Fran has made some small improvements with her physical therapy. She is standing (reluctantly) anywhere from 40 seconds to 4 minutes on the parallel bars. There are therapists right there with her encouraging as much as possible. There is still some shaking in her hands but her skills with eating utensils have greatly improved. Each day she is applying foundation, lipstick and perfume. She looks forward to her Tuesday “hair days,” along with every other lady in the center.
Several days this week Philip and I split up our visiting times. Phil would go in right after work and visit for an hour or so and then I would visit after her dinner until her eyes got heavy. She is aware of her surroundings so much better now, although she still does have some confusing thoughts, at times.
Every once in awhile she thinks things are missing from her room and are being taken by some of the hired help. Philip and I keep track of her belongings and reassure her that there is no stealing going on. The social worker told us that this is a pretty common worry for the elderly and she sees it some with the residents.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Eye Exam and "Eye-Hop"
On Friday, Fran and I had an eye exam appointment. We picked her up about 3:15 p.m. and headed to the doctor's office. While we were waiting, Mom told Phil about her lunch. She said that she had some “pounded chicken”. Everyone in the office had a good laugh at our comedian mother.
Fran explained to the doctor that when she tried to read, the middle of the sentences were blurry. After a thorough exam, the decision was made to have two pair of glasses made - one for distance and one for reading. The trifocals were not doing the job for her and the doctor thinks they were causing the blurriness.
We had fun picking out frames with the assistance of two young technicians oohing and aahing over how she looked in different frames. The appointment took about two and a half hours.
When we finished we all decided to go to IHOP for dinner. Three pancakes, bacon, and several cups of coffee later, Fran was very content. We all were tired from the day so off we went to take her back to the rehab center. On our way back, she decided that she wanted some cheese crackers for her room. We stopped for those and then took a tired, but happy southern lady back to tuck into bed for the night. One of her favorite aides was waiting for her to help get her settled.
Hopefully. her glasses will be ready to pick up by mid-week and we all can plan another outing. Fun was had by all.
Fran explained to the doctor that when she tried to read, the middle of the sentences were blurry. After a thorough exam, the decision was made to have two pair of glasses made - one for distance and one for reading. The trifocals were not doing the job for her and the doctor thinks they were causing the blurriness.
We had fun picking out frames with the assistance of two young technicians oohing and aahing over how she looked in different frames. The appointment took about two and a half hours.
When we finished we all decided to go to IHOP for dinner. Three pancakes, bacon, and several cups of coffee later, Fran was very content. We all were tired from the day so off we went to take her back to the rehab center. On our way back, she decided that she wanted some cheese crackers for her room. We stopped for those and then took a tired, but happy southern lady back to tuck into bed for the night. One of her favorite aides was waiting for her to help get her settled.Hopefully. her glasses will be ready to pick up by mid-week and we all can plan another outing. Fun was had by all.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Valentine’s Day for Mrs. May
Saturday was another good day for Fran. She won a pretty t-shirt with hearts on it at the center’s bingo game. She received flowers from her three children, along with a box of chocolates. (She REALLY enjoyed the chocolates!) Phil put on a piano concert for the center, as per Fran's request. It's fun to watch her sitting next to the piano while he plays....definitely a proud Momma! The piano permeates throughout the center and residents come from all directions to hear the music. Philip needs to work up a few new pieces because he has been playing so frequently that he has just about gone through his whole collection of music that he knows well. (He memorizes his pieces and plays without sheet music.)
We left Fran with her dinner tablemates and headed out to celebrate Valentine’s Day together at the Outback restaurant. There are small improvements that are positive improvements. Each day is an adventure!
Fran Shops 'til She Drops
Each day this week while visiting Fran, she would have either one of us jot down items on a pad of paper that she needed from the store. The list had the following items: combs, new shade of lipstick, socks, slacks (white and black), nail polish remover, new shade of nail polish, makeup foundation and a new bra. Each of these items Fran already had, but we went along with it because she is really beginning to think things through. We arranged for the three of us to go shopping at our local Target on Friday.
I called the rehab center about 3:00 p.m. and asked that they have Fran ready to go out with us about 4:00 p.m. Philip and I got in from work and went over to start out on our shopping adventure. Fran was ready when we got there and very happy to see us. Mark, one of her favorite nursing assistants, had her looking cute with her hair brushed and lipstick on. Off we went.
The first transfer from her wheelchair into our car went very smoothly. As soon as she got in the car, she pulled down the visor to see how she looked in the mirror. She said that Mark had done a good job with her lipstick. The ride to Target took about 10 minutes. Once there, we parked in a handicapped parking space and got Fran back into her wheelchair, another smooth transfer for Fran and Phil.
Inside the store Fran was in her glory: Lipstick, nail polish, foundation and socks! I was impressed at how she was comparing prices and looking for bargains. We looked at Valentine candy and she decided we could come back and get some once it went on sale. (gotta feed that chocolate craving!).
The next item was the bra. She told me the size she needed and I went into search mode. I was one aisle over being entertained at the conversation going on between Phil and his mom. I had to chuckle when Fran gave Phil directions, "Get me that white one, see what the size is on that white one".
We tried to find some new slacks but were unsuccessful. I told her we would have better luck at Belk's. She said that was a good idea and we could go there next.
I asked Fran if she was getting hungry and if she was in the mood for a small pizza. Her eyes lit up. I had decided that eating out in an Applebee's or Chili's on a Friday evening would be a bit too overwhelming for her. I suggested to Philip that Target had a Pizza Hut and Starbucks attached and we could eat there. Besides, it was a much quieter environment and made for one less transfer. The three of us enjoyed a small pan pizza and soda. Fran loves pizza. I think Philip was counting on getting her last piece but she gladly finished it herself.
