SANTA CAME TO MY HOUSE!!!!!!

Guess what?????  When Igot up Christmas morning,  I went into the living room and Lo and Behold,  I discovered that Santa had come to see just me.  I saw the plate and cup and thought Carman had come over and got some of our Christmas dishes.   But then I looked closer, and saw crums and pieces of cookies on the plate.   Strange!!!! And then a little Christmas tree caught my eye.  It was in front of the fireplacem lit up and with gifts from Santa around the base of tree.  And wouldn't you know, Santa had made footprints when he got down the chimney.  I learned later that someone had actually seen 6 Young Elfs also at my house with wrapped gifts.  Isn't that the sweetest thing for an Ol' Paps to rise and shine on Christmas morning with such a fantastic greeting.

Smoochin' time

This is a vividly portrayed pic of Carol and I in a hot embrace while sitting on the new Love Seat which was delivered Fri. 12/17.  I had suggested to management that we needed a Love Seat in the Alzheimer's Special Care Unit similer to what they had in the main Lobby and even had one in the visiting area of the Moore Unit.  Low and behold, when I got there Fri afternoon they were placing not one but two in our Unit.  They put this one in the Snoozling room and the other went to the TV room.  Goal is to have them available for relatives and visitors to the Residents in the Alz Unit.  Carol and I had to break it in. Before- Carol and I had to go all the way to Lobby or Moore Unit to find a Seat to sit in after walking all the way out to the front.  While Carol is usually two busy walking, she does like to snuggle when we have a chance.  I trained that girl right!  Later that evenng, we spent about 45 min's in the Seat and Carol even took a little nap.  My arm went to sleep but so what.  It was worth the pain. 

CAROL ELDRIDGE THE INTERIOR DECOATOR





This picture of a Christmas tree at CCC in the main dining room took me back to some great memories of Carol back when she worked as an Interior Decorator all over North Texas.  But, especially at Christmas she was always very busy.  She was decorator for Presotnwood for about 5 years until they moved to their new location and we moved to Rockwall.  Carol started off working with volunteers, our Sunday School class, on the immediate days after Thanksgiving.  Finally the church realized the job was too big for volunteers and just hired Carol and her trained team of Christmas Decorators. 

She also decorated about 10 buildings owned by Don Carter.  Mostly the lobby of these buldings but wherever, Carol's first love was the trees themselfs.  I wish she could really see these trees and remember the good ol days.

Proverbs 31:13      -----and works with eager hands.  14. ------ 

Thanksgiving Time

It is that time of the year to pig out on turkey and such.  But alsoa time to think about what we are actually thankful for.  Carol is at the center of our thanks this year.  Certainly, she is still in the final stage of Alzheimer's but God really seems to be using Carol as a Witness at the Alzheimer's Special Care Unit.  I have tried to tell you a little in the last few posts about the love she seems to be handing out to those around her.  She is so content and peaceful and really seems to like the life she is still living.  Of course she does not remember any of the old Carol,  the new Carol sure seems happy. 

The Christain Care Center just had their annual fund raising banquet and invited Carman and I, as special guest.  They had interviewed me several weeks before and included a few minutes in to their Festival of Trees 2010 DVD.  I hope you can view it by clicking below.    

Alzheimer's Spc Care Unit

Carol's unit has been able to recover Irene, the Activity aide who had been relocated for several weeks. It is a real blessing to have Irene back. She has a special knack for making the residents happier and less stressful for the rest of the shift staff. Janet and others did a valient job entertaining the residents but where really to busy with answering phones, dispensing medicine, taking vital signs, etc. Irene really has a way with activities.

The staff is so important to the operation of the Unit and we (families, residents, and especially the staff themselfs) are really happy to be back again to such a fantastic unit.

Thanks to management for recognizing the need to return to old plan.

"ANOTHER BEATITUDE"

These verses are printed and framed in a 12"x18" frame on the wall of the corridor that leads to Carols
Special Care Alzheimer's Unit at the Christian Care Center in Mesquite, Tx.   I look at it often and thought it should be posted in Carol's Blog.  

"BLESSED are they who understand
     my faltering step and shaking hand,

BLESSED, who know my ears today
     who strain to catch the things they say.

