Mom Update 11/19/08 Oops!

hopitus wrote:
On Nov 19, 1:03 pm, "jmcquown" wrote:
hopitus wrote:
On Nov 19, 11:58 am, "Jofirey" wrote:
"jmcquown" wrote in message

...

All the equipment is covered by Medicare so I don't care about cost.
It's still too early to tell but I sincerely doubt she'll be using
the wheelchair they had delivered.

There isn't a cable jack in that room, hence, no television. I
looked into that months ago. The cable guy said he couldn't run it
down through the wall due to the pitch of the roof or some such
thing. Why they didn't have a jack put in there when they built the
house I don't know; the other rooms have one. Even when she was in
the hospital she wasn't watching television, though, and complained
when they had her bed pitched with her sitting too straight up. But
thanks

Jill

The thing has wheels and fits easlily through doorways in homes. One
of my
friends who is smaller than you are uses that draw wheet to move her
relative
from the locked gerichair in "reclne" to the bed. This is not a good
idea using
a low bed like normal beds. They are mfgr'd for hospital bed height.
My friends
relative is end-stage CHF/Parkinson's and *never* gets vertical on
foot. She
calls it a "Godsend". With little cheap ramp, it is even wheeled out
into their
yard.

I guess you don't understand what I'm saying. She will probably *never* be
in the wheelchair. It's still too early to tell, of course. But today
she's completely unresponsive. At any rate I have professionals who know
how to transfer patients to wheelchairs if it comes to that. I'm not
rushing her right back into a hospital bed. If it turns out we need one
hospice will order one. In that instance I'll have to find someone to
disassemble and move her (very heavy) bed.

Jill

"jmcquown" wrote in message
...
hopitus wrote:
On Nov 19, 1:03 pm, "jmcquown" wrote:
hopitus wrote:
On Nov 19, 11:58 am, "Jofirey" wrote:
"jmcquown" wrote in message

...

All the equipment is covered by Medicare so I don't care about cost.
It's still too early to tell but I sincerely doubt she'll be using
the wheelchair they had delivered.

There isn't a cable jack in that room, hence, no television. I
looked into that months ago. The cable guy said he couldn't run it
down through the wall due to the pitch of the roof or some such
thing. Why they didn't have a jack put in there when they built the
house I don't know; the other rooms have one. Even when she was in
the hospital she wasn't watching television, though, and complained
when they had her bed pitched with her sitting too straight up. But
thanks

Jill

The thing has wheels and fits easlily through doorways in homes. One
of my
friends who is smaller than you are uses that draw wheet to move her
relative
from the locked gerichair in "reclne" to the bed. This is not a good
idea using
a low bed like normal beds. They are mfgr'd for hospital bed height.
My friends
relative is end-stage CHF/Parkinson's and *never* gets vertical on
foot. She
calls it a "Godsend". With little cheap ramp, it is even wheeled out
into their
yard.

I guess you don't understand what I'm saying. She will probably *never*
be in the wheelchair. It's still too early to tell, of course. But today
she's completely unresponsive. At any rate I have professionals who know
how to transfer patients to wheelchairs if it comes to that. I'm not
rushing her right back into a hospital bed. If it turns out we need one
hospice will order one. In that instance I'll have to find someone to
disassemble and move her (very heavy) bed.

It's okay, Jill. I thought Hopitus wasn't hearing you either. Mom's can be
picky and feisty no matter what the ailment is!!

--

·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
Laurie
((¸¸.·´ ..·´
-:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·

*~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
~Abraham Lincoln




Jill

Jill if you ever want to ask any question or talk since my grandmother and
grandfather just went through this you got my email. Please use it. Always
sending good thoughts for you and your mom

As for the bed rails you mom has insurance or SS right. If so they have
to provide them those would be medical necessary.


as Is the bed sagging in the middle or on one side that made her slip If so
for about $20 there is a device that goes under the mattress to raise it.
Us fat people can use them to get rid of the sag
http://www.livingxl.com/store/en_US/...46&id=cat40203

"jmcquown" wrote in message
...
I didn't think I'd need anyone here with Mom at night. I let the CNA leave
at 7PM last night and figured things would be okay. I was wrong! I was
trying to get some sleep but something woke me about 10PM. I looked in on
Mom and she was very agitated for some reason. I called the hospice nurse;
she brought over some Ativan and gave Mom one .5MG tablet. Got her calmed
down and she went to sleep. I figured I could go back to sleep. Something
woke me again around 12:30AM. I went to check on Mom again and she was on
the floor! Oh crap.

I don't know if she tried to get up or if she simply rolled off the bed.
(I think she probably rolled.) She can only sleep comfortably on her
right side. Well, she was on the floor on her *left* side (the broken hip
side), curled in a fetal position. She was completely out of it due to
the Ativan. I couldn't get her to tell me if she was in pain so I don't
know if she injured herself or what.