Fran said she wanted to go to Belk's and see about some slacks. Once we got back in the car she decided she could look for slacks the next time we go out. Needless to say, we were relieved! Phil's back was just about maxed out! Once we got back to the rehab we reviewed all of her purchases with her, wooing over each item. Fran was happy with everything and was more than ready to hit the bed.
I called the rehab center about 3:00 p.m. and asked that they have Fran ready to go out with us about 4:00 p.m. Philip and I got in from work and went over to start out on our shopping adventure. Fran was ready when we got there and very happy to see us. Mark, one of her favorite nursing assistants, had her looking cute with her hair brushed and lipstick on. Off we went.
The first transfer from her wheelchair into our car went very smoothly. As soon as she got in the car, she pulled down the visor to see how she looked in the mirror. She said that Mark had done a good job with her lipstick. The ride to Target took about 10 minutes. Once there, we parked in a handicapped parking space and got Fran back into her wheelchair, another smooth transfer for Fran and Phil.
Inside the store Fran was in her glory: Lipstick, nail polish, foundation and socks! I was impressed at how she was comparing prices and looking for bargains. We looked at Valentine candy and she decided we could come back and get some once it went on sale. (gotta feed that chocolate craving!).
The next item was the bra. She told me the size she needed and I went into search mode. I was one aisle over being entertained at the conversation going on between Phil and his mom. I had to chuckle when Fran gave Phil directions, "Get me that white one, see what the size is on that white one".
We tried to find some new slacks but were unsuccessful. I told her we would have better luck at Belk's. She said that was a good idea and we could go there next.
I asked Fran if she was getting hungry and if she was in the mood for a small pizza. Her eyes lit up. I had decided that eating out in an Applebee's or Chili's on a Friday evening would be a bit too overwhelming for her. I suggested to Philip that Target had a Pizza Hut and Starbucks attached and we could eat there. Besides, it was a much quieter environment and made for one less transfer. The three of us enjoyed a small pan pizza and soda. Fran loves pizza. I think Philip was counting on getting her last piece but she gladly finished it herself.
Fran said she wanted to go to Belk's and see about some slacks. Once we got back in the car she decided she could look for slacks the next time we go out. Needless to say, we were relieved! Phil's back was just about maxed out! Once we got back to the rehab we reviewed all of her purchases with her, wooing over each item. Fran was happy with everything and was more than ready to hit the bed.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Duane's Heart
Dear Anita (Fran's middle child),
Please let Duane (age 4) know that his Great-Grandmother has the green heart that he made her hanging on her bulletin board. She seemed quite pleased when she opened the envelope with your letter.
You and Aldeen (Wenger) have been been faithful with your cards and letters. Your Mom received a nice note from Faith (a wonderful caregiver who helped with Fran last spring) with a picture enclosed of Fran, Aunt Ginny. and Faith. The picture was taken in mid-October when Faith was working some with Aunt Ginny and took her in to see your Mom at the Harrisonburg Rehab Center.
I had been sick with a sinus infection since Friday through yesterday (2-9-09) so I was unable to go see your Mom. Philip went daily while I was under the weather. I got in late yesterday afternoon and spent about 3 hours with her. She has a roommate named Sunny and they seem to be getting along well. Sunny is confused some also.
I have taken in a few Valentine decorations to brighten up her room. I will take a picture of Fran this weekend with her Valentines and flowers and send it to you.
Have a nice day!
Love,
Maribeth, your sister-in-law
You and Aldeen (Wenger) have been been faithful with your cards and letters. Your Mom received a nice note from Faith (a wonderful caregiver who helped with Fran last spring) with a picture enclosed of Fran, Aunt Ginny. and Faith. The picture was taken in mid-October when Faith was working some with Aunt Ginny and took her in to see your Mom at the Harrisonburg Rehab Center.
I had been sick with a sinus infection since Friday through yesterday (2-9-09) so I was unable to go see your Mom. Philip went daily while I was under the weather. I got in late yesterday afternoon and spent about 3 hours with her. She has a roommate named Sunny and they seem to be getting along well. Sunny is confused some also.
I have taken in a few Valentine decorations to brighten up her room. I will take a picture of Fran this weekend with her Valentines and flowers and send it to you.
Have a nice day!
Love,
Maribeth, your sister-in-law
Friday, February 13, 2009
Dueling.......
(Posted by Mary, the oldest child of the Fran May clan.)
Maribeth was sick last week and was flat out busy at work this week so I'm going to give you a summary of "The Duel" to save her time. She usually puts in funny descriptions, so I'll edit it later if she comes up with more details. Anyway, here's what happened:
Mother is out of isolation and has a roommate named Sunny, who is also sometimes mixed up like Mother. She and Mother both have trouble hearing.
The home supplies a TV for residents for a while but later, they need to bring in their own TVs. Phil and Maribeth took in a nice TV that had been in Levi's room. One day when Phil went to visit, Mother wasn't in her room - she was at therapy. The remote for Mother's TV was in Sunny's bed. Phil didn't want to cause trouble so went to the nurses' station to ask them how to handle getting Mother's remote back. I'm not sure how, but they did retrieve it. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Sunny's family brought in a TV for Sunny.
Now, when Phil and Maribeth go to visit, they often find both ladies sound asleep with both their TVs blasting at full volume. I'd call that "Dueling TVs". Don't you agree?
Maribeth was sick last week and was flat out busy at work this week so I'm going to give you a summary of "The Duel" to save her time. She usually puts in funny descriptions, so I'll edit it later if she comes up with more details. Anyway, here's what happened:
Mother is out of isolation and has a roommate named Sunny, who is also sometimes mixed up like Mother. She and Mother both have trouble hearing.
