The Adventures of Caring for a Mom With Alzheimer's Disease
Yes, I know it's Tuesday...such is my life lately!!?? After last week's two lengthy posts, I wanted to do a quick update.
Although my time for "babysitting" my mom's caregivers has been limited, I was able to stop by to see her twice last week. I am slightly encouraged, as she looked better to me which I hope means she is being looked after properly.
She had a grilled cheese sandwich that she or someone must have brought back to her apartment, so we encouraged her to finish that. As you may be able to tell from the picture, my daughter, Megan, was in quite a hurry to leave as she had to be at her new job soon. Maybe after seeing this picture she will learn to just have a seat next to Grandma like her mom suggested. (Kids these days!?)
I hope it was not my imagination, but my mom just seemed better overall. I felt comfortable leaving because of it. I hope to soon do another overnight/spy mission to see how things are really going.
I also received a phone call from a social worker (while I was in the grocery store with my kids picking out their birthday cake). Basically, she wanted to see if I was satisfied that things were going better. At that point, I had only visited my mom once since things were not going well. I told her only time will tell, and that I was not willing to say things were better at this point. I told her communication needed to improve, etc. She told me the on site supervisor was very good and I should feel free to work with her directly. She said she would trust her parents care with them. I am still not so sure, but am hopeful things may be improving.
Then, I stopped by on Friday and found my mom also looking and seeming pretty good. I stayed long enough to make sure someone picked her up and escorted her to lunch. They did. I am hoping all of this is a good sign.
Meanwhile, my latest priority is working on my mom's "Redetermination" paperwork which is due no later than July 1st. I just received it last week and it a very important form that needs to be completed for my mom to continue to receive Medicaid benefits. It is kind of tedious...like doing taxes. I am hoping to get it out in the mail by tomorrow as last year I ended up having to deliver it directly to the Department of Human Services as I did not understand "the system" or the paperwork. I would rather avoid that trip this year, so I want to get on the ball.
Still hoping to post about lots of other stuff that has been going on around here!! We do have fun sometimes, too (really)!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, I know it's Tuesday...such is my life lately!!?? After last week's two lengthy posts, I wanted to do a quick update.
Although my time for "babysitting" my mom's caregivers has been limited, I was able to stop by to see her twice last week. I am slightly encouraged, as she looked better to me which I hope means she is being looked after properly.
She had a grilled cheese sandwich that she or someone must have brought back to her apartment, so we encouraged her to finish that. As you may be able to tell from the picture, my daughter, Megan, was in quite a hurry to leave as she had to be at her new job soon. Maybe after seeing this picture she will learn to just have a seat next to Grandma like her mom suggested. (Kids these days!?)
I hope it was not my imagination, but my mom just seemed better overall. I felt comfortable leaving because of it. I hope to soon do another overnight/spy mission to see how things are really going.
I also received a phone call from a social worker (while I was in the grocery store with my kids picking out their birthday cake). Basically, she wanted to see if I was satisfied that things were going better. At that point, I had only visited my mom once since things were not going well. I told her only time will tell, and that I was not willing to say things were better at this point. I told her communication needed to improve, etc. She told me the on site supervisor was very good and I should feel free to work with her directly. She said she would trust her parents care with them. I am still not so sure, but am hopeful things may be improving.
Then, I stopped by on Friday and found my mom also looking and seeming pretty good. I stayed long enough to make sure someone picked her up and escorted her to lunch. They did. I am hoping all of this is a good sign.
Meanwhile, my latest priority is working on my mom's "Redetermination" paperwork which is due no later than July 1st. I just received it last week and it a very important form that needs to be completed for my mom to continue to receive Medicaid benefits. It is kind of tedious...like doing taxes. I am hoping to get it out in the mail by tomorrow as last year I ended up having to deliver it directly to the Department of Human Services as I did not understand "the system" or the paperwork. I would rather avoid that trip this year, so I want to get on the ball.
Still hoping to post about lots of other stuff that has been going on around here!! We do have fun sometimes, too (really)!!!!!!!!!!
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| Friday, June 21, 2013 |
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| Spying from the balcony to the dining room... Looks like she got to lunch safe and sound! Yay! |
4 comments:
Hi Cindy, I know what you are going through with your mom. I don't have the same problem, but similar when it comes to taking care of people. I get the feeling that they are very good about giving lip service, but not doing what they told you they would. It leads to frustration and causes my blood pressure to go up. Being I am unemployed, they never know when I am going to show up. I do know which nurses I can get to do what I want. My heart and prayers go out to you. Being a caregiver is not easy. Many Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.
LOVE the 6/21 pic of Mare!!! Glad to hear things are looking up! Still planning a visit with Nanc as soon as we can coordinate! XO
Cindy, I'll try to catch up reading your blog soon! I've been swamped by paperwork too and you aren't kidding, it IS just like taxes! Sometimes I thought, even more time consuming!
Your Mom looks GREAT! Your daughters too, it looks like you captured a light moment.
Thoughts and prayers are with you. :)a
I meant to comment yesterday but just realized I must have forgotten. Your Mom looks so happy in those pics. Yay! I hope things stay encouraging. We have friends who say they always visit the facility on different times and days so the staff never know when to except them. That makes me a little sad, but it is easy for them to become complacent in their jobs I guess.
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