$$ is not an issue. Good news is she did not have a stroke, heart attack or an illness. She is in good health overall. Her bum right knee is what suddenly gave out as she was going downstairs to email me!
She is very happy in her home and (3 levels) does not plan on any long term care facility. I'm the middle of 5 chldren and the only one more than 45 minutes away from her. I'm 3,000 mile away. I do know rehabilitation must be successful if she is going to return home. Also know if she does return, she will have to have an elevator or chair lift thing in place. How do we find the best rehab place for her? She is in the DC area...(Bethesda, MD) so there must be some resources. $$ is not an issue what is important is finding the best care for her condition. Also, I don't know when I should go back home. If she comes through the surgery in good shape like all say...then into rehab for ??? long, would it be wise to wait until the prognosis is determined and then go to help with the elevator and such to be with her when she does come home...or...if she is not responding to the treatment, go to help determine what can be done for her comfort. When Dad died I stayed with Mom for 4 months to help get her back on her feet emotionally and with all the adjustments in their house that needed to be done for Mom to live alone.
This is all so sudden. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Bonnie
27 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
She is HOME and feeling ever so glad to be there~
She is thinking she will get strong enough to climb the stairs again, so is not wanting the chair lift thing...yet.
The doctors and nursing staff, plus PT and OT have been amazed with Mom. So happy for her. and Proud of her, too.
It is so wonderful to have such a loving and strong mother! She appreciates all your prayers and support.
me, too.\
xxoo
Bonnie
ADVERTISEMENT
So you get a really big hug for the suggestions!
Bonnie
Sounds like you don't have to worry about the lion's share of the choosing, which is nice. One of the things that has helped in our family is that while my Mom (out of area) and Uncle do share their opinions, the Aunt who is DPA has the final say, and they support her decisions, even if it isn't how they would have done it (her attitude all along has been that if they want it done differently they are welcome to take over that part of the job and do it). Everyone working together has been great, and sooo much better than family members squabbling.
Be prepared that it DOES take awhile to get back to normal, so don't give up hope or get depressed if it seems she isn't snapping back right away. With my Grandmother the surgery went fine, but the rest of her system took time to recover (in her case it was the bladder not cooperating, so she ended up with a catheter for over 2 months -- fine now though).
Since she is (apparently) mentally competant & has funds would she have the option of a paid caregiver with in-home therapy if the rehab turns out to be unacceptable for some reason? Cost-wise may not be much more, and avoids some of the facility-aquired disease issues. Also, depending on how mobile your Mom is, does it make sense to look at having someone stay at nights? My (now 98) year old neighbor had assistants during the day for quite some time to help her, but at certain point it became necessary to have someone live there who's only job was to be there at night "in case something happened". There is even a non-profit here that matches older people with room up with folks (often middle-aged or older) looking for inexpensive housing (they do a background check & try to match personalities,etc., and make sure that everyone has reasonable expectations -- no free room just for living there, no expecting to charge rent AND get unlimited free 24 hr care)
As I'm 3000 miles away, I have to go along with my sibs who all love and support mom in any way possible. I know the SW will do a walk through of the house before they release Mom from rehab.
Knowing mom as I do, she will just pass away gently when she is ready. She tells us her "expiration date" is coming soon but still hopes to hang on until her latest book is finished. I hope so too. Thanks for your help. Bonnie
A CAT scan will also be done as she did complain of fuzzy vision and such.
Also to be done, today.
No elevator as the structure of her town house won't support it inside and it would have to be on the outside which requires loads of permits, 6-9 months work, and $75,000.
The chair thing can be done in 5 -6 weeks, inside and $20,000.
Chair lift won.
Next to the bathroom!
Bonnie
I was pretty upbeat this morning but feel some gloom now.Not sure why but I've always been very psyic when it comes to Mom.
Thanks again. Bonnie
Personally, I think the house is too much for her and that should be discussed as soon as possible.
My Mother turned 94, today and lived at home up until a month ago. Good luck.
Took our little niece and nephew to church for Easter egg hunt and games this morning. It is such a breautiful day here, sunny and bright...67 degrees. Just a perfect time for Easter activities.