The home supplies a TV for residents for a while but later, they need to bring in their own TVs. Phil and Maribeth took in a nice TV that had been in Levi's room. One day when Phil went to visit, Mother wasn't in her room - she was at therapy. The remote for Mother's TV was in Sunny's bed. Phil didn't want to cause trouble so went to the nurses' station to ask them how to handle getting Mother's remote back. I'm not sure how, but they did retrieve it. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Sunny's family brought in a TV for Sunny.
Now, when Phil and Maribeth go to visit, they often find both ladies sound asleep with both their TVs blasting at full volume. I'd call that "Dueling TVs". Don't you agree?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Funny Frances May
This week there have been a few funny moments with Fran that I would like to share with all of you.
Every Tuesday at Pleasant Manor Rehab is “Beauty Saloon” Day. All the ladies get so excited and look forward to coming back with the same blue hair-do, curled tight and very shiny. Fran told me she wanted to go again and get her hair done like she had last week. I let the social director know and she made her a standing appointment. Philip stopped in to see Fran this past Tuesday in the middle of the afternoon. He couldn’t find her in her room, not in therapy, and not in the dining hall. He finally was directed to the “beauty saloon”. When he walked in he found Fran sound asleep under the dryer. He said she looked peaceful, so he went back to work.
I stopped by later to see her and told her how nice her hair-do looked. She said she had to tell the hairstylist not to put any of that purple and blue stuff on her hair because “it makes you look old” and she is a lot younger than anyone in there. The social worker Belyne sat down with Fran to have a glass of tea. Out of the clear blue sky she told Belyne that “getting old sucks”. Where did that come from? Belyne laughed and that seemed to get Fran going so she said it a few more times. I still have trouble visualizing Fran, my mother-in-law, at the age of 83, and always a southern lady, saying something like that!!!! (From Mary: I wonder if she knows what it means?)
Yesterday I stopped in about 2:00 pm and Fran had just gotten back from therapy. We talked for a bit and I told her that there were some singers in the social hall and we should go catch their show. I wheeled her down and we found a spot up front for her wheelchair and a chair for me. Two men were playing guitars and singing bluegrass. All the ladies (most with blue hair) were having a good time joking back and forth with the performers. Fran was tapping her foot, clapping and singing along to “Happy Trails to You”. She looked real cute.
After the performers finished, the social director announced that the next activity was board games. Fran pulled me close and said, “Maribeth, let's get out of here, I want no part of these silly games.” I pushed her out to the front hallway and we sat and visited. She told me that the music the men played would go real well in Texas. I told her we were in Texas, she said to me, “You may be in Texas, but I’m in Virginia.” We both laughed so hard. She loves to be funny and still enjoys joking around.
Sometimes Fran’s mind is with us and "right on", other times she is in her own little world. Most of the time she appears to be upbeat and I have noticed fewer times of paranoia. Keep the prayers and cards coming.
Fran May’s Favorite Daughter-in-law,
Maribeth
Every Tuesday at Pleasant Manor Rehab is “Beauty Saloon” Day. All the ladies get so excited and look forward to coming back with the same blue hair-do, curled tight and very shiny. Fran told me she wanted to go again and get her hair done like she had last week. I let the social director know and she made her a standing appointment. Philip stopped in to see Fran this past Tuesday in the middle of the afternoon. He couldn’t find her in her room, not in therapy, and not in the dining hall. He finally was directed to the “beauty saloon”. When he walked in he found Fran sound asleep under the dryer. He said she looked peaceful, so he went back to work.
I stopped by later to see her and told her how nice her hair-do looked. She said she had to tell the hairstylist not to put any of that purple and blue stuff on her hair because “it makes you look old” and she is a lot younger than anyone in there. The social worker Belyne sat down with Fran to have a glass of tea. Out of the clear blue sky she told Belyne that “getting old sucks”. Where did that come from? Belyne laughed and that seemed to get Fran going so she said it a few more times. I still have trouble visualizing Fran, my mother-in-law, at the age of 83, and always a southern lady, saying something like that!!!! (From Mary: I wonder if she knows what it means?)
Yesterday I stopped in about 2:00 pm and Fran had just gotten back from therapy. We talked for a bit and I told her that there were some singers in the social hall and we should go catch their show. I wheeled her down and we found a spot up front for her wheelchair and a chair for me. Two men were playing guitars and singing bluegrass. All the ladies (most with blue hair) were having a good time joking back and forth with the performers. Fran was tapping her foot, clapping and singing along to “Happy Trails to You”. She looked real cute.
After the performers finished, the social director announced that the next activity was board games. Fran pulled me close and said, “Maribeth, let's get out of here, I want no part of these silly games.” I pushed her out to the front hallway and we sat and visited. She told me that the music the men played would go real well in Texas. I told her we were in Texas, she said to me, “You may be in Texas, but I’m in Virginia.” We both laughed so hard. She loves to be funny and still enjoys joking around.
Sometimes Fran’s mind is with us and "right on", other times she is in her own little world. Most of the time she appears to be upbeat and I have noticed fewer times of paranoia. Keep the prayers and cards coming.
Fran May’s Favorite Daughter-in-law,
Maribeth
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Momma May Update from Phil
Maribeth & I see Mom each day. Today she was in good spirits. Her orientation is ever-changing....about half the time she knows that she is in Texas. She was lucid for this visit, and her sense of humor is totally intact. She keeps us laughing with the funny and unusual stuff she says.