BLESSED are they who seem to know
     my eyes are dim and my mind is slow.

BLESSED are they who look away.
    I spilled my tea on the cloth that day!

BLESSED are they who, with cheery smile,
     stopped to chat for a little while.

BLESSED are they who know the way
     to bring back memories of yesterday.

BLESSED are they who never say,
     “You’ve told me that story twice today!”

BLESSED are they who make it known
     that I’m loved, respected and not alone.

And BLESSED are they who will ease the days
     of my journey home, in loving ways."

By Elisabeth Clark

CAROL IS (LIKE) AN ANGEL OF LOVE

Mary Ann is one of Carol's favorite residents.  Mary ann can stand and that makes it so much easier for Carol to give her a great big hug.

Carol seems to be taking on the role of an Angel of Love as she continues to Live with Alzheimer's.  She loves to walk around the building in her "Merry Walker".  She especially likes to meet and greet other friends, residents, staff, family and other visitors.  She will often greet them with a sweet touch facial greeting.  She loves to touch your arm, your blouse, name tag, etc.  But if you are lucky,  she will make a move towards you for a hug.  She loves to hug and talk to you in her own way.  I feel it might be the way an Angel might be to those in a Nursing Home. . All who have seen her lately agree that she epitomizes LOVE.

Carol and our son Eric.  She does show affection to others.

Carol really showed a lot of affection to this lady who came with her husband for some musical entertainment.  Carol really responded to her visitations during her songs.  Oh what love hath no man!!!

If your want to be hugged like an Angel might give you a hug, I invite you to come by and visit Carol.  She really enjoys visitors.



I am beginning to read up on Angels, especially as they relate to the emotion of Love.   If you have a comment on this new subject, please add a comment below.  Just follow the directions after indicating your request.

We love you and your interest and Love of Carol,       Bill

Proverbs 31:13-31 ----works with her hands in delight. ----

howiscarol (and BILL) doing

Carol is still very contented at the CCC at her Alzheimer's Special Care Unit.  Physically things are good. She fractured her shoulder a moth ago but healing is going well.  Memory is still going down but she does seem to enjoy her family and friends.

As far as me.  It could be better and in fact, I am taking steps to improve my spirits.  I was spending 4-12 hrs a day with Carol and I'm afraid it was too much for me.  I would come home and eat and sleep.  I had lost my :get up and go!"  I had a long To Do list and not getting much done but the real necessities.   So I have reduced my time with Carol to once a day for 2-4 hours, but they are the quality time for us around the evening meal.  Weather is nice so we go outside often.  She still seems to recognize some of her friends in the Moore Unit where she used to be.

My health is so-so with continued generative arthritis  in back and knee still  bother me a lot.  Plan to have another pain shot next week to assist my Spinag cord Stimulator.  Both shoulders continue a worsening of my rotator cuff limitations.  Heart is doing good along with Reflux.  Had another cornea transplant and it has healed well and a new prescription for glasses should finnish the treatment.

I am steadily getting my To Do list whittled away but am still pretty lazy.  Glad Fall is here and hope to more outside now.  Am trying to clean up papers and other junk that need filing or discarding.  I can see a little of my desk today.   But my bed is covered with stacks of paper that will be in boxes before I can go to bed tonight.

I am totally convinced that God has given us a new way to be the Witness He commanded us all to be.  I will tell you more later about an opportunity I have to use this Blog and an interview to help the Christian Care Center at their annual Banquet.  Getting back to Church Sunday School, some prayer groups  and more time with Kids and GK's.  Stay tuned for more exciting news from Carol's Blog

Love Bill

THERE'S A SWEET SWEET SPIRIT

One song keeps coming up in my memory.  This sweet hymn describes the staff and residents at the Christian Health Center so perfectly.  The more you get to know both,  it becomes clear that the Lord is present.:

There's a sweet sweet spirit in this place
And I know that it's the spirit of the Lord
There are sweet expressions on each face
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord

Sweet Holy Spirit
Sweet heavenly dove
Stay right here with us
Filling us with your love
And for these blessings
We lift our hearts in praise (hearts in praise)
Without a doubt we'll know that we have been revived
When we shall leave this place


Please click on the "POST A COMMENT" below and put in any code and you will then be able to leave a comment.    
Love,   bill and carol

ALZHEIMER'S IS A ___________ DISEASE!!!!

