slightly loose dentures.
I managed to keep her up and entertained until 6.30 and she is now in bed. I can hear her talking though so it could be a tricky night. On the otherhand she might be so tired she'll sleep through. You just cannot ever predict it.
Tomorrow we are off to Slattery's for a chocolate demonstration and afternoon tea with the Dementia Café crew. Can't wait.
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Today's blip which isn't a panoramic shot using a wide-angle as promised due to very rubbish weather and a broken car. It is rather pretty though :)
I had my coat on as soon as Ma was out of the door, Lily dancing with excitement at the sight of her lead and my pockets filled with the essentials: bank card, camera, phone, glasses. We jumped in the car and... it refused to start. It did this in Cornwall on the day I was coming home but I managed to get it started in the end. No chance today. RAC came and got it going but said it needed repairing (some valve thing) so we took it to the Ford garage and then the nice man brought me home to wait for a hire car.
I'm not complaining about the service at all, everyone was extremely helpful and things were sorted as quickly as possible, but I really really wanted to spend some time outdoors. Oh well. There's always next week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ma came home in a garrulous mood which is fine so long as you don't try and decipher what she's saying, I find nodding and mhmm-ing is the best route with the odd comment when you can. She's definitely more hyped up after a day out which tends to lead to a more disturbed night and some of the more bizarre behaviours turning up. Tonight she was undressing anywhere and everywhere. However she did eat ALL of her takeaway tea from Pinfold - a full round of tuna sandwiches ('I hate tuna') a Blue Riband and a cup of tea. Sadly the orange was a step too far for slightly loose dentures.
I managed to keep her up and entertained until 6.30 and she is now in bed. I can hear her talking though so it could be a tricky night. On the otherhand she might be so tired she'll sleep through. You just cannot ever predict it.
Tomorrow we are off to Slattery's for a chocolate demonstration and afternoon tea with the Dementia Café crew. Can't wait.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's blip which isn't a panoramic shot using a wide-angle as promised due to very rubbish weather and a broken car. It is rather pretty though :)
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Here's the thing
At the moment my life is one long Two Ronnies sketch. We are both in the same room but reading from different scripts. And one of us secretly chopped up their script and threw the bits in the air. When asked a question or making conversation they dip their hand into the bag and trot out a string of unconnected words.
As a comedic device it is unfailingly successful but woe betide me if I don't give the right response or lose my sense of humour.
*leaves room with throw, tries front door, returns without throw*
You've left your blanket Ma
What blanket?
The one you took out of the room
Well she'll be here in a minute with the other girl
Your knees will be cold without it
*sobs* You hate me don't you?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Potato is home and phoned this afternoon. Naturally this hasn't stopped the endless questions about where he is but at least I can now say that he'll be here a week on Friday.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's blip
As it is my day off tomorrow I promise to go outside and take something using a wide-angle panoramic lens!
As a comedic device it is unfailingly successful but woe betide me if I don't give the right response or lose my sense of humour.
*leaves room with throw, tries front door, returns without throw*
You've left your blanket Ma
What blanket?
The one you took out of the room
Well she'll be here in a minute with the other girl
Your knees will be cold without it
*sobs* You hate me don't you?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Potato is home and phoned this afternoon. Naturally this hasn't stopped the endless questions about where he is but at least I can now say that he'll be here a week on Friday.
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Today's blip
As it is my day off tomorrow I promise to go outside and take something using a wide-angle panoramic lens!
Monday, 16 January 2012
Here starteth the new week
Another relatively smooth night with only three or four disturbances once she settled down. This morning she woke at about 6 calling for Peter. Once I was up we went through the most recent routine which is staying in bed because it's 'cold', this is because it is frosty outside not because it is actually cold in the house but one look at the frost and we get 'Brrrrr! Too cold'. Then I offer breakfast and she has it in bed. She now gets porridge with coconut oil and extra syrup (this is to slightly disguise the taste of coconut). Then she snoozes for a while and gets up around half ten for a shower. Or not. Today was a not.
Then we start on the door rattling and window banging. At one point she was sitting on the bed a bit distressed, not really crying, just a bit sobby.
What's the matter? Why are you crying?
Because I've got a large loaf.
............!
So after an entire day of trying to get out of the house I suggested she put her shoes on and we would go out in the car. She refused. I ignored this of course and put her shoes and coat on and helped her into the car. We were only out for 20 minutes which was 19 minutes too long as far as Ma was concerned. A lot of pulling at her coat and trying to rip it occurred. Of course as soon as we got back she was all fluffy again.
She didn't eat most of her tea but did eat some so I let it go and she is now in bed.
I managed to take a reasonable picture (and some I didn't want to - thanks G) and write a poem for a challenge so I've managed to keep my brain in training for a change.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Blip
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just remembered another:
Then we start on the door rattling and window banging. At one point she was sitting on the bed a bit distressed, not really crying, just a bit sobby.
What's the matter? Why are you crying?
Because I've got a large loaf.
............!
So after an entire day of trying to get out of the house I suggested she put her shoes on and we would go out in the car. She refused. I ignored this of course and put her shoes and coat on and helped her into the car. We were only out for 20 minutes which was 19 minutes too long as far as Ma was concerned. A lot of pulling at her coat and trying to rip it occurred. Of course as soon as we got back she was all fluffy again.
She didn't eat most of her tea but did eat some so I let it go and she is now in bed.
I managed to take a reasonable picture (and some I didn't want to - thanks G) and write a poem for a challenge so I've managed to keep my brain in training for a change.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Blip
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just remembered another:
Is it going to fit?
Is what going to fit?
Your little brown rice.
Saturday, 14 January 2012
Weekend 14/01/12
Not such a bad night last night - only up three or four times. Then quite a pleasant pottering sort of morning until Ma decided to throw the entire contents of her coffee mug over the patio windows without warning. Gosh it goes a long way.
For some strange reason she's taken to using the zimmer frame again. Admittedly mostly to crash against the front door in an attempt to open it but also to pace up and down the hall. And she's actually using it instead of just carrying it around which is interesting.
We are just off for a drive because she still wants to go out.
More later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So 300 yards down the road...
Are we going home now?
We didn't. We went to buy me some trainers for Zumba from SportsDirect which was possibly the most difficult shopping experience I've ever had with Ma. She likes to hold my arm when we're out which is understandable as she is very unsteady on her feet, but the spaces between things in that shop are barely one person wide. By the time we got to the lift at the back of the store (ladies stuff upstairs naturally) we were toting half a dozen sundry things on hangers which had hooked themselves on. Possibly in a desperate attempt to flee lycra hell. Mission accomplished - glory but new trainers are hellishly WHITE - I then bought her a chicken nugget Happy Meal (with a small strawberry milkshake) for a treat. I think I'm still under the influence of the kazoo moment.