I called the hospice nurse again. Her only suggestion at that point was
to call the fire department to get someone to lift her back on the bed. I
called the security gate instead. They sent over a big burley guy who
just happened to be a former paramedic. We got Mom moved onto a turn
sheet. He cocooned her head and grabbed the middle of the sheet around
her while I lifted her feet. We got her position in the MIDDLE of the bed
this time, but turned again on her right side. He asked me for some thick
books and tucked them underneath the mattress to tilt it up to prevent her
from rolling off the edge.

Between her unexpected discharge, me scrambling to get the help I needed
and her coming home yesterday this is pretty much day three with only a
few hours sleep. I kept getting up to check on her. A nurse will be
calling me later in the morning and probably coming over to assess whether
she's in pain. And I've left a message saying yep, I think I do need
someone from Right At Home to stay in her room all night.

The hospice nurse also suggested I look into "toddler bed rails" that
slide under the mattress since there's no good place to put an actual
hospital bed. She said she knows they sell them at WalMart. I'm running
on empty. (sigh)

Jill

"hopitus" wrote in message
...
On Nov 19, 11:58 am, "Jofirey" wrote:
"jmcquown" wrote in message

...



I didn't think I'd need anyone here with Mom at night. I let the CNA
leave at 7PM last night and figured things would be okay. I was
wrong! I was trying to get some sleep but something woke me about
10PM. I looked in on Mom and she was very agitated for some reason.
I called the hospice nurse; she brought over some Ativan and gave Mom
one .5MG tablet. Got her calmed down and she went to sleep. I
figured I could go back to sleep. Something woke me again around
12:30AM. I went to check on Mom again and she was on the floor! Oh
crap.

I don't know if she tried to get up or if she simply rolled off the
bed. (I think she probably rolled.) She can only sleep comfortably
on her right side. Well, she was on the floor on her *left* side
(the broken hip side), curled in a fetal position. She was
completely out of it due to the Ativan. I couldn't get her to tell
me if she was in pain so I don't know if she injured herself or
what.

I called the hospice nurse again. Her only suggestion at that point
was to call the fire department to get someone to lift her back on
the bed. I called the security gate instead. They sent over a big
burley guy who just happened to be a former paramedic. We got Mom
moved onto a turn sheet. He cocooned her head and grabbed the
middle of the sheet around her while I lifted her feet. We got her
position in the MIDDLE of the bed this time, but turned again on her
right side. He asked me for some thick books and tucked them
underneath the mattress to tilt it up to prevent her from rolling
off the edge.

Between her unexpected discharge, me scrambling to get the help I
needed and her coming home yesterday this is pretty much day three
with only a few hours sleep. I kept getting up to check on her. A
nurse will be calling me later in the morning and probably coming
over to assess whether she's in pain. And I've left a message
saying yep, I think I do need someone from Right At Home to stay in
her room all night.

The hospice nurse also suggested I look into "toddler bed rails"
that slide under the mattress since there's no good place to put an
actual hospital bed. She said she knows they sell them at WalMart.
I'm running on empty. (sigh)

Jill

When you have a chance to actually think about it, (I can only imagine
how fried you are right now).

Wouldn't it be better to get rid of the regular bed in your mother's
room and replace it with a hospital bed? It doesn't sound like she is
going to be needing a regular bed. A decent hospital type bed would
make it so much easier for everyone to help her, I know that being
able to elevate her head or feet sometimes would make her more
comfortable. Rails that can be raised and lowered at will would be a
huge help.

The current bed could be stored in the garage, or even a rented
storage unit. Most of the storage places have someone that will pick
up and move things for you.

The places that rent hospital type equipment are also great at set-up.

BTW, if she is using depends, one of those containers they make for
disposing of used diapers can be awfully handy too.

Jo

If you do go the hospital bed route....this is what many places caring
for disabled elderly patients use,not only for sitting, eatng meals
in,
tv viewing, and most important - sliding patient easily in "full
recline"
mode from chair to bed (vital: chair *must* have wheels *locked* for
this feat!). Their cost IMHO would make renting one a better option.
Not recommendng this online sto just for the pic of the chair:

http://www.southwestmedical.com/Whee...ecliner/3442p0

That's a geri-chair, and I bought one for my mother. Medicare covered most
of the cost of an electric bed (which is an *enormous* help both for the
patient and for those who are helping the patient), but it did not cover the
cost of the geri-chair. I paid several hundred dollars for it, and it was
well worth the cost. However, they are *very large* and *cumbersome* -- so,
they are difficult to use in a private home.