Mom actually stood today! Yeah!! Now listen to this...Mom's PA (Personal Assistant, Andrea) brought the following to the hospital: favorite china, coffee cup and spoon, mashed potatoes, green beans, pudding, IPad, hot water bottle, toiletries including her special toothbrush, blanket and I don't know what else. Those little homey things are making her feel more comfortable and reminding her of home. Everyone says she is having a great deal of pain, something about spasims in the hip area. Her right shoulder went out of socket, too, so that is really a painful event making it unable for her to use her right hand. that will get better as all these things heal.
Mom understands that she must coorperate with the PT and says she will inspite of hating exercise. And she is going along with modifications to her house (just make sure I have a white floor in my bathroom). So, let's hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Thanks ladies, I so appreciate your concern. Bonnie
Just a brief catch up on Mom. She had the hip surgery about 12midnight and back to her room around 4:40 AM.
She had a sip of the hospital coffee and declared it "bitter" then had a sip of PA's Starbucks coffee with cream...and said "better". Mom really likes instant coffee with the flavored non-dairy creamers. (go figure).
The good news is she did get up and sit this morning! She is such a sweet person yet hates PT or any exercise. However, my guess is she will do it with the carrott being able to get back to her house!
Someplace I said the brothers are meeting on Monday with contractors for the elevator/chair lift...also built in "disabled" shower and replacement of all 4 toilets with appropriate higher stools. I just hope my brothers are sensitive to Mom's taste and they do not choose something too comercial or ugly. She loves her house and feels so good being in it. The goal is to get it all done before she checks out of the rehab. "They" say she will be in rehab about 20 days. Our aim is to get her back into her normal/comfortable/happy routine as soon as possible. Older brother (I've two older brothers) says he is totally on top of it and not to worry. I gave him this website and log in information last night. He said he learned a great deal and appreciates all of the hints and suggestions from all of you. Mom has made a point of saying she gets worn out easily and for all of us and friends NOT to come see her. She says she has more than enough people watching every move! I understand Mom and will go to visit when she says to come. For those who would like to look at her book of poetry you can find it on Amazon. The title is : Poems of Love and Hate. Are we allowed to give real names? Here is her poem she wrote for this book.
For my Loved Ones
My neighbor leaned across the garden gate
and watched me working.
I was on my knees amoung the peonies.
"There's so much left to do, " I said.
"The garden's nowhere nearly ready yet
for the killing frost."
"These golden days," she murmured, "why not
just enjoy them? Your garden's never looked
so beautiful. There's lots of time--"
"But not for me," I said, and looked at her. She
gazed into my eyes, where all my secrets are;
she saw, and caught her breath.
I said, "I do not dread the winter;
just want it not to come
before I'm ready."
==
So in my waning years of life
I've gathered up my little songs
to have them ready,
and I've brought them here, for you.
_____________________________________________________________
That is probably as best a description of Mom as I can offer up. She is a beautiful women inside and out. In one review of a book the commentator said she was the image of a wonderful "fairy godmother". She did not appreciate the implication that she was old...but there you go. I think Mom is very brave, terribly shy, and a truly loving person.
Well anyway friends (and Mom is from a long line of Quakers/Friends) I so appreciate your compassion and spot on suggestions for her well being. Maybe you never knew your experiences would help others who need them!
Thanks and loads of appreciation. She's not out of the danger zone but we all have hopes of a "full recovery" (we think 90% will be fabulous). Bonnie
And thanks emjo for the upbeat shower idea. I'll let you know how this turns out! Thanks again, Bonnie
I know it's hard when surgeries start late, but they very seldom on time. Oftentimes, emergency surgeries knock the scheduled surgeries into a later time, or a routine surgery with your doctor that was scheduled earlier in the day can take longer than anticipated. I've seen this in just about every hospital I've been to all across the country - it's the nature of the beast.
I don't know about walk in tubs. Your mother may not be able to sit down in a tub for a very long time, and I would concerned about her standing up on a slick surface. She for sure will not be able to bend her body to get her feet under her for at least 3 months, probably longer. I would think a walk in shower would be a better option. You can tell your Mom that walk in showers are all the rage now - just look at HGTV - hardly anyone has a bath, and if they do, it's in addition to a large walk in shower.