She loved the box it came in - some sort of barn I think - and has actually eaten the nuggets, a few chips and all of the milkshake. So I'll count that as a result!
It would appear to be 18:34 on a Saturday night. I think it is definitely wine o'clock once I've herded Ma to bed.
More tomorrow...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday's Blip
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday
A quiet day overall. I went out for a walk with J this morning and Betsy came to Ma-sit. My joints are quite awful at the moment so I made the (sensible) decision to call off Zumba and go for a walk instead. We went up the hill but not up the steep path, just a gentle level walk along Moor Bottom Road. Even that was more than enough, my right ankle is just not very happy atm. I was hoping to get some photos of the Shetland ponies up there but made the schoolboy error of leaving the memory card for my camera in the laptop after doing a few more frosty shots this morning. I was really really annoyed about that.
When I got back Ma was at the door trying to forge through it with her zimmer frame. Betsy did have a slightly wild-eyed look about her...
This afternoon has mostly been spent watching a film. Well, I say watching, more catching a glimpse now and then when Ma decided to stand somewhere other than in front of the tv feeding Nemo chocolates.
We had the usual battle at 5pm over tea (apple sponge and custard) and going to bed which resulted in her going at twenty past. It's now 18:40 and she's been up three times. Doesn't bode well for the rest of the night.
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Sunday panic blip
For some strange reason she's taken to using the zimmer frame again. Admittedly mostly to crash against the front door in an attempt to open it but also to pace up and down the hall. And she's actually using it instead of just carrying it around which is interesting.
We are just off for a drive because she still wants to go out.
More later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So 300 yards down the road...
Are we going home now?
We didn't. We went to buy me some trainers for Zumba from SportsDirect which was possibly the most difficult shopping experience I've ever had with Ma. She likes to hold my arm when we're out which is understandable as she is very unsteady on her feet, but the spaces between things in that shop are barely one person wide. By the time we got to the lift at the back of the store (ladies stuff upstairs naturally) we were toting half a dozen sundry things on hangers which had hooked themselves on. Possibly in a desperate attempt to flee lycra hell. Mission accomplished - glory but new trainers are hellishly WHITE - I then bought her a chicken nugget Happy Meal (with a small strawberry milkshake) for a treat. I think I'm still under the influence of the kazoo moment.
She loved the box it came in - some sort of barn I think - and has actually eaten the nuggets, a few chips and all of the milkshake. So I'll count that as a result!
It would appear to be 18:34 on a Saturday night. I think it is definitely wine o'clock once I've herded Ma to bed.
More tomorrow...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday's Blip
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday
A quiet day overall. I went out for a walk with J this morning and Betsy came to Ma-sit. My joints are quite awful at the moment so I made the (sensible) decision to call off Zumba and go for a walk instead. We went up the hill but not up the steep path, just a gentle level walk along Moor Bottom Road. Even that was more than enough, my right ankle is just not very happy atm. I was hoping to get some photos of the Shetland ponies up there but made the schoolboy error of leaving the memory card for my camera in the laptop after doing a few more frosty shots this morning. I was really really annoyed about that.
When I got back Ma was at the door trying to forge through it with her zimmer frame. Betsy did have a slightly wild-eyed look about her...
This afternoon has mostly been spent watching a film. Well, I say watching, more catching a glimpse now and then when Ma decided to stand somewhere other than in front of the tv feeding Nemo chocolates.
We had the usual battle at 5pm over tea (apple sponge and custard) and going to bed which resulted in her going at twenty past. It's now 18:40 and she's been up three times. Doesn't bode well for the rest of the night.
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Sunday panic blip
Friday, 13 January 2012
Me and My Big Mouth
Well that'll teach me.
Last night went something like this:
Helllooooooooo??!?
Hello Ma, it's bed time. Go back to bed now. I'll tuck you in.
Why am I in bed?
Because that's what we do at bedtime.
All these people said it's fine.
Oh good. Night then. Keep the noise down everyone.
[repeat every 40 minutes* until 07:00]
*insert swear words and insults to the 'crowd' keeping her up during the 02:10, 02:50, 03:30 and 04:10 episodes
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We did the Manchester Uni thing this morning which was fine, Ma didn't do well on her specific questions but was happy to sprinkle non sequiturs throughout the rest of the process. Thankfully Caroline has clearly seen and heard it all before and dealt with it really well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This afternoon wasn't so great. I had a hospital appointment so we had to be out of the house by 2pm. After over 24 hours of trying to leave the house Ma promptly decided that she didn't want to go out. She removed her shoes three times in five minutes and tried to get into bed (in her coat) several times. Eventually we made it to the car and off we went.
I'm gradually getting used to filtering the more nonsensical comments on automatic pilot rather than trying to work out what she's saying all the time - that way madness lies. But sometimes - sitting in a hospital waiting room for example - you can't avoid it. We hadn't been there more than two minutes before Ma was trying to leave and getting terribly anxious, talking about phantom people and events. Then while I was talking to the respiratory technician she kept trying to leave the room, so not a particularly relaxed appointment.
On the way home she wanted to go and see Mavis, which was fine because I'd already arranged for us to go up for a cuppa. Unfortunately she is unable to recognise where she is any longer so was convinced that we were 'there' every 500 yards or so and tried to get out of the car. At this rate I won't need Nice 'n' Easy Light Ash Blonde any longer.
She did call Peter 'Potato' at one point though which made me laugh quite a lot.
Of course we weren't at M&V's for more than the time it takes to make a cup of tea before she wanted to go. Mavis told her she must eat more and she said 'Yes, probably'.
Back home. Fish pie was refused, curling up on the sofa started at 17:10. I tried and tried to get her to sit up and chat but it wasn't possible. In bed by 17:25
I am about to go and look for a trumpet in the attic.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sorry if this is a bit scattered. I'm awfully tired.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Blip is another shot of the chocolate bars. Lazy perhaps but it's called 'Stairway to Heaven' and is possibly where I will be heading before too long.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I did go into the attic to look for some photos. Not a trumpet. BUT did find a kazoo.
Now limp with hysteria at the thought of telling Ma and her imaginary friends to bugger off kazoo-style. If only I had a swanee whistle too...