Several weeks ago, I posted the above Title on the messge board for  thealzheimerspouce.com  and from many other caregivers,  we came up with the following list of names that we often used to describe the nature of  Alzheimer's:

Abomination, Abstinence maker, agony, apocalyptic, bankrupting, Consuming, cruel, degrading, demoralizing, denied, desolation, vile,DESPAIR, despicable, destructive, devastating, dreaded, Dream destroyer, earth-shattering , Empty, engulfing, Evil, Eviscerating, frustrating, gut-wrenching, hard, hateful, Heartbreaking, heart-wrenching, HELL, hit by a Mac truck, Horrible, hurt, Hurtful, ignored, Insidious, isolating, life-destroying , life-sucking, living death, Living hell, lonely , lunacy, meaningless, misunderstood, nerve-wracking, nightmare, overwhelming, painful, Paralyzing, Ruinous, Ruthless, S***ty, Sad, shattering, Solitary, sorrowful, “sucks”, terrifying , torment,Tragic, Unbearable, unfair, Unloved, unappreciated, useless, unbelievable, unfair, unrelenting, vile, worrisome,

Carman said that this list was troubling but it is just the truth, nothing but the truth about Alzheimer's.  It helps us to realize that there are many of us taking care of our dear spouces.   But,  believe me,  they are worth all the effort we have.   

Feel free to send this note to others or even leave a comment below about your thoughts.

Love    bill

Carol has a bad Friday 13th

Carol has somehow fractured her upper arm joint and is now wearing a sling.  Before breakfast we noticed she was winching when we tried to help her up using her left arm.  During her morning bath, the aide noticed a bad bruise on her forearm.  We have no idea how, where or exactly when she hurt the arm.  But she did not want it moved or pulled.  A portable xray machine was brought in and and they took eight good prints.  First impression was a possible crack in shoulder and a lot of internal bleeding & swelling all down her arm.

Took her to an orthondist Tues and he confirmed the fracture and heavy bleeding.  Injury could have happened getting in or out of bed, dressing, transfering to commode, etc.  No one recalls anything specific that might have cause the problem.  ( Staff probably thinks the old man could have caused it whele taking Carol for walks in her Merry Walker.  I can not recollect any incidence out of the normal.s

But, surgery is not an option so she is wearing arm in a sling and seems to be doing OK.  She uses her left hand a lot. Only indication of pain is when we adjust the sling.

Other than this setback, she has adjusted real good to this Special Unit and is joining in on the many activities that they have.  From Breakfast to lunch,  they excercise,  play with ballons, a parachute to bounce the ballons around and lots of things that really interests the residents.  She has her own recliner in the lounge/TV area and takes some day naps there. 

The song that keeps talking to me about her new home is:  "There is a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this place".  More about this description later.   

We love to hear your comments which can be done by clicking the "Post Comment"  below.  Any password is OK.          Thanks

CAROL HAS A NEW HOME

Carol has just moved to another wing that is a Special Alzheimer's secure unit where she can move around by herself in a Merry Walker designed so that she can sit, stand up and walk on her own.  It gives her so much more freedom. 

In this wing, they also have a solarium called the SNOOZILEN ROOM.  It has a number of psychadelic lights, moving bubbles, and wall items that allow her to touch, feel and listen to great old music.

.

This wing really allows the residents to participate in numerous activities, games and excercises.  They also have a TV room which is also used for naps and rest and medicine ladies that handle all the different RX for the residences.

We will tell you more about her new home as we get used to it.   Your comments are welcomed.  Just click on the "comments"  below and follow the instructions.  A Google password is what ever you want to use.

Come see us sometimes.        Bill

Carol's Special Friends Video

We will try to keep this video updated with the latest residents and workers with Carol at Christian Care Center in Mesquite.  We rejoice in the lives of these wonderful residents and workers.
           (Click the > arrow on pic below)

Carol Has New Friends!!