She transfers more easily from bed to wheelchair and back and to bed. She talks about walking but is still not even close to making it happen. I sat in on her physical therapy session yesterday. All the workers were very patient with her and I have to say, "Hats off," to those guys. I got frustrated just watching the whole ordeal! They tried to get her to stand in the parallel bars to walk. After much cajoling and encouragement she did stand with help on all sides and actually took a few steps. It’s a beginning, at least.
Last week we took Momma out of the rehab center to our home here in Waxahachie. She was happy to be out of the building for a while. We had a good lunch of chicken tenders, fresh biscuits and fresh “strong stove coffee”. We watched the Funny Girl movie till it was just about finished, but Mom wanted to get back to the rehab center because she said that it would take 2 hours to get there - really it only takes about 12 minutes.
On the way back Mom had us stop at Walgreens to get a few boxes of candy that she wanted to give to her caregivers. Actually, Mom is the one with the “sweet tooth”, and she assumes everyone else has one too. (Note from Mary: "I surely did inherit that sweet tooth!")
Mom goes to the facility cafeteria now instead of eating in her room. That’s "a good thing." (Mom often used this term from Martha Stewart.) She socializes and her visiting skills are still intact enough that she is pretty much the spark plug at her assigned table.
She got her hair washed, trimmed and set at the center's “beauty saloon”, which she enjoyed and wants to do it again soon.
In two weeks I am going to take Mom to a local optometrist for an exam and new glasses. She fusses at each visit that she wants a change in glasses because she wants to read again. That’s progress.
We try to call someone from Virginia by phone at most of our visits to keep her connected to folks. The other day Mom wanted to talk to Anita. When we got her on the phone and she was in the process of reading books to her grandson, Duane. Mom was so pleased when Duane sang 2 songs to her, the ABC song and The Itssy, Bitsy Spider. The phone was on the speaker mode so the three of us were able to enjoy his singing.
Keep the prayers coming!
Fil
She transfers more easily from bed to wheelchair and back and to bed. She talks about walking but is still not even close to making it happen. I sat in on her physical therapy session yesterday. All the workers were very patient with her and I have to say, "Hats off," to those guys. I got frustrated just watching the whole ordeal! They tried to get her to stand in the parallel bars to walk. After much cajoling and encouragement she did stand with help on all sides and actually took a few steps. It’s a beginning, at least.
Last week we took Momma out of the rehab center to our home here in Waxahachie. She was happy to be out of the building for a while. We had a good lunch of chicken tenders, fresh biscuits and fresh “strong stove coffee”. We watched the Funny Girl movie till it was just about finished, but Mom wanted to get back to the rehab center because she said that it would take 2 hours to get there - really it only takes about 12 minutes.
On the way back Mom had us stop at Walgreens to get a few boxes of candy that she wanted to give to her caregivers. Actually, Mom is the one with the “sweet tooth”, and she assumes everyone else has one too. (Note from Mary: "I surely did inherit that sweet tooth!")
Mom goes to the facility cafeteria now instead of eating in her room. That’s "a good thing." (Mom often used this term from Martha Stewart.) She socializes and her visiting skills are still intact enough that she is pretty much the spark plug at her assigned table.
She got her hair washed, trimmed and set at the center's “beauty saloon”, which she enjoyed and wants to do it again soon.
In two weeks I am going to take Mom to a local optometrist for an exam and new glasses. She fusses at each visit that she wants a change in glasses because she wants to read again. That’s progress.
We try to call someone from Virginia by phone at most of our visits to keep her connected to folks. The other day Mom wanted to talk to Anita. When we got her on the phone and she was in the process of reading books to her grandson, Duane. Mom was so pleased when Duane sang 2 songs to her, the ABC song and The Itssy, Bitsy Spider. The phone was on the speaker mode so the three of us were able to enjoy his singing.
Keep the prayers coming!
Fil
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Out and About
Wednesday Evening: Good News
Philip and I were visiting with Fran in her room when in walked the Director of Pleasant Manor with good news. Fran’s latest lab reports regarding infections all came back negative. After 44 days of isolation, Fran is finally out of her room. The social worker, Belyne, stopped by to let Fran know that she come to take her on a ride (wheelchair) the next morning and show her around the center. Fran asked her where she would be able to find her and Belyne told her that she (Belyne) would find HER. We all laughed! The young, handsome CNA that Fran has a little crush on, immediately took down the “isolation” sign outside her room, put away the paper gowns and masks and gave her a wink. I could tell she was enjoying all the attention from everyone.
Thursday: First Day Out
Fran had a very busy day with very little time spent in her room. The PT and OT worked with her in the therapy room. They are encouraging her to help push when they assist her with standing up. They are also trying to help her relearn how to walk using the parallel bars and much assistance.
Following therapy was a wheel around the center and time spent outside on the porch. The temperature in Texas on Thursday was 81 degrees. Then it was chowtime. Following lunch there was a “pretty nails party” in the social hall and the social worker and Fran joined in. She even assisted Belyne in selecting her color, a pretty light pink.
A local singing group performed for 30 minutes, which I was told Fran totally enjoyed. She told me that maybe Phil could play in the hall soon. He already has been playing for the residents a couple times a week but Fran was never able to attend. He can now bring his keyboard home from her room and play for her in the residents' social hall for everyone to enjoy.
When I got off work on Thursday I went straight to the center to be with Fran for dinnertime. I couldn’t find her in her room and was directed to the dining hall. She was sitting with another female resident awaiting dinner. I sat with her through dinner and heard all about her day. Most of her details were pretty accurate with what the social worker had told me, a good sign. Fran told me she was tired and thought she better get to bed early and that I should to go home and make dinner for Phil. I jumped at the chance to get home early because it had been a hectic day at work. Philip was on call so I called him to report in and he was glad to hear about his mom’s day.