Last night went something like this:
Helllooooooooo??!?
Hello Ma, it's bed time. Go back to bed now. I'll tuck you in.
Why am I in bed?
Because that's what we do at bedtime.
All these people said it's fine.
Oh good. Night then. Keep the noise down everyone.
[repeat every 40 minutes* until 07:00]
*insert swear words and insults to the 'crowd' keeping her up during the 02:10, 02:50, 03:30 and 04:10 episodes
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We did the Manchester Uni thing this morning which was fine, Ma didn't do well on her specific questions but was happy to sprinkle non sequiturs throughout the rest of the process. Thankfully Caroline has clearly seen and heard it all before and dealt with it really well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This afternoon wasn't so great. I had a hospital appointment so we had to be out of the house by 2pm. After over 24 hours of trying to leave the house Ma promptly decided that she didn't want to go out. She removed her shoes three times in five minutes and tried to get into bed (in her coat) several times. Eventually we made it to the car and off we went.
I'm gradually getting used to filtering the more nonsensical comments on automatic pilot rather than trying to work out what she's saying all the time - that way madness lies. But sometimes - sitting in a hospital waiting room for example - you can't avoid it. We hadn't been there more than two minutes before Ma was trying to leave and getting terribly anxious, talking about phantom people and events. Then while I was talking to the respiratory technician she kept trying to leave the room, so not a particularly relaxed appointment.
On the way home she wanted to go and see Mavis, which was fine because I'd already arranged for us to go up for a cuppa. Unfortunately she is unable to recognise where she is any longer so was convinced that we were 'there' every 500 yards or so and tried to get out of the car. At this rate I won't need Nice 'n' Easy Light Ash Blonde any longer.
She did call Peter 'Potato' at one point though which made me laugh quite a lot.
Of course we weren't at M&V's for more than the time it takes to make a cup of tea before she wanted to go. Mavis told her she must eat more and she said 'Yes, probably'.
Back home. Fish pie was refused, curling up on the sofa started at 17:10. I tried and tried to get her to sit up and chat but it wasn't possible. In bed by 17:25
I am about to go and look for a trumpet in the attic.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sorry if this is a bit scattered. I'm awfully tired.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Blip is another shot of the chocolate bars. Lazy perhaps but it's called 'Stairway to Heaven' and is possibly where I will be heading before too long.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I did go into the attic to look for some photos. Not a trumpet. BUT did find a kazoo.
Now limp with hysteria at the thought of telling Ma and her imaginary friends to bugger off kazoo-style. If only I had a swanee whistle too...
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Ho Hum
Ok time to 'fess up. Zumba wasn't on last night. J and I tripped up the road in trainers and leggings to a firmly locked school door. So I popped back to hers for a cuppa before heading home to relieve Betsy. But I have agreed to go on Sunday morning Ma-sitter permitting.
Betsy didn't hear a peep out of Ma last night, which was great. She saved it all for when I got home instead and didn't settle until well after midnight. Then kicked off just before 6 this morning. So maybe our halcyon days of the 12 hour sleep are over.
Today she has been very restless, trying the door every couple of minutes and no amount of saying that we are staying at home today makes a jot of difference, but when I offer to take her out it is rejected. The excitement of yesterday has clearly stirred her up. As I type she's going through a cycle of standing up, looking towards the door, searching her pockets, trying the door (or banging on the window) then sitting down and sobbing into her hands. Then catches sight of something on the TV and is distracted for two minutes until she decides she wants to go and see Lewis/Hairy Bikers/Rick Stein and off we go again.
In my judgement she doesn't actually want to go outside but isn't sure what she wants. I tried a bit of music today but she just leaves the room so clearly not at a stage where that would be soothing unfortunately.
One piece of good news though, adding a little bit of sugar to her drinks has definitely make a difference. So far it looks as if she's more likely to drink a whole mug rather than just an inch.
Tomorrow is a busier day with a lady from Manchester Uni coming to interview both of us (that should be interesting) about caring with a capital C. Then I've got an appointment with the respiratory clinic which is relaxed enough to take Ma along. She enjoys a trip to the hospital because she can say hello to lots of strangers in the corridors - odd then that the supermarket doesn't have the same appeal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Blip
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's 23:43 and she's just got up for the 14th time since 6pm and yes, I have actually counted. You can't help yourself. I hope she sleeps soon. Otherwise it's going to be a very long night.
Betsy didn't hear a peep out of Ma last night, which was great. She saved it all for when I got home instead and didn't settle until well after midnight. Then kicked off just before 6 this morning. So maybe our halcyon days of the 12 hour sleep are over.
Today she has been very restless, trying the door every couple of minutes and no amount of saying that we are staying at home today makes a jot of difference, but when I offer to take her out it is rejected. The excitement of yesterday has clearly stirred her up. As I type she's going through a cycle of standing up, looking towards the door, searching her pockets, trying the door (or banging on the window) then sitting down and sobbing into her hands. Then catches sight of something on the TV and is distracted for two minutes until she decides she wants to go and see Lewis/Hairy Bikers/Rick Stein and off we go again.
In my judgement she doesn't actually want to go outside but isn't sure what she wants. I tried a bit of music today but she just leaves the room so clearly not at a stage where that would be soothing unfortunately.
One piece of good news though, adding a little bit of sugar to her drinks has definitely make a difference. So far it looks as if she's more likely to drink a whole mug rather than just an inch.
Tomorrow is a busier day with a lady from Manchester Uni coming to interview both of us (that should be interesting) about caring with a capital C. Then I've got an appointment with the respiratory clinic which is relaxed enough to take Ma along. She enjoys a trip to the hospital because she can say hello to lots of strangers in the corridors - odd then that the supermarket doesn't have the same appeal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Blip
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's 23:43 and she's just got up for the 14th time since 6pm and yes, I have actually counted. You can't help yourself. I hope she sleeps soon. Otherwise it's going to be a very long night.
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Wayhey Wednesday!
*time-steps into the room in tap shoes*
[sings] Good Morning! Good Morning! We slept the whole night through! Good morning, good morning to you!
It's new day centre day today. We are sitting here waiting for the bus to arrive, paperwork all completed, breakfast almost tried, showered and compliant. I really really hope she enjoys it. The list of activities is very impressive and the menu appeals to someone (me) who loved school dinners.
Obviously my chirpy mood has nothing to do with the fact that I have a few hours off.
*coughs shiftily*
Once Ma has gone I will be getting out asap. Playing with shops is SO last year darling - I will be out and about with my lovely little camera looking for things to photograph. The only way I'm going to improve is to keep trying - although it might help if I could find more function buttons than just the macro one...