MaryL

"jmcquown" wrote in message
...
I didn't think I'd need anyone here with Mom at night. I let the CNA leave
at 7PM last night and figured things would be okay. I was wrong! I was
trying to get some sleep but something woke me about 10PM. I looked in on
Mom and she was very agitated for some reason. I called the hospice nurse;
she brought over some Ativan and gave Mom one .5MG tablet. Got her calmed
down and she went to sleep. I figured I could go back to sleep. Something
woke me again around 12:30AM. I went to check on Mom again and she was on
the floor! Oh crap.

I don't know if she tried to get up or if she simply rolled off the bed.
(I think she probably rolled.) She can only sleep comfortably on her
right side. Well, she was on the floor on her *left* side (the broken hip
side), curled in a fetal position. She was completely out of it due to
the Ativan. I couldn't get her to tell me if she was in pain so I don't
know if she injured herself or what.

I called the hospice nurse again. Her only suggestion at that point was
to call the fire department to get someone to lift her back on the bed. I
called the security gate instead. They sent over a big burley guy who
just happened to be a former paramedic. We got Mom moved onto a turn
sheet. He cocooned her head and grabbed the middle of the sheet around
her while I lifted her feet. We got her position in the MIDDLE of the bed
this time, but turned again on her right side. He asked me for some thick
books and tucked them underneath the mattress to tilt it up to prevent her
from rolling off the edge.

Between her unexpected discharge, me scrambling to get the help I needed
and her coming home yesterday this is pretty much day three with only a
few hours sleep. I kept getting up to check on her. A nurse will be
calling me later in the morning and probably coming over to assess whether
she's in pain. And I've left a message saying yep, I think I do need
someone from Right At Home to stay in her room all night.

The hospice nurse also suggested I look into "toddler bed rails" that
slide under the mattress since there's no good place to put an actual
hospital bed. She said she knows they sell them at WalMart. I'm running
on empty. (sigh)

Jill

(((((((Jill and Mom)))))))))

There isn't really anything helpful I can say. I hope you can get someone
at night so you finally get some sleep. You need it!

Joy

"MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER wrote in message
. ..


You might also want to consider getting an adjustable hospital bed and put
your mother's bed into storage (temporarily). A hospital bed would
provide security for your mother, and it would probably be more
comfortable because it can be adjusted for legs, hips, and head. It would
even be more comfortable for you or others to make the bed and turn your
mother because it can easily be raised. Be sure to get an *electric* bed,
if possible. I think Medicare will cover almost all of the cost, with a
doctor's prescription. I had one for my mother, and it makes a big
difference for a person who has to spend most of the day in bed. It can
later be returned (and get her bed out of storage) if it is no longer
needed.



The hospice rented ours through a medical supply company. It had electric
controls, a pneumatic pad to prevent bed sores, and was reasonable to work
with. Our bed went into storage for a while and the hospital bed took over
the master bedroom. Medicare covered the costs through hospice, and tricare
picked up anything that wasn't covered. We also got him a bed table, and
any other equipment that we could that would help him out. Those rails for
an adult sized bed can be picked up through almost any hospital supply
store, and ours delivered. Your doctor, home health care people and so
forth can advise you. Good luck, Jill. I'm thinking about you and wishing
your mom the best.

Pam S.

"hopitus" wrote in message
...

If you do go the hospital bed route....this is what many places caring
for disabled elderly patients use,not only for sitting, eatng meals
in,
tv viewing, and most important - sliding patient easily in "full
recline"
mode from chair to bed (vital: chair *must* have wheels *locked* for
this feat!). Their cost IMHO would make renting one a better option.
Not recommendng this online sto just for the pic of the chair:

http://www.southwestmedical.com/Whee...ecliner/3442p0


That is what they had in my room when I was in the hospital. The only
problem I had was that my legs were too short for the chair.

Pam S.

"jmcquown" wrote in message
...
Bridget wrote:
Oh Jill,

You are the daughter most parents dream of having to take care of
them when they get old. You have done your parents a great service
this week in how you have handled yourself in taking on what needs to
be taken on. They taught you well and you must love them dearly.

That being said, I hope things get settled down quickly so you can
get some rest at last and settle into some kind of routine - that
being best for both you and your mom. Your dedication, endurance and
stamina are inspiring to me. I hope at some time in my life I have
the chance to take care of someone with the amount of love you are
taking care of your mother. Bridget

Thank you for your very kind words. They cheer me greatly.

Jill


They are greatly heartfelt. There was no way I could do the intensive care
you are doing for you mother for my father before he died. I did do
everything I could to make him comfortable. We had regular lunch dates and I
always brought things he liked just because I knew he would. They let him
have a cat which was one of his saving graces and prolonged his life more
than medicine I believe. But the care you have given your mother both before
this accident and after is nothing short of dedicated. It really is
something most people don't have within them to do.