Friday: Tired from her Busy Thursday
Friday, late morning, Philip went over to visit Fran. He found her in her room by the door waiting for him. She was having trouble figuring out how to move around in her wheelchair. Phil took her around and even outside for a bit. She was confused more on Friday than when I had visited her on Thursday. I thought maybe it was because of her “big” day on Thursday, although it's is hard to say. Now that Fran’s infections are cleared up we are awaiting a Psych evaluation to measure her memory capacity. Hopefully the doctors can get together and try her on some memory meds.
Saturday: Miss America
I just got in from sharing an evening with Fran and watching the “Miss America Pageant”. She is beginning to enjoy TV again. For the past 44 days or so the TV was on, but Fran never seemed to focus on it. Once again - a little baby step but a positive one.
Next Tuesday Fran will get her hair trimmed and blown dry and seems to be looking forward to it. Phil and I are thinking about surprising her by bringing her home for a part of the day on Sunday. We will see how things go......
Monday, January 19, 2009
Good Week for Mama May
Fran had a productive week. She worked with PT and OT daily without a fuss (most of the time). Her transferring from bed to bedside potty is going smoothly with assistance from her favorite CNA’s Nancy and Mark. Sometimes this duo works together, other times their shifts fall on different evenings. Sometimes Phil helps when one of them is unavailable. Fran thinks Mark (about 22 or so) is cute and should go to medical school. I asked her why medical school and she said, “He knows how to work with old people like me”.
Nancy has been assigned to Fran since Day 1 and the two of them have formed a bond. Nancy brings Fran a candy bar from time to time and has even been known to sit down and eat one along with her. Nancy has much compassion with the elderly. I can’t say enough about the staff at Pleasant Manor Rehab. They have been wonderful with Fran and are always there to tend to her needs and answer any questions we may have.
Fran had her eyes tested this past Monday and Philip will talk to the doctor this week to see what he found out. Today a test will be done to check the status of the bacterial infection that has been working on her. We hope to have the results by Tuesday or Wednesday. If the results show negative then Fran can be “sprung” from isolation. If still positive, they will start her on a new round of antibiotics. Say a prayer that she gets “sprung” because PT and OT are anxious to get her down to the therapy room and work her hard. We will keep our fingers crossed.
Fran loves mail. Sometimes she likes to read the mail herself. Other times she tells us to “spoil” her and read it to her. She was so pleased to hear about Hunter and Mary Margret’s new granddaughter. She said that she knows they are so proud. Anita sent a card with an update about Duane. Fran was happy to hear that he is adjusting to school this year and was able to go to a friend’s birthday party. Mabel Miller wrote her a long letter with lots of news. Fran wishes she could go with Mabel to the Wellness Center for the warm water aerobics. She said that the warm water will do wonders for Mabel’s back. Aldeen Wenger called her from Virginia on Saturday afternoon and had they had a nice long talk. I was able to hear the conversation and was impressed by how clear Fran was throughout the conversation.
Yesterday I took Fran a power point slide show with music that I played for her on my computer. The show consisted of pictures of the farm, her family, church friends and even some ancestor pictures. It’s a work in progress. Fran watched it through twice the first time, then wanted her CNA, Nancy, to watch it with her. We looked at magazines, talked about weight and fashions, and much more.
Fran asked that I call Phil and see if he could bring her one of his juicy burgers when he comes to visit. He asked her what she wanted on it and she was very clear that she wanted mustard, sweet relish and cheese. When he brought it in, she ate the whole thing and enjoyed every bite of it.
Tomorrow is a school holiday so I plan on going in to watch her therapy. I hope these updates are keeping you “in touch” with Fran’s progress. Until next time…
Love and prayers,
Maribeth
Fran's Favorite Daughter-in-law
(I know, I'm her only daughter-in-law but it sure sounds nice!
)
Nancy has been assigned to Fran since Day 1 and the two of them have formed a bond. Nancy brings Fran a candy bar from time to time and has even been known to sit down and eat one along with her. Nancy has much compassion with the elderly. I can’t say enough about the staff at Pleasant Manor Rehab. They have been wonderful with Fran and are always there to tend to her needs and answer any questions we may have.
Fran had her eyes tested this past Monday and Philip will talk to the doctor this week to see what he found out. Today a test will be done to check the status of the bacterial infection that has been working on her. We hope to have the results by Tuesday or Wednesday. If the results show negative then Fran can be “sprung” from isolation. If still positive, they will start her on a new round of antibiotics. Say a prayer that she gets “sprung” because PT and OT are anxious to get her down to the therapy room and work her hard. We will keep our fingers crossed.
Fran loves mail. Sometimes she likes to read the mail herself. Other times she tells us to “spoil” her and read it to her. She was so pleased to hear about Hunter and Mary Margret’s new granddaughter. She said that she knows they are so proud. Anita sent a card with an update about Duane. Fran was happy to hear that he is adjusting to school this year and was able to go to a friend’s birthday party. Mabel Miller wrote her a long letter with lots of news. Fran wishes she could go with Mabel to the Wellness Center for the warm water aerobics. She said that the warm water will do wonders for Mabel’s back. Aldeen Wenger called her from Virginia on Saturday afternoon and had they had a nice long talk. I was able to hear the conversation and was impressed by how clear Fran was throughout the conversation.
Yesterday I took Fran a power point slide show with music that I played for her on my computer. The show consisted of pictures of the farm, her family, church friends and even some ancestor pictures. It’s a work in progress. Fran watched it through twice the first time, then wanted her CNA, Nancy, to watch it with her. We looked at magazines, talked about weight and fashions, and much more.