Then this evening I am going to Zumba. Those who know me in real life will be cranking their jaws off the floor at this point. I know my joints are painfully rubbish and this is likely to leave me somewhat broken but it's a chance to get out after dark and have some fun*. I do realise that a proper class will be slightly different to me shuffling around in front of my Zumba dvd (aka watching the hard bits and quaffing Sauv B), but it's got to be done.
So today's blog is likely to be a bit fractured with regular short updates, so check back regularly if you want to know what happens.
*clearly I use this word with complete irony while laughing hysterically
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The bus arrived at 10:35 which was just late enough to have me a little agitated. The escort lady came in to collect Ma and was given a huge hug and a kiss (from Ma, not me. I'm not that grateful) which she took in her stride and then Ma went off without a backward glance. I did hear her ask where she was going as went out of the door mind you.
Phase one with camera went ok but I'm not happy with the result of the shot I specifically went out to take. The light isn't great today so I will have to go back another day and try again. Am now hopping from foot to foot because I don't know what to photograph.
The coconut oil has arrived so maybe Ma will be getting porridge with extras for tea instead of her sandwiches from the day centre.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Curate's Egg of a day. Photos weren't great, got soaked taking Lily around the park but had a nice snooze this afternoon. Getting ready for Zumba, which appears to consist of panic-taking tramadol for preventative measures.
Ma came back from the day centre in a bit of a snit. The escort ladies on the bus said that everyone had made a big fuss of her but she wouldn't acknowledge that to me. She chucked her ham sandwich on the floor and refused to eat anything else. She's just gone to bed after a frustrating 20 minutes trying to get her undressed and into her pyjamas. I think she's just tired and I hope she'll sleep for Betsy who is coming over to Ma-sit for me.
If I can still speak/move/whimper I'll let you know how it went.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's blip was a bit of a panic because nothing I took was really outstanding, so I did the old fall-back of the dog in her wizard hat. Again. Hopefully tomorrow will bring something better. But at least I've found the other functions on the camera.
Blip
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We shall draw a veil over Zumba. I have agreed to go on Sunday morning though providing I can find a Ma-sitter.
[sings] Good Morning! Good Morning! We slept the whole night through! Good morning, good morning to you!
It's new day centre day today. We are sitting here waiting for the bus to arrive, paperwork all completed, breakfast almost tried, showered and compliant. I really really hope she enjoys it. The list of activities is very impressive and the menu appeals to someone (me) who loved school dinners.
Obviously my chirpy mood has nothing to do with the fact that I have a few hours off.
*coughs shiftily*
Once Ma has gone I will be getting out asap. Playing with shops is SO last year darling - I will be out and about with my lovely little camera looking for things to photograph. The only way I'm going to improve is to keep trying - although it might help if I could find more function buttons than just the macro one...
Then this evening I am going to Zumba. Those who know me in real life will be cranking their jaws off the floor at this point. I know my joints are painfully rubbish and this is likely to leave me somewhat broken but it's a chance to get out after dark and have some fun*. I do realise that a proper class will be slightly different to me shuffling around in front of my Zumba dvd (aka watching the hard bits and quaffing Sauv B), but it's got to be done.
So today's blog is likely to be a bit fractured with regular short updates, so check back regularly if you want to know what happens.
*clearly I use this word with complete irony while laughing hysterically
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The bus arrived at 10:35 which was just late enough to have me a little agitated. The escort lady came in to collect Ma and was given a huge hug and a kiss (from Ma, not me. I'm not that grateful) which she took in her stride and then Ma went off without a backward glance. I did hear her ask where she was going as went out of the door mind you.
Phase one with camera went ok but I'm not happy with the result of the shot I specifically went out to take. The light isn't great today so I will have to go back another day and try again. Am now hopping from foot to foot because I don't know what to photograph.
The coconut oil has arrived so maybe Ma will be getting porridge with extras for tea instead of her sandwiches from the day centre.
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A Curate's Egg of a day. Photos weren't great, got soaked taking Lily around the park but had a nice snooze this afternoon. Getting ready for Zumba, which appears to consist of panic-taking tramadol for preventative measures.
Ma came back from the day centre in a bit of a snit. The escort ladies on the bus said that everyone had made a big fuss of her but she wouldn't acknowledge that to me. She chucked her ham sandwich on the floor and refused to eat anything else. She's just gone to bed after a frustrating 20 minutes trying to get her undressed and into her pyjamas. I think she's just tired and I hope she'll sleep for Betsy who is coming over to Ma-sit for me.
If I can still speak/move/whimper I'll let you know how it went.
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Today's blip was a bit of a panic because nothing I took was really outstanding, so I did the old fall-back of the dog in her wizard hat. Again. Hopefully tomorrow will bring something better. But at least I've found the other functions on the camera.
Blip
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We shall draw a veil over Zumba. I have agreed to go on Sunday morning though providing I can find a Ma-sitter.
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Tuesday
An appeal for suggestions please.
How can I cheer Ma up? Everything I say or we do is greeted with morose lethargy and what seems like determined misery. I've tried being upbeat and sort of no-nonsense (Come on! Cheer up a bit - look a the beautiful day/flowers/egg on toast...) I've tried ignoring it but the sheer greyness seeps into everything. When I try and cajole a smile out of her she just stares into the middle distance.
She's now on a higher dose of anti-depressant and has been for nearly two months so I would've expected her to be a bit brighter and cheerier rather than the opposite.
I have to be honest and say that it is definitely beginning to make me feel down too.
I'm waiting for a call back from the GP but was hoping that someone with experience of dealing with this might have some suggestions.
I realise that there probably isn't an easy answer to this, but I live in hope.
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We went to see the GP in the end and he took some blood to see if there's anything amiss. Naturally the sore neck which had been bothering her all day (to the point of screaming if I went anywhere near) was a figment of my imagination *sigh* but we've agreed to wait and see what the consultant says a week on Friday and will make an appointment to see him after that.
He's not a fan of the meal replacement route, as we know, and tells me that he's not at liberty to prescribe them any more really so I've decided to try adding some sugar to her tea and will still load any food with as much nutrition and calories as I can. With this in mind she's had a cup of tea with sugar in it and some fruit cocktail and ice cream. And had the lot... So that's the sugar day. Fear not, tomorrow it will be a whole different story. For one thing, she's at her new day centre so I won't be cooking for her!
