Hi all, some of you may remember my previous post https://www.agingcare.com/questions/grandmother-broke-her-wrist-i-feel-overwhelmed-450145.htm
Thank you again for all the replies and wonderful advice. Sadly, we now face a new set of challenges. Less than 2 weeks after the fall that broke her wrist, she has now had a major stroke. I was lucky enough to be in the room and caught it very quickly, however the stroke was caused by a large blood clot, and when going in to remove it via catheter, they discovered she also had an artery that was almost 100% blocked.
They did manage to open everything up and remove the clot, and she has already regained most of her speech, but even less than 12 hours after the stroke she is already causing a fuss wanting to come home despite a broken arm and near complete paralysis on her right side (the same side as the break)
Any ideas on how the break with effect her recovery? Will they send her home half paralyzed with just me and help from my mother twice a week? Can my mother, as her POA, push for a short term care facility until she is able to start therapy even if my grandma wants to come home?
Her neurologist is suppose to be calling in the morning, but it is more of a "whats happening right now" update than a long term planning call, and I would like to know some good questions to ask or recommendations to try and plan ahead for her post-hospital care.
I feel so horrible because i know she wants to be home, but I honestly believe she is where she needs to be right now. Today was a huge wake up call about my limits as a caregiver.
It will really depend on what type of recovery is possible. This will determine what level assistance will be required & then the harder matters of how to/who will provide that.
Just love & support her.
They did actually let me talk to her this morning and she is under the impression that she is coming home tomorrow, but even over the phone she still has very slurred speech, and I worry about the effect of the blood thinners, as we have pets (little kitty nails) and she has always been very stubborn and trying to do more than she should. I worry about her getting cut or scratched if I don't have eyes on her 24/7.
If usual pathway of *hospital - rehab - home* is not suitable, then *hospital - transistional care bed - rehab - home*. Transistional bed would most likely be in a Nursing Home.
If arm is broken, no rehab can commence on the arm, but what about her leg? Is there movement there? It's possible the hospital may wish to start rehab on weak side (leg & shoulder for now) but... I suppose be guided by the Neurologist & Physiotherapist? Usually starting rehab ASAP is good - but common sence must prevail!
Wanting to come home & being ABLE to be cared for at home are differnent things. You can empathise with Grandma & but also assure her she has to be where she needs to be for now.
Update if you can & ((hugs)). From a fellow Stroke Survivor family member.
Best wishes to you all.