Fran asked that I call Phil and see if he could bring her one of his juicy burgers when he comes to visit. He asked her what she wanted on it and she was very clear that she wanted mustard, sweet relish and cheese. When he brought it in, she ate the whole thing and enjoyed every bite of it.
Tomorrow is a school holiday so I plan on going in to watch her therapy. I hope these updates are keeping you “in touch” with Fran’s progress. Until next time…
Love and prayers,
Maribeth
Fran's Favorite Daughter-in-law
(I know, I'm her only daughter-in-law but it sure sounds nice!
) Thursday, January 15, 2009
Fran's Humor
Often in life, a sense of humor can help us get through some tough times. Mother seems to be having more lucid periods these days but she still says some very unexpected things and it's amazing how colorful and imaginative they are.
During a phone conversation recently with Mary, she got through the usual social graces with the "how are you's", etc. Out of the blue, she said, "I waited so long for everyone to come that I just got fed up. So I just went up on the roof and slid right off. I didn't even get hurt because I fell into some bushes."
Another day, she went through the usual pleasantries, then popped out with, "Well, I gotta go now. My ball's out in the yard and I've got to go get it."
Maribeth had a nice visit with Fran last evening. She got to the center 30 minutes or so before her dinner tray came. Her appetite is good and she really enjoyed the homemade veggie soup and chicken salad sandwich. She told Maribeth that she had a hard day with her therapy and when she was finished she put her PT (physical therapist), Charlotte, down the incinerator. I asked her how that was possible because Charlotte is a bit on the "fluffy" side and really wouldn't fit. She told me she proved to her how strong her legs are getting and used them to push her in. Where does she come up with these things????? She did seem to realize she was being funny.
During a phone conversation recently with Mary, she got through the usual social graces with the "how are you's", etc. Out of the blue, she said, "I waited so long for everyone to come that I just got fed up. So I just went up on the roof and slid right off. I didn't even get hurt because I fell into some bushes."
Another day, she went through the usual pleasantries, then popped out with, "Well, I gotta go now. My ball's out in the yard and I've got to go get it."
Maribeth had a nice visit with Fran last evening. She got to the center 30 minutes or so before her dinner tray came. Her appetite is good and she really enjoyed the homemade veggie soup and chicken salad sandwich. She told Maribeth that she had a hard day with her therapy and when she was finished she put her PT (physical therapist), Charlotte, down the incinerator. I asked her how that was possible because Charlotte is a bit on the "fluffy" side and really wouldn't fit. She told me she proved to her how strong her legs are getting and used them to push her in. Where does she come up with these things????? She did seem to realize she was being funny.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Here we are, 43 days with Fran here in Texas with us. We are blessed to have her just 12 minutes from our home door to her door and about 8 minutes from our workplaces. We visit daily at different times. Sometimes one of us can run over and see her in the mornings during her therapy sessions or during lunch hour. We always plan for at least one of us (usually both of us though) to be with her when her evening dinner tray comes. Then, we stay until she gets sleepy.
Levi was able to spend some quality time with his Grandmother during the month he was home from JMU for winter break. Philip and I were able to go out for dinner together a time or two while Levi spent time with Fran during the dinner hour. He would always have a funny story or two to share with us when he got home. He commented several times about how interesting Fran was to listen to when she shared some of her "growing up times" in Dobson, North Carolina. He was also amused with her "silly and funny" comments that she says from time to time.
Fran asked Philip to bring her in a supreme pizza with no pepperoni's. We decided to have a pizza party yesterday during Levi's last visit with her before he left today for JMU for the spring semester. We stopped at Pizza Hut and picked up a pizza for her on our way for the visit. The nurses got us all a big glass of iced tea to go with our dinner. We talked, laughed, and totally enjoyed watching Fran eat 2 big pieces of her special-order pizza.
Philip played his keyboard (we keep the keyboard in her room for our visits) for about twenty minutes or so. Fran made song requests and sang along some. She amused us by asking Phil to play the bird song. When asked what the song was that she meant, she replied, "My favorite song, the bird song". After more questions and much scratching of our heads, we finally realized she wanted Phil to play "On Eagles' Wings".
Therapy Update:
Small milestones are being met with Physical Therapy. Fran works well with her therapist, Charlotte. Her attitude is progressively better and she cooperates. She does most of her PT in bed. She is still fighting a bacterial infection, so the therapy professionals come to her room.
Momma May is working better with Occupational Therapy as far as turning back and forth in bed and pulling herself up, but she still needs assistance. Transferring from her bedside to her wheelchair is going better, but she still needs a belt and assistance from her OT specialist. She is now asking for the bedside potty chair, sometimes 2 to 3 times a day, on a good day.
Mental State:
Fran has many strong lucid times when we are with her. She also has times that we have to re-orient her to where she is, what day it is, and what time it is. She asks about Mary and Ed, Anita and Paul and all of her grandkids. She talked the other day about all the nice Christmas gatherings the May's use to have either at the farm or at Uncle Bob and Aunt Ginny's home.
She speaks fondly of Aunt Mary Freeman and all their travels together. I laughed the other day when we were talking about the "travel trees" she and Aunt Mary would put up for many Christmas's. (On each trip, they bought an ornament representing the place they had visited.) They didn't have enough room for all the keepsake ornaments.
Of course with her warm and fond memories, she still has some "make no sense" thoughts and comments. We laugh a lot and often and continue to reassure her that she is safe and under excellent care at Pleasent Manor Rehab.