Other than wearing two shoes on one foot, putting her food on the floor and constantly getting undressed, that's our day so far.
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Today's Blip
And this is what I'm heroically NOT eating:
How can I cheer Ma up? Everything I say or we do is greeted with morose lethargy and what seems like determined misery. I've tried being upbeat and sort of no-nonsense (Come on! Cheer up a bit - look a the beautiful day/flowers/egg on toast...) I've tried ignoring it but the sheer greyness seeps into everything. When I try and cajole a smile out of her she just stares into the middle distance.
She's now on a higher dose of anti-depressant and has been for nearly two months so I would've expected her to be a bit brighter and cheerier rather than the opposite.
I have to be honest and say that it is definitely beginning to make me feel down too.
I'm waiting for a call back from the GP but was hoping that someone with experience of dealing with this might have some suggestions.
I realise that there probably isn't an easy answer to this, but I live in hope.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We went to see the GP in the end and he took some blood to see if there's anything amiss. Naturally the sore neck which had been bothering her all day (to the point of screaming if I went anywhere near) was a figment of my imagination *sigh* but we've agreed to wait and see what the consultant says a week on Friday and will make an appointment to see him after that.
He's not a fan of the meal replacement route, as we know, and tells me that he's not at liberty to prescribe them any more really so I've decided to try adding some sugar to her tea and will still load any food with as much nutrition and calories as I can. With this in mind she's had a cup of tea with sugar in it and some fruit cocktail and ice cream. And had the lot... So that's the sugar day. Fear not, tomorrow it will be a whole different story. For one thing, she's at her new day centre so I won't be cooking for her!
Other than wearing two shoes on one foot, putting her food on the floor and constantly getting undressed, that's our day so far.
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Today's Blip
And this is what I'm heroically NOT eating:
Monday, 9 January 2012
Monday Musings
There's definitely been a change in behaviour over the last couple of weeks. I wonder if it has anything to do with being in respite care and having a break in routine. Since getting back from Cornwall I've had a proper night's sleep every single night. I'm hesitant to mention it in case I jinx things but now that it's been a full five nights I think it's safe...
Other new things.
When she's not in anxious mode she's very lethargic and if I let her she'd stay in bed all day. This also means that she's in permanent misery mode, either hunched and weepy on the sofa/in bed or hunched and weepy on her tour around the house. I'm sure not eating has a lot to do with this.
Using cutlery is too much of a challenge, even a spoon can be tricky, but she can do it if helped to remember.
Just discovered that banging on the window to try and attract attentnion of passing pedestrians is a new sport.
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Sheila popped round from next door and commented on how much weight Ma has lost. I explained how difficult it is to get Ma to eat so she suggested trying soup or toast - gosh I never thought of that. She clearly thinks I'm an idiot.
We've had the usual hassle about going to see M&V today, so we did because I wanted to collect some eggs off them. On the way I nipped into the post office and when I came out she'd sprayed the inside of my car with de-icer so had to drive up the road with the windows wide open to try and get rid of the fumes (de-icer now in boot). I was three sips into my cup of tea before she wanted to leave...
We've just done battle over a slice of toast and a poached egg. I didn't win but she did eat about half of it.
At the moment Pointless is on but she's on a mission to go somewhere so keeps trying the door and getting very annoyed that I'm not going with her. I have a banging headache from quite a stressy day so I'm hoping she's willing to go to bed early and stay there. However, because I really want this to happen I'm not taking any bets on it!
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Today's Blip: http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/1651354
Other new things.
When she's not in anxious mode she's very lethargic and if I let her she'd stay in bed all day. This also means that she's in permanent misery mode, either hunched and weepy on the sofa/in bed or hunched and weepy on her tour around the house. I'm sure not eating has a lot to do with this.
Using cutlery is too much of a challenge, even a spoon can be tricky, but she can do it if helped to remember.
Just discovered that banging on the window to try and attract attentnion of passing pedestrians is a new sport.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sheila popped round from next door and commented on how much weight Ma has lost. I explained how difficult it is to get Ma to eat so she suggested trying soup or toast - gosh I never thought of that. She clearly thinks I'm an idiot.
We've had the usual hassle about going to see M&V today, so we did because I wanted to collect some eggs off them. On the way I nipped into the post office and when I came out she'd sprayed the inside of my car with de-icer so had to drive up the road with the windows wide open to try and get rid of the fumes (de-icer now in boot). I was three sips into my cup of tea before she wanted to leave...
We've just done battle over a slice of toast and a poached egg. I didn't win but she did eat about half of it.
At the moment Pointless is on but she's on a mission to go somewhere so keeps trying the door and getting very annoyed that I'm not going with her. I have a banging headache from quite a stressy day so I'm hoping she's willing to go to bed early and stay there. However, because I really want this to happen I'm not taking any bets on it!
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Today's Blip: http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/1651354
Saturday, 7 January 2012
Weekend 07/01
 | |||||||
| The feeders are sprouting!!! Mild winter anyone? |
Today has been an odd sort of day mood-wise. She was keen to stay in bed again but after some encouragement she did get up eventually. Getting her in the shower proved to be a bit of a challenge but we managed it after a four hour skirmish and a few soapy sponges in the face. M&V popped round for a quick hello which was lovely and Ma didn't eat an egg sandwich for lunch.
I went out for pineapple juice as recommended by A and gave her some. It was 'too cold' and discarded, but I have high hopes because she kept going back for another sip. Finding food supplements proved more difficult so I may have to have a 'chat' with the GP and 'request' that he prescribes some... I don't hold out much hope of him refusing, do you?
I've just given her apple sponge pud with custard and it was a battle. It filled less than half of a normal cereal bowl but was too much. Add this to half a very small slice of toast and the uneaten egg sandwich and we aren't talking a vast amount of food. I do offer other things - a biscuit with a cup of tea, a savoury biscuit with a bit of cheese or maybe one of the Christmas chocolates but they are usually ignored. It is very hard not to take it personally but at the same time understand that she has no appetite. I spend an inordinate amount of time trying to come up with appetising options.
As I type this she is hunched and grumpy, watching You've Been Framed which she used to enjoy but no longer it seems. Other things today: we've had some tears and a lot of stomping around trying the doors and wearing my laundry (mostly upside down), she's fascinated by my camera and the poor dog had her ears yanked this aftenoon because Ma wanted to 'remove these sponges'...
More tomorrow.
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Recurring topics....
Are we going then?
Where is Peter?
Will you take me home?
When is my brother coming to visit?
No one comes to see me.