As John said, you are my hero. I look forward each day to the updates to
know how you and your mother are doing. It lets me know exactly what prayers
to pray for you when I do my evening prayers. Last night, it was that you
and your mom would get some reasonable sleep.

I know you have had some long days, and I know you have long days ahead of
you. Hang tight. And always know there are people here who are supportive of
you and the care you are giving your mother. Some of us with more experience
than others about things you can look for. People have had some excellent
ideas for your mom and you have been incredibly receptive to all kinds of
ideas in a tough time.

I am also glad you have the support of a really good hospice program. They
sound very helpful and supportive. Even if no one in your family is saying
it, I will. You are doing a great job. I don't think anyone could do any
better.

Bridget



"jmcquown" wrote in message
...
I didn't think I'd need anyone here with Mom at night. I let the
CNA leave at 7PM last night and figured things would be okay. I was
wrong! I was trying to get some sleep but something woke me about
10PM. I looked in on Mom and she was very agitated for some reason.
I called the hospice nurse; she brought over some Ativan and gave
Mom one .5MG tablet. Got her calmed down and she went to sleep. I
figured I could go back to sleep. Something woke me again around
12:30AM. I went to check on Mom again and she was on the floor! Oh
crap. I don't know if she tried to get up or if she simply rolled off
the
bed. (I think she probably rolled.) She can only sleep comfortably
on her right side. Well, she was on the floor on her *left* side
(the broken hip side), curled in a fetal position. She was
completely out of it due to the Ativan. I couldn't get her to tell
me if she was in pain so I don't know if she injured herself or what.

I called the hospice nurse again. Her only suggestion at that point
was to call the fire department to get someone to lift her back on
the bed. I called the security gate instead. They sent over a big
burley guy who just happened to be a former paramedic. We got Mom
moved onto a turn sheet. He cocooned her head and grabbed the
middle of the sheet around her while I lifted her feet. We got her
position in the MIDDLE of the bed this time, but turned again on her
right side. He asked me for some thick books and tucked them
underneath the mattress to tilt it up to prevent her from rolling
off the edge. Between her unexpected discharge, me scrambling to get the
help I
needed and her coming home yesterday this is pretty much day three
with only a few hours sleep. I kept getting up to check on her. A
nurse will be calling me later in the morning and probably coming
over to assess whether she's in pain. And I've left a message
saying yep, I think I do need someone from Right At Home to stay in
her room all night. The hospice nurse also suggested I look into
"toddler bed rails" that
slide under the mattress since there's no good place to put an actual
hospital bed. She said she knows they sell them at WalMart. I'm
running on empty. (sigh)

Jill

MaryL wrote:
"hopitus" wrote in message
...
On Nov 19, 11:58 am, "Jofirey" wrote:
"jmcquown" wrote in message

...



If you do go the hospital bed route....this is what many places
caring for disabled elderly patients use,not only for sitting, eatng
meals in,
tv viewing, and most important - sliding patient easily in "full
recline"
mode from chair to bed (vital: chair *must* have wheels *locked* for
this feat!). Their cost IMHO would make renting one a better option.
Not recommendng this online sto just for the pic of the chair:

http://www.southwestmedical.com/Whee...ecliner/3442p0

That's a geri-chair, and I bought one for my mother. Medicare
covered most of the cost of an electric bed (which is an *enormous*
help both for the patient and for those who are helping the patient),
but it did not cover the cost of the geri-chair. I paid several
hundred dollars for it, and it was well worth the cost. However,
they are *very large* and *cumbersome* -- so, they are difficult to
use in a private home.
MaryL


Since she's under hospice care they will rent the hospital bed (if/when we
go that route) and it's covered 100%. All the supplies are. Not a nifty
chair like that, though Her bedroom is around a very tight corner. (I'm
not even sure how they'll get a hospital bed in there unless they come
unassembled!) I doubt this chair would be workable if indeed she ever
actually gets out of bed again. She also doesn't like to sit up. She
weighs *maybe* 80 lbs so she's got no meat left on her butt; her tailbone
gets sore very quickly. But thanks for the info and support, Mary. It's
appreciated!

Oh, and to Jo, of all the things hospice *should* provide (since they
provide the diapers) they won't provide a diaper pail!

Jill

tanadashoes wrote:
"hopitus" wrote in message
...

If you do go the hospital bed route....this is what many places
caring for disabled elderly patients use,not only for sitting, eatng
meals in,
tv viewing, and most important - sliding patient easily in "full
recline"
mode from chair to bed (vital: chair *must* have wheels *locked* for
this feat!). Their cost IMHO would make renting one a better option.
Not recommendng this online sto just for the pic of the chair:

http://www.southwestmedical.com/Whee...ecliner/3442p0


That is what they had in my room when I was in the hospital. The only
problem I had was that my legs were too short for the chair.

Pam S.


Mom's only 5'1"

Jill