We are blessed to have Fran here with us and just never know what each new day may bring. Continue to keep those cards and letters coming. We read them all to her and many times she likes to reread them herself. She really enjoys them.
Until the next update...
Love and prayers,
MB
From Mary, the Firstborn:
Anita and I are both blessed and thankful for Phil and Maribeth's dedication in caring for our mother. The timing is good because their "baby boy", Levi, went off to college this year, which leaves them in need of a project to fight off the empty-nest syndrome blues. It also allows me to be with Ed through his chemo treatments and to enjoy our RV here in Florida for the winter. Anita is very involved helping her family, taking care of her grandson, and working in Ohio.
I shall close with 2 phrases that we heard from Mother daily as we were growing up. To start our day, it was, "Rise and shine!!!" and as she tucked us in it was, "Nighty, night, don't let the bugs bite!"
Levi was able to spend some quality time with his Grandmother during the month he was home from JMU for winter break. Philip and I were able to go out for dinner together a time or two while Levi spent time with Fran during the dinner hour. He would always have a funny story or two to share with us when he got home. He commented several times about how interesting Fran was to listen to when she shared some of her "growing up times" in Dobson, North Carolina. He was also amused with her "silly and funny" comments that she says from time to time.
Fran asked Philip to bring her in a supreme pizza with no pepperoni's. We decided to have a pizza party yesterday during Levi's last visit with her before he left today for JMU for the spring semester. We stopped at Pizza Hut and picked up a pizza for her on our way for the visit. The nurses got us all a big glass of iced tea to go with our dinner. We talked, laughed, and totally enjoyed watching Fran eat 2 big pieces of her special-order pizza.
Philip played his keyboard (we keep the keyboard in her room for our visits) for about twenty minutes or so. Fran made song requests and sang along some. She amused us by asking Phil to play the bird song. When asked what the song was that she meant, she replied, "My favorite song, the bird song". After more questions and much scratching of our heads, we finally realized she wanted Phil to play "On Eagles' Wings".
Therapy Update:
Small milestones are being met with Physical Therapy. Fran works well with her therapist, Charlotte. Her attitude is progressively better and she cooperates. She does most of her PT in bed. She is still fighting a bacterial infection, so the therapy professionals come to her room.
Momma May is working better with Occupational Therapy as far as turning back and forth in bed and pulling herself up, but she still needs assistance. Transferring from her bedside to her wheelchair is going better, but she still needs a belt and assistance from her OT specialist. She is now asking for the bedside potty chair, sometimes 2 to 3 times a day, on a good day.
Mental State:
Fran has many strong lucid times when we are with her. She also has times that we have to re-orient her to where she is, what day it is, and what time it is. She asks about Mary and Ed, Anita and Paul and all of her grandkids. She talked the other day about all the nice Christmas gatherings the May's use to have either at the farm or at Uncle Bob and Aunt Ginny's home.
She speaks fondly of Aunt Mary Freeman and all their travels together. I laughed the other day when we were talking about the "travel trees" she and Aunt Mary would put up for many Christmas's. (On each trip, they bought an ornament representing the place they had visited.) They didn't have enough room for all the keepsake ornaments.
Of course with her warm and fond memories, she still has some "make no sense" thoughts and comments. We laugh a lot and often and continue to reassure her that she is safe and under excellent care at Pleasent Manor Rehab.
We are blessed to have Fran here with us and just never know what each new day may bring. Continue to keep those cards and letters coming. We read them all to her and many times she likes to reread them herself. She really enjoys them.
Until the next update...
Love and prayers,
MB
From Mary, the Firstborn:
Anita and I are both blessed and thankful for Phil and Maribeth's dedication in caring for our mother. The timing is good because their "baby boy", Levi, went off to college this year, which leaves them in need of a project to fight off the empty-nest syndrome blues. It also allows me to be with Ed through his chemo treatments and to enjoy our RV here in Florida for the winter. Anita is very involved helping her family, taking care of her grandson, and working in Ohio.
I shall close with 2 phrases that we heard from Mother daily as we were growing up. To start our day, it was, "Rise and shine!!!" and as she tucked us in it was, "Nighty, night, don't let the bugs bite!"
Friday, January 2, 2009
From Maribeth May in Texas
We have enjoyed having Fran here for the last month. She had a few hard days getting adjusted but has shown some improvement. The doctor is still adjusting her medications. Her memory is very interesting. She can remember things that have happened in her past. Day-to-day memory is beginning to clear up a bit. She remembers somethings from the previous day, a little more each day.
I was asked to bring in some of her pretty nightgowns. I went in to see her for 3 hours today and found her in the wheelchair, dressed, hair combed and a smile on her face. Her physical therapist stopped in to give me a report. Fran is helping a little more when transferring from bed to chair. She wheels herself back and forth in her room and assists the PT's with leg lifts.
Funny things still come out her mouth throughout the day. Philip brought his portable piano into her room and played for us. Fran and I really enjoyed it and talked Phil into leaving it in her room so he can play each time he comes in. Fran is not paranoid any longer but still sees babies and animals in her room from time to time.
The care she is receiving is very good. Our family knows all the nurses and CNA's by name and they never know when to expect us. Yesterday our Pastor, Father Michael Guadagnoli stopped by to see her. She told him that she wants to be ready with a "joyful soul". She sang a Christmas song for him and told him she wanted to have a cup of coffee with him. Philip went to get the two of them coffee. Father gave her a blessing before he left and she asked him if he would come back and see her again.
On a lighter note... the other day after lunch she told me that she ate so much she was about to pop... but left a little room for a buckeye (the homemade candy Anita sends us from Ohio each Christmas). Fran loves her sweets. I hope this brings you all up to date and even puts a smile on your face. I'm beginning see that there is hope for Fran's continuing improvement.