Reflex response on any subject: Yes probably. As in... I'm making a cup of tea, would you like one/shall we walk around the garden/it's going dark early.
She is particularly difficult at the moment for some reason - is it a full moon soon?
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Sunday
Not started terribly well, although the day didn't kick off until half 8 which was marvellous. It's now 10:10 and I've just hoiked her out of the shower (fully dressed) for the third time. Thankfully she isn't able to actually turn it on but considering how difficult it was to get her in it yesterday afternoon this is on the far side of slightly ironic. In protest she removes her fleece and socks everytime I turn my back and then sits there shivering and rubbing her hands together saying it's cold wearing her wasp-chewing face. Oh how I laugh.
I'm sure I can think of somewhere we can go for a little drive out, I think some fresh air and a change of scene would be a good idea.
***
Finally got the last of the decorations down and as I'm dragging the box out of the room...
Oh they looked quite nice.
Yes, I love Christmas decorations. Shame they have to come down after Christmas really.
Yes. Why didn't we have Christmas this year?
We did. Put your socks on your feet will get cold.
***
Phone rings. It's Jane. We chat for a while then hand the phone to Ma.
Hold the phone to your ear Mum, not in your lap.
Putting socks on feet and not hands will help.
Etc.
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After four attempts to climb into the TV I've turned it off. There's a real danger that she will fall and take the television with her. Plus I'm a bit weary of saying that it isn't real/they aren't talking to you/they can't hear you etc. I've tried ignoring it but that just makes things worse, so off it goes for a while. However, seeing Nigella with her old teeth is a bit of a shocker. On balance I think I prefer the ones she was born with.
Unfortunately we didn't manage to make a trip out in the car before her mood started heading south and after the last time we had a trip when she was like this (trying to get out when the car was moving, attempted thumb dislocation [mine]) I didn't really fancy trying that again. So we've looked at some photos, listened to the radio (bad idea), cooked lunch and she's had a nap. She's now up again and very restless, dry sobbing, asking all the usual questions, standing in the middle of the room or doorway and carrying her fleece blanket.
New day centre to look forward to this week, afternoon tea with the Dementia Café and a hospital appointment for me and I'm sure there's something happening on Tuesday but I'm blowed if I can remember what.
It's all go.
Friday, 6 January 2012
Friday Already
Believe it or not Ma slept for 14 hours last night. Well, she may not have slept all that time but she didn't open her bedroom door once. I was awake from 5 waiting for her to call me so wasted three hours of sleeping time before going in with a cup of tea before my nerves gave out at about 08:30.
She's been in a funny old mood today and spent most of the day in bed snoozing. I'm about to make her something to eat and might try and persuade her to get up and have a shower before putting on some fresh pyjamas.
So a quiet day with not a lot to report. At least not so far...
She's been in a funny old mood today and spent most of the day in bed snoozing. I'm about to make her something to eat and might try and persuade her to get up and have a shower before putting on some fresh pyjamas.
So a quiet day with not a lot to report. At least not so far...
Thursday, 5 January 2012
An Illustration
Processing verbal instruction is becoming more and more difficult for her. The following example is from this evening and is fairly typical - it could be adapted to any situation from cleaning her teeth to using a knife and fork to taking her tablets. I happened to find it quite amusing tonight but sometimes it drives me to the edge of meltdown.
Come on Ma, you're cold and dozing on the sofa, time for bed.
Yes ok. *eyes closed* Where am I going?
To bed. Come on... *helps her to sit up*
Where's that?
In your bedroom.
Oh ok. *lies down on sofa again*
Come on... *helps put feet on the floor*
Ok. *puts feet up again and lies down*
No! Come on, up you get. *helps her to stand* *turns for the door* *turns back* *Ma lying on sofa*
Not here! In your bedroom...
Oh yes that's right. I thought this was my bedroom.
Up you get then.
Yes ok. *closes eyes*
*gets her up and off the sofa* *guides her to the door*
Where am I going?....
She's now in bed but probably won't stay there. Often she's desperate for sleep but then gets up a couple of hours later believing she's been in bed all night.
Come on Ma, you're cold and dozing on the sofa, time for bed.
Yes ok. *eyes closed* Where am I going?
To bed. Come on... *helps her to sit up*
Where's that?
In your bedroom.
Oh ok. *lies down on sofa again*
Come on... *helps put feet on the floor*
Ok. *puts feet up again and lies down*
No! Come on, up you get. *helps her to stand* *turns for the door* *turns back* *Ma lying on sofa*
Not here! In your bedroom...
Oh yes that's right. I thought this was my bedroom.
Up you get then.
Yes ok. *closes eyes*
*gets her up and off the sofa* *guides her to the door*
Where am I going?....
She's now in bed but probably won't stay there. Often she's desperate for sleep but then gets up a couple of hours later believing she's been in bed all night.
Back in the room
I've had a lovely week away and a fab night last night with the Café girls. Thank you ladies! Don't worry, I'm sure the soot from the fire will wipe off the walls eventually...
Collecting Ma from respite care today and I must admit that I'm quite apprehensive about how it will have affected her. Plus it's very windy and wet here and I can't get the house warm enough which is going to be a big problem if I can't sort it. Ma feels cold even when the house is at tropical temperatures.
A couple of things... I'm going to look at buying some food supplement stuff to try and up Ma's calorific intake, she is eating so little again and I'm getting very worried about it. So if anyone has any suggestions for palatable options please let me know. And I'm thinking of migrating the blog to Wordpress because blogger is a bit pants. Many thanks to Jon for offering to host it on dementiacarer.com, I'd appreciate any thoughts on this too.
Right. Off to get Ma via Tesco. Update later...
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Another shout for my daily photo blog here http://www.blipfoto.com/beeeze Today's pic has gone up.
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Well, we're back. She was fine at the home, delighted to see me and chatting away to the staff and she seemed far more content than the last time I collected her when she was waiting by the door in her coat. The staff did comment on how much she has deteriorated since her last visit and suggested enquiring about 'rolling respite', funnily enough something the girls mentioned last night. So I've started the ball rolling on that one.
While we waitied for her suitcase we sat and chatted in the foyer. Ma asked me four or five times where Peter was and did I know what Beverley was doing. It's interesting though, as we were driving home she could read road signs and bus destinations so clearly some of her cognitive skills are still there. I wonder if some go more quickly than others as a rule or if it is enirely down to the individual.
