The Adventures of Caring for a Mom With Alzheimer's Disease
Well, as I left it last week you may recall I was a bit distraught after learning that my mom's new private aide, Sheri, had indicated she needed a job with more hours. Of course, I kind of panicked because we have just settled into a nice routine after her caring for my mom for the past three months. My mom has been doing much better and no real tragedies for a couple months.
What I didn't mention is that I learned of all of this the day before I was leaving for a last minute week long vacation with my family (we planned it in ten days because we just couldn't take this extra crazy Michigan snow)! First, I confirmed by phone with Sheri that she was in fact still interested in doing some evening hours. I passed the message on by voicemail to my mom's case manager while I was away. The case manager also left me a message that she had given the information to the Med Team.
Yesterday, while I was on my way home, Sheri called me to say her employer had, in fact, offered her more hours. However. what they offered her was 9pm-12am. Although those hours would be pretty good from my perspective, I knew that would not work for Sheri as she would still be required to be back with my mom at 8am. On a good day she would get home at 12:30am and get up at 6:30am to leave at maybe 7:30am. Sheri and I both think that's a bit much.
Sheri and I are hoping we can make something more like 7-10pm work. I am, however, hopeful and impressed by the fact that they actually approached Sheri and remain hopeful we can work something out. My only real reservation at this time is that my mom has never been a 10pm bed time kind of person, but if we can get her into this consistent routine she would be better off (and we would keep Sheri).
In the meantime, I have also been assured by my mom's care manager that even if Sheri did leave (I don't want her to), I would get another private aide. Knowing that helps a bit. I believe the only reason I was given a private aide in the first place is because of all the problems I reported to them and the fact that they know I am involved in my mom's care. So, at least in that regard my diligence paid off.
I proclaimed my brother and Sheri as being "in charge" while I was gone. I still worry about my mom any time I go away. Thankfully, between Sheri and my brother visiting my mom a couple of times, it appears all was well and that is a big relief.
Hopefully by next week I will know if we can work something out in getting Sheri some more hours and keeping her with my mom.
Well, as I left it last week you may recall I was a bit distraught after learning that my mom's new private aide, Sheri, had indicated she needed a job with more hours. Of course, I kind of panicked because we have just settled into a nice routine after her caring for my mom for the past three months. My mom has been doing much better and no real tragedies for a couple months.
What I didn't mention is that I learned of all of this the day before I was leaving for a last minute week long vacation with my family (we planned it in ten days because we just couldn't take this extra crazy Michigan snow)! First, I confirmed by phone with Sheri that she was in fact still interested in doing some evening hours. I passed the message on by voicemail to my mom's case manager while I was away. The case manager also left me a message that she had given the information to the Med Team.
Yesterday, while I was on my way home, Sheri called me to say her employer had, in fact, offered her more hours. However. what they offered her was 9pm-12am. Although those hours would be pretty good from my perspective, I knew that would not work for Sheri as she would still be required to be back with my mom at 8am. On a good day she would get home at 12:30am and get up at 6:30am to leave at maybe 7:30am. Sheri and I both think that's a bit much.
Sheri and I are hoping we can make something more like 7-10pm work. I am, however, hopeful and impressed by the fact that they actually approached Sheri and remain hopeful we can work something out. My only real reservation at this time is that my mom has never been a 10pm bed time kind of person, but if we can get her into this consistent routine she would be better off (and we would keep Sheri).
In the meantime, I have also been assured by my mom's care manager that even if Sheri did leave (I don't want her to), I would get another private aide. Knowing that helps a bit. I believe the only reason I was given a private aide in the first place is because of all the problems I reported to them and the fact that they know I am involved in my mom's care. So, at least in that regard my diligence paid off.
I proclaimed my brother and Sheri as being "in charge" while I was gone. I still worry about my mom any time I go away. Thankfully, between Sheri and my brother visiting my mom a couple of times, it appears all was well and that is a big relief.
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| My Brother Visited Twice and Brought an Icee Drink and His Dog |
5 comments:
Hi Cindy! I'm just catching up from the last few weeks. I am SO happy that you've been able to get some more help for your mom - an aide is the perfect idea! Somehow, the company is very calming for my Mom too.
I know the stress of going out of town and not knowing if you'll get a call about a serious problem with your Mom. You just have to accept that you've done a wonderful job and your Mom will really appreciate it fully someday.
I also know how the fight for new hours goes - it's been a very long uphill battle for this for us and I still haven't been successful. It is amazing to know that those who care for the most vulnerable in our society are paid the lowest.
There is a lot to be grateful for in each day - your Mom looks like mine.... in that she's a pretty cooperative most of the time! Thank goodness for that!!
Good job sister! You are rocking this! :)arlene
Oh I will be praying for a good solution for all. Love the fur baby with your mom. :)
Have a lovely week.
I'm hoping everything works out with Sherri!
I hope that everything will work out for your mom. She looks so happy with the dog.
I also hope that you are having a good little vacation with your family. I'm sure everything is under control with your brother and Sheri.
Hugs
JB
Good news about Sheri and I hope it can all be worked out. Enjoy your vacation! Glad to see how good your Mom looks!
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