I was asked to bring in some of her pretty nightgowns. I went in to see her for 3 hours today and found her in the wheelchair, dressed, hair combed and a smile on her face. Her physical therapist stopped in to give me a report. Fran is helping a little more when transferring from bed to chair. She wheels herself back and forth in her room and assists the PT's with leg lifts.
Funny things still come out her mouth throughout the day. Philip brought his portable piano into her room and played for us. Fran and I really enjoyed it and talked Phil into leaving it in her room so he can play each time he comes in. Fran is not paranoid any longer but still sees babies and animals in her room from time to time.
The care she is receiving is very good. Our family knows all the nurses and CNA's by name and they never know when to expect us. Yesterday our Pastor, Father Michael Guadagnoli stopped by to see her. She told him that she wants to be ready with a "joyful soul". She sang a Christmas song for him and told him she wanted to have a cup of coffee with him. Philip went to get the two of them coffee. Father gave her a blessing before he left and she asked him if he would come back and see her again.
On a lighter note... the other day after lunch she told me that she ate so much she was about to pop... but left a little room for a buckeye (the homemade candy Anita sends us from Ohio each Christmas). Fran loves her sweets. I hope this brings you all up to date and even puts a smile on your face. I'm beginning see that there is hope for Fran's continuing improvement.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Update on Mother and Murphy's Law
MONDAY: Yesterday was a tough day for Fran. She was so agitated and restless. The social worker called us to get permission to move her because her shouting throughout the night (Sunday) was more than her roommate could handle. She is now in a room with a 101 year old that can sleep through anything. She gets along well on a walker and is usually out of the room most of the day.
When I got to the rehab Fran was running a low grade fever and her sugar was going up and down. The doctor put her back on the sliding scale. Philip stopped by after work and helped me calm Fran down. Once she took her meds (reluctantly), she relaxed some and I stayed with her until she fell asleep.
TUESDAY: The doctor evaluated her this evening while Phil was visiting. He works with him at Baylor Medical Center and was glad to see that he was the Dr doing the evaluation. I just called the ward and talked to Fran's nurse who said she was relaxed all evening (still confused) and sleeping soundly.
WEDNESDAY: This evening, Philip called Ed and me from Mother’s room and said she had had a much better day. She was calm, some of her conversation made sense, and the part that didn’t was filled with funny things that made everyone laugh. The laughter encouraged her to say something else that was purposely funny – good for all! Ed and I talked to her and could make out some of what she said.
They’re going to get someone to test her eyes since she said she can’t see with the glasses she has. They’re also going to have a psychiatrist come evaluate her and hopefully get her on a psychotropic med that will work better than what she’s on. Phil’s medical knowledge and persistence will really make a difference in Mother’s situation. God bless Philip and Maribeth!
MURPHY'S LAW STRIKES AGAIN: Meanwhile, Ed and I are frantically trying to get ready to leave for Florida on Sunday morning. Between trying to get our house and Mother’s set with light timers that work, canceling cable, putting phone “on vacation”, and other such things, we’re scrambling.
Murphy’s Law in playing right in here. For example, to cancel cable for Mother, Ed went in to Comcast's office (Trip 1) but they had to see my Power of Attorney. He went back in with the Power of Attorney (Trip 2). They said he doesn't look like a Mary and that Mary has to come in. Mary went in with the %^#&!! Power of Attorney papers (Trip 3). They have to have the cable box, remote, and cord (Trip 4). Then they have to have Phil’s address to send the refund check (5th trip - by phone). Each item on our check-off list seems to have complications like this. Keeps life interesting, doesn't it?
When I got to the rehab Fran was running a low grade fever and her sugar was going up and down. The doctor put her back on the sliding scale. Philip stopped by after work and helped me calm Fran down. Once she took her meds (reluctantly), she relaxed some and I stayed with her until she fell asleep.
TUESDAY: The doctor evaluated her this evening while Phil was visiting. He works with him at Baylor Medical Center and was glad to see that he was the Dr doing the evaluation. I just called the ward and talked to Fran's nurse who said she was relaxed all evening (still confused) and sleeping soundly.
WEDNESDAY: This evening, Philip called Ed and me from Mother’s room and said she had had a much better day. She was calm, some of her conversation made sense, and the part that didn’t was filled with funny things that made everyone laugh. The laughter encouraged her to say something else that was purposely funny – good for all! Ed and I talked to her and could make out some of what she said.
They’re going to get someone to test her eyes since she said she can’t see with the glasses she has. They’re also going to have a psychiatrist come evaluate her and hopefully get her on a psychotropic med that will work better than what she’s on. Phil’s medical knowledge and persistence will really make a difference in Mother’s situation. God bless Philip and Maribeth!
MURPHY'S LAW STRIKES AGAIN: Meanwhile, Ed and I are frantically trying to get ready to leave for Florida on Sunday morning. Between trying to get our house and Mother’s set with light timers that work, canceling cable, putting phone “on vacation”, and other such things, we’re scrambling.
Murphy’s Law in playing right in here. For example, to cancel cable for Mother, Ed went in to Comcast's office (Trip 1) but they had to see my Power of Attorney. He went back in with the Power of Attorney (Trip 2). They said he doesn't look like a Mary and that Mary has to come in. Mary went in with the %^#&!! Power of Attorney papers (Trip 3). They have to have the cable box, remote, and cord (Trip 4). Then they have to have Phil’s address to send the refund check (5th trip - by phone). Each item on our check-off list seems to have complications like this. Keeps life interesting, doesn't it?
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