She didn't recognise the house and was most impressed with her bedroom but has spent the last hour carrying a bundled up blanket, trying to get out of the front door and crying quite a lot. So pretty much back to normal then. I have managed to get her to drink a cup of tea and eat a small cake so I hope this means she will eat something for her tea too.
Possibly another update later. We shall see...
Collecting Ma from respite care today and I must admit that I'm quite apprehensive about how it will have affected her. Plus it's very windy and wet here and I can't get the house warm enough which is going to be a big problem if I can't sort it. Ma feels cold even when the house is at tropical temperatures.
A couple of things... I'm going to look at buying some food supplement stuff to try and up Ma's calorific intake, she is eating so little again and I'm getting very worried about it. So if anyone has any suggestions for palatable options please let me know. And I'm thinking of migrating the blog to Wordpress because blogger is a bit pants. Many thanks to Jon for offering to host it on dementiacarer.com, I'd appreciate any thoughts on this too.
Right. Off to get Ma via Tesco. Update later...
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Another shout for my daily photo blog here http://www.blipfoto.com/beeeze Today's pic has gone up.
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Well, we're back. She was fine at the home, delighted to see me and chatting away to the staff and she seemed far more content than the last time I collected her when she was waiting by the door in her coat. The staff did comment on how much she has deteriorated since her last visit and suggested enquiring about 'rolling respite', funnily enough something the girls mentioned last night. So I've started the ball rolling on that one.
While we waitied for her suitcase we sat and chatted in the foyer. Ma asked me four or five times where Peter was and did I know what Beverley was doing. It's interesting though, as we were driving home she could read road signs and bus destinations so clearly some of her cognitive skills are still there. I wonder if some go more quickly than others as a rule or if it is enirely down to the individual.
She didn't recognise the house and was most impressed with her bedroom but has spent the last hour carrying a bundled up blanket, trying to get out of the front door and crying quite a lot. So pretty much back to normal then. I have managed to get her to drink a cup of tea and eat a small cake so I hope this means she will eat something for her tea too.
Possibly another update later. We shall see...
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Just popping in to say....
Normal service will resume on Thursday, I hope the new year has started well for everyone.
I've begun a new project for this year called Blipfoto. It's basically a photography blog where you take and post one photo a day for a year. I think that once the novelty wears off it will get quite challenging to find something interesting to photograph every day - at least something you'd be willing to post every day anyway. So we shall see how it goes, but if you'd like to see the first few of my offerings go here:
http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/1621021
It's really worth having a toot at other people on there too, there are some seriously gifted photographers in and amongst. I've always loved looking at photography but my pictures aren't great, however I can happily lose hours and hours sifting through some of the stuff on there.
I've begun a new project for this year called Blipfoto. It's basically a photography blog where you take and post one photo a day for a year. I think that once the novelty wears off it will get quite challenging to find something interesting to photograph every day - at least something you'd be willing to post every day anyway. So we shall see how it goes, but if you'd like to see the first few of my offerings go here:
http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/1621021
It's really worth having a toot at other people on there too, there are some seriously gifted photographers in and amongst. I've always loved looking at photography but my pictures aren't great, however I can happily lose hours and hours sifting through some of the stuff on there.
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
Boxing Day and beyond
Yesterday we had a slow start, I was a little creaky after all the work on Christmas day so a quiet morning seemed essential.
We went up to have lunch with M&V at 1pm and of course they made us very welcome. We had a lovely buffet lunch and lots of laughter but Ma ate almost nothing and had had enough by 3.15pm so we headed back before we got to the pudding *sad face*. Ma went for a rest and didn't get up until about 9.30pm when she had a bowl of porridge and her tablets and went back to bed where she slept until 6ish. So clearly, although she ate almost nothing and didn't really seem to know what was going on, the last two days still tired her out.
Today I have been doing laundry and getting ready to set off for Cornwall. Jane came to see us which was great because I could get on with things without having to stop every two minutes. Jane also brought a lovely scented candle in a glass for Ma for Christmas which she duly admired thoroughly before trying to drink it...
I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to a week off even though it will take me several days to recover from the driving. I'm collecting the younger two of my lovely boys on the way down and I'm very excited about spending some time with them in Cornwall. Hopefully Peter will be here early doors tomorrow so that I can set off at a reasonable time - they were due to arrive back at the airport at 3pm today so am hoping for a phone call soon to let me know what is happening.
He is taking Ma to the respite home on Saturday and I will be collecting her next Thursday when normal service on here will resume. I am fairly sure I'll be posting the odd photo between now and then but I'd like to wish everyone who comes in here a wonderful New Year and hope it brings good things to us all.
We went up to have lunch with M&V at 1pm and of course they made us very welcome. We had a lovely buffet lunch and lots of laughter but Ma ate almost nothing and had had enough by 3.15pm so we headed back before we got to the pudding *sad face*. Ma went for a rest and didn't get up until about 9.30pm when she had a bowl of porridge and her tablets and went back to bed where she slept until 6ish. So clearly, although she ate almost nothing and didn't really seem to know what was going on, the last two days still tired her out.
Today I have been doing laundry and getting ready to set off for Cornwall. Jane came to see us which was great because I could get on with things without having to stop every two minutes. Jane also brought a lovely scented candle in a glass for Ma for Christmas which she duly admired thoroughly before trying to drink it...
I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to a week off even though it will take me several days to recover from the driving. I'm collecting the younger two of my lovely boys on the way down and I'm very excited about spending some time with them in Cornwall. Hopefully Peter will be here early doors tomorrow so that I can set off at a reasonable time - they were due to arrive back at the airport at 3pm today so am hoping for a phone call soon to let me know what is happening.
He is taking Ma to the respite home on Saturday and I will be collecting her next Thursday when normal service on here will resume. I am fairly sure I'll be posting the odd photo between now and then but I'd like to wish everyone who comes in here a wonderful New Year and hope it brings good things to us all.
Monday, 26 December 2011
Christmas Day
In the end I didn't get up until 6, so too late for a slow roasting of the turkey and too early for fast. Being obsessively compulsive about getting on with things I did a combination and it worked perfectly. Note to any Aga users: 7kg bird, top oven for two hours then bottom oven for three.
By 7.30 I was ready to drop something large and heavy in the kitchen if H didn't wake up. But climbing up the stairs in a noisy fashion did the trick and she was completely thrilled by her stocking presents. A lovely half an hour with a cup of tea and an 'Oh my God Mum' every couple of minutes.