I think it is a good idea to do a walk in shower. Get rid of the tub. She thinks these changes to her house would lower the value...such a child of the Depression!
I talked to her PA, Andrea a few minutes ago. Mom still hasn't had the surgery which was due to start two hours ago. I really dislike this hospital and wish Mom had been moved to Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, MD. It is a Johns Hopkins hospital and I've heard great things about it (including my own birth was there!). Mom is in a great deal of pain and tries not to even move! Scale of pain 1-10 she's a 9. Poor thing.
Although I did research on elevators for her zip code and found 4 companies that would do the work, we need to wait until we find out if she will be moving home (which we all hope for, of course). The Social worker came in earlier this afternoon with a list of 4 places for rehab. She/he talked about the time spent on therapy...and some other issues you told me about. It is important to find a fit that has well trained therapists in her needs field. Won't know that until she is evaluated by the doctors in the next few days.
I can see a possible clash in opinions about Mom even moving back home but I really doubt any of us kids are going to press her but the grandchildren are very opinionated about her moving out of the house.
There are walk in tubs that only take a day to install so if that makes sense, we can get that done. My brothers have wonderful contacts as they have had loads of work done on mom's house to make it better for her to live there. One brother put in an extensive security system only to find Mom didn't like it one bit and made him take it all out!!!
You have really helped me, I do appreciate it, Eve. Funny, a in one of mom's books the leading lady is named Eve.
Eve
No worry on the funding. Not only does mom have money of her own (although she much prefers us kids to pay for things) but my brothers are all multi-millionaires and eager to do whatever then can for mom. (note, brothers, not me!) Thank the good lord we have a healthy and loving family!
Does the doctor/rehab person have the "say" about returning to her home? Two of the grandchildren have MSW, one right in the state of Maryland...I called her and she is going to work with the hospital SW to identify recovery places. That makes me feel ever so much better as she knows her grandmother and what she will and will not do.
I'm worried about the bending over part...and the showering part. She has hand grips in the tub but still has to step over the tub edge and ususally sits on a chair while showering. Will that work or will we finally make Mom accept a new walk-in tub? I really appreciate your help with clueing me in on the changes she will be facing. Thanks so much. Bonnie
Stairs are not allowed, so yes, an elevator or a downstairs bed will be needed. An over the toilet commode and good straight backed chairs are necessary also. Make sure grab rails are in the shower and bathroom - she will need them. Remove all loose rugs and anything else she could trip over. Mom's occupational therapist took a trip home with Mom before she was discharged to check out the house and inspect for any dangers to her or concerns we might have. It was really helpful. Your rehab facility should offer both physical therapy and occupational therapy. The physical therapy is to get your mother stronger. The occupational therapy is to teach your mother how to do those things that she will need to do in everyday life SAFELY, without hurting her new hip until it heals. Things like putting on socks and shoes (she's not allowed to bend over), getting out of bed, showering, if she's going to continue living alone (and they will evaluate her ability to do this), safely cooking for herself (they have kitchen set ups) when they can't reach, bend or twist. They may advise that she go to an assisted living facility for awhile after rehab, or have someone come in and stay for awhile to help out with cooking and cleaning.
Hope this was helpful.
Stairs are not allowed, so yes, an elevator or a downstairs bed will be needed. An over the toilet commode and good straight backed chairs are necessary also. Make sure grab rails are in the shower and bathroom - she will need them. Remove all loose rugs and anything else she could trip over. Mom's occupational therapist took a trip home with Mom before she was discharged to check out the house and inspect for any dangers to her or concerns we might have. It was really helpful. Your rehab facility should offer both physical therapy and occupational therapy. The physical therapy is to get your mother stronger. The occupational therapy is to teach your mother how to do those things that she will need to do in everyday life SAFELY, without hurting her new hip until it heals. Things like putting on socks and shoes (she's not allowed to bend over), getting out of bed, showering, if she's going to continue living alone (and they will evaluate her ability to do this), safely cooking for herself (they have kitchen set ups) when they can't reach, bend or twist. They may advise that she go to an assisted living facility for awhile after rehab, or have someone come in and stay for awhile to help out with cooking and cleaning.
Hope this helpful.