Tag Archives: home health care

Writing Prompts

WOD Challenge 08-31-21

I can’t think of anything to say about today’s word of the day except that the doctors and nurses at the hospital did not act supercilious with us at all!

Dave shaving Gus, my dad.

Over the weekend, Dave assisted Dad in taking a shower, and then later gave him a very good shave. I think he used every tool he had to “get er done”! Electric razor, disposable-but quality-razor with shaving cream, and a trimmer, to get all those pesky old man hairs.

Yesterday was a nightmare compared to today. When I went to Dads room yesterday to check on him and see if he was awake yet, imagine my horror at finding the bed empty and free of two of the 4 pillows. Cautiously making my way around the bed, not knowing what I was going to find, my heart was beating out of my chest and the spit completely left my mouth when I saw him laying on the floor, eyes closed but breathing and not apparently hurt, with two of the pillows under his head.

I went to grab my phone, thinking I’m going to take a picture and send it to Dave, when I came back, he was awake and attempting to get up. Well, that wasn’t happening, even with me trying to help. I got Dave right before he got to work and asked him to come back please and help me get him off the floor. He did, and he stayed until we had him dressed, his new wounds patched up (tore up his elbows this time) and back in his chair. He swears he fell out of bed, but I’m not buying it. He got up and was trying to get dressed and fell, more likely.

Then, thinking he was still backed up, I gave him his Miralax and apple juice before his breakfast. I’ll not share the results of that, trust me, it was no party. I did laundry twice yesterday because he went through three pairs of shorts, but thank goodness, only one time was number 2. I must have cleaned the sink from meals and cooking 4 times, on top of my regular housework, in between getting him up every hour to move around on his walker. He gets so stiff, he can barely shuffle, then tries to hurry, so I keep hold of his belt loop. Modesty is gone now, I have to help with everything. That’s why while Dave was here, we got a good shower. I’m hoping he will do it again tonight.

Today has been much better. While Dave was still here, I went in to check on Dad, I could tell he had been up, but was sitting on the edge of the bed. Naked except for his pj top. I called Dave and he helped him with dressing before going to work. Kevin took the morning off to come sit with Dad while I went to have my tests done; mammogram and bone density test. Then I went to the bank and picked up my meds. My brain is so muddled, I could not remember my account number at the bank. When I got home Kevin asked me why I went to the bank. I had stupidly forgot that all I have to do is take a picture of a check to deposit it. But, in my defense, I did need cash back, so 😛.

Our initial visit with home health was during lunchtime, naturally, but went fine as it was mainly questions, vitals, and paperwork to get him in the system. Tomorrow, one of the therapists will come, either occupational or physical I don’t know yet. I’m sure Dad thinks he is fine to go home, but he is definitely not ready for that. If I could still get him into the rehab facility, I would.

Maybe once they see how bad it really is, they could suggest it get done or something. We’ll see. I personally think it’s time for an assisted living facility myself. I don’t know what good physical therapy will be, because Parkinson’s is a debilitating disease. You don’t get stronger, you just find better ways to get things done. I’m hoping they convince him that he must keep using the walker and cannot go back to a cane, but we’ll see what they say. He needs medication management, because if I leave it to him, he forgets to take it, or messes with what pills go where, not trusting that I know how to do it.

Speaking of that, it’s time for his medication, so I’ll update more later. Have a good Tuesday!

Word of the Day Challenge

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Writing Prompts

SoCS 08-21-21

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “ode.” Find a one- or two-syllable word that rhymes with “ode,” or use the word “ode.” Have fun!

Ok, my head is about to explode!



I went over to check on my dad this morning, he recently fell on the driveway and had lots of soreness, scrapes, and I couldn’t reach my son who lives with him. Turns out his phone was on the charger, he was there helping Dad get dressed and arguing with him about why he needs to wear his undergarments all day as well as at night.

When I walked back to his bedroom, Sean told me Dad either fell out of bed last night, or fell trying to get up. Neither one is good, and two falls in one week is concerning to me. I have no idea what we are going to do, but something has to change. My brother and I are going to get together tonight and talk about options. Living with me is not an option. If Dad were to fall, I’m not strong enough to pick him up. I’m surprised Sean was able to both times.

Recently, I flushed his commode, and it overflowed! That was a mess from hell, and no one wants to deal with it. I felt like a plumber should be called, or a new toilet installed, but what do I know. Neither idea got any support. I told Dad don’t flush anything but human waste and a tiny bit of toilet paper. So far so good.

I’m thinking it’s time to start thinking of assisted living, because although Sean is there all day working, he can’t be coming out to check on Dad except at break and lunchtime. I go over several times a week and still worry constantly that when I leave, he will fall or something else will happen. Having Parkinson’s, being hard of hearing and unable to speak anymore due to Aphasia is taking a toll on everyone. I take care of all jus appointments, I arrange his medication, but he fights me on it. He is starting to forget it sometimes too.

I asked his doctor to arrange for home health on Thursday, I’ve yet to hear anything back. My brother and I are also trying to get him benefits from the VA, which will take forever I’m sure. I don’t know if home health is the answer. Being unable to communicate, I doubt home health will have the patience to figure out what he needs or wants. I think he would be happier somewhere where his meals will be on time and healthy. There will be people to attend to his issues, people to offer activities and so on.

My dad is stubborn too, thinking he can still do things like help in the yard, when clearly he can’t. He is prideful and I believe he has some dementia. It will be extremely difficult, but I think it’s time for a change. Wish us luck and say a prayer that we come to some resolution to this problem. I only want the best for my dad, and I want peace of mind. My knots have knots from constantly worrying and I’d like to be able to rest and know he is being properly cared for. My son is doing his best, but he is not a trained caregiver. My brother works out of town a lot. I’m exhausted and it’s taking a toll on my marriage, because my husband knows I’m always worrying about Dad and not being present on us and our life.

PS: I am getting treatment from Airrosti for my shoulder and it seems to be helping. Exercises, stretches, and manual manipulation by the doctor are releasing some of the knots slowly but surely.

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