Ma was a bit of a handful yesterday morning, probably because I was distracted with things in the kitchen and she didn't like it. Getting her into the shower was a patience testing 20 minutes with a soapy sponge in the face for my trouble. Still, we got through it and I dressed her in some suitably sparkly clothes and sat her in the living room with some porridge. Then I had to prise H out of her hat/gloves/socks and force her through the same routine. Then I shoved the Dyson round, stuck a duster in H's hand and went and got showered myself.
When I got back downstairs it transpired that Ma had secreted a KitKat in her trouser pocket. You would be amazed at how far that amount of chocolate can go. So a complete change of clothes just before the doorbell went. I was actually relieved when I realised it was chocolate tbh.
Mavis, Vic and Andrew were wonderful company and we had a really nice meal. The roast potatoes were a triumph even though at one point I thought I was going to have to find oven chips. Bloody King Edwards - not a Maris Piper to be found in Morrisons. 6 minutes par boil but when I drained them in the colander the sink half filled with mashed potato. Thank the Lord I have never knowingly under catered (and also have half an eye on the requirements for bubble and squeak on Boxing Day) so I was able to sift out more than enough in the end. Ma ate two carrot batons and spent the whole time wandering in and out of the room, trying the front door or going to bed. Everyone included her in the conversation if she was in the room and didn't bat an eyelid when she did some of her usual things.
We played several table games (Who am I?, Call my bluff etc.) which was a lot of fun, manged to set fire to two napkins and the indoor sparklers were a huge hit.
Ma went to bed as soon as the three Musketeers had gone, refusing to eat anything at all. H and I watched Dr Who then she disappeared and I watched Downton. A lovely end to a very nice day.
Sorry about the crappy photos - the camera on my phone isn't very good. Although it used to be ok, so not sure what that's all about.
By 7.30 I was ready to drop something large and heavy in the kitchen if H didn't wake up. But climbing up the stairs in a noisy fashion did the trick and she was completely thrilled by her stocking presents. A lovely half an hour with a cup of tea and an 'Oh my God Mum' every couple of minutes.
Ma was a bit of a handful yesterday morning, probably because I was distracted with things in the kitchen and she didn't like it. Getting her into the shower was a patience testing 20 minutes with a soapy sponge in the face for my trouble. Still, we got through it and I dressed her in some suitably sparkly clothes and sat her in the living room with some porridge. Then I had to prise H out of her hat/gloves/socks and force her through the same routine. Then I shoved the Dyson round, stuck a duster in H's hand and went and got showered myself.
When I got back downstairs it transpired that Ma had secreted a KitKat in her trouser pocket. You would be amazed at how far that amount of chocolate can go. So a complete change of clothes just before the doorbell went. I was actually relieved when I realised it was chocolate tbh.
Mavis, Vic and Andrew were wonderful company and we had a really nice meal. The roast potatoes were a triumph even though at one point I thought I was going to have to find oven chips. Bloody King Edwards - not a Maris Piper to be found in Morrisons. 6 minutes par boil but when I drained them in the colander the sink half filled with mashed potato. Thank the Lord I have never knowingly under catered (and also have half an eye on the requirements for bubble and squeak on Boxing Day) so I was able to sift out more than enough in the end. Ma ate two carrot batons and spent the whole time wandering in and out of the room, trying the front door or going to bed. Everyone included her in the conversation if she was in the room and didn't bat an eyelid when she did some of her usual things.
We played several table games (Who am I?, Call my bluff etc.) which was a lot of fun, manged to set fire to two napkins and the indoor sparklers were a huge hit.
Ma went to bed as soon as the three Musketeers had gone, refusing to eat anything at all. H and I watched Dr Who then she disappeared and I watched Downton. A lovely end to a very nice day.
Sorry about the crappy photos - the camera on my phone isn't very good. Although it used to be ok, so not sure what that's all about.
Saturday, 24 December 2011
Christmas Eve
We had the usual start to the day, but I was determined to stay in bed at least until it was light seeing as it is Christmas Eve. When I got downstairs Ma had replaced her pyjama top with a t shirt which she was wearing slung around her neck, she also had on a big coat and one of H's boots. I made her some tea and straightened her up.
I decided to lay the table for tomorrow and then got on with the veg. Ma had been very restless from the get go and spent all morning trying to open the front door and changing into a selection of five or six different coats. Other things include another attempt to sit in the television, standing in the middle of places - rooms, doorways etc. and the most infuriating of all is responding to me when I'm talking to someone on the phone. I imagine it must be similar to what newsreaders and tv presenters have to deal with when they are talking to someone and getting messages from the director in their ear at the same time. Very disorienting and distracting. As I type this now we are watching carols from Kings and every time the reader pauses in his reading or the choir get to the end of a verse she's up and saying 'Right, are we going now?' Then gets really arsey when they carry on. Other conversation is making little or no sense and today she's having real difficulties finding the right words - often just making them up. Definitely makes deciphering what she's trying to say doubly difficult!
I read today about Marlene and her mother and their experiences with virgin coconut oil and how it has improved mother's cognitive abilities. I will definitely be trying this in the new year.
I've just got to sort the turkey in the morning and cook the veg. There's only going to be seven of us, so hardly anything more than a normal Sunday roast really. I must admit that the Aga comes into its own at this time of year and I'm debating between fast roast and slow roast, but think as I'm going to be up at death o'clock anyway it may as well be a slow roast.
I decided to lay the table for tomorrow and then got on with the veg. Ma had been very restless from the get go and spent all morning trying to open the front door and changing into a selection of five or six different coats. Other things include another attempt to sit in the television, standing in the middle of places - rooms, doorways etc. and the most infuriating of all is responding to me when I'm talking to someone on the phone. I imagine it must be similar to what newsreaders and tv presenters have to deal with when they are talking to someone and getting messages from the director in their ear at the same time. Very disorienting and distracting. As I type this now we are watching carols from Kings and every time the reader pauses in his reading or the choir get to the end of a verse she's up and saying 'Right, are we going now?' Then gets really arsey when they carry on. Other conversation is making little or no sense and today she's having real difficulties finding the right words - often just making them up. Definitely makes deciphering what she's trying to say doubly difficult!
I read today about Marlene and her mother and their experiences with virgin coconut oil and how it has improved mother's cognitive abilities. I will definitely be trying this in the new year.
I've just got to sort the turkey in the morning and cook the veg. There's only going to be seven of us, so hardly anything more than a normal Sunday roast really. I must admit that the Aga comes into its own at this time of year and I'm debating between fast roast and slow roast, but think as I'm going to be up at death o'clock anyway it may as well be a slow roast.
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