We've just completed our first 3 months at the Nursing Home at the Christian Care Center. And as so usual in her life, Carol Has New Friends.  She sometimes talks to them and many seem to understand a word or two better than I do.  She likes to touch arms, blouses, hands or most anything that she thinks interesting.  Especially jewelry and name tags.  She probably smiles at her new friends more than she does me.  I am just a given but the staff, residents, and other family visitors seem to get her attention.  She does not see any old friends but does not know it.  She is very "contented" and I am so thankful that God has given her this Grace. A little list of some of her my new friends are:

• Nurses: MaryPatty Dooley*,(morning); Michelle Bunch* (weekends), Mary Thomas* (Unit nurse)- (Unit Mgr), Judy(had baby), Heather*, Debra, Sandy Kim,  Vonceia* (evenings other wing), Tracy Royster (Unit Mgr-Spc. Alz) ; Asheley Green (Alz AM.) 
• Aides (CNA's): Patricia*, Katina, Mary, Henrietta*, Cinda; Maria; Domianna, Claudia (16 yr Ministry), Mary* (Hospice), Sonia, Abraham (11-7); Veronique; Caroline (looks like Wendy's ad)etc
• Medicine Ladies:  Sheila*, Stella* (with beutiful daughter), Suzy*, Glenda *with cute daughter), Abraham;
• Therapist:; Angela*, TK, Terry; Victoria,; Monita Chamless; (therapy @ Conferance))  plus others
• Volunteers: Shirley*, Mary,Virginia* and John Cathey (Ribbon Lady & Husband-Elder); Kay Arthur; plus others
•  Residents: Lillie, Maxine (back to courtyard), Bernice Ellifret*(Carol roomate),  Ruth Odom,
•  Lois Monk*(husband Chris*-had quad bipass surgery), Royce; Bill Cannon (feeds the squirells); Wilhameena Sponber*, Bert (Alberta), Mary Ann Swindell* (helps everybody); Matt Nickerson*(uses back scratcher to operate his elec chair; wife Gayle), Marcella* and  Jack Smith, Ruby Francis*; (brrrrr), Ms Lucile Galloway*, Lillie Mcknight*(99 yrs, brthdy:Aug 12); Lillian*(looks kinda like Lillie),  Betty Leake* (pretty hands); Thomas Little*(went to VA);. Virginia Walker (regal gray hair), Ann, Blanche Underwood*, Olga Webber(deaf but reads lips); Frieda Field* (glasses and pretty ear rings); Ann Bently (and son John, song leader at Church)*; Carrie and Andy Carrick*(daughter=Karen); Martie Reicer; Anita Wiener*, (with brace for back); wore back brace; Charles Knight*; Betty Bethune*; Faye Hill (reads her Bible); Betty Leake*;  Mary Ann Swindell* (sweet to residents & me); Charles Knight*; Martie Reicer* (short gray hair w/ glasses); Wynell Callana*; Bettie Bethune*:Ron(ald) Watkins* (sister Lavelle);  plus others
• Maintenance:  Rob(3777), John, Dale*, Paul,
• Administration:  : Stephanie Paul*, Kathleen, Mr Mitchel, Kristina (Fam Mtng); Kyn dell (Social Worker); Judy ____*;
• Beauty Shop:  Dina
• food service  Mary Harris, (supervisor):  Lisa (Dietician);
• Housekeeping:  Lottie Murphy* (very friendly), Phyliss;  Layerman (Porter from Liberia); Elta; Francesca Martinez* (real sweet to residents);
• CC;  Danny Mac (Chaplin);  Ray Hunter*, Minister; John Bently*; Sandra Admanta, (Family Conferance) Sandre Amanta (Family Conf.); Mary Harris, (food service); Monita Chamlea (therapy) ETC
• Activities: Sally Lewis (Organ lady), Shirley (neighbor)
• Restorative: Carla; Vanessa; Angella Henderson;

* Also in video above! 

Sure there are a few who are not always smiling but most of those above smile when addressed (by first name if possible) and some talk so sweetly to Carol----Honey, Momma, Ms Carol, Sweetheart, etc.  She definitely sees more friends at the Care Center than she saw at home.  She likes to walk (with assistance) go outside, look at newspaper ads, watch TV, dining (but needs help), I hope bathing,  hair stuff, etc that is done with the staff is equally pleasant but I don't participate in those areas.   CCC is a good place and God is dedfinitely in control of Carol and her well being.  I feel confident that this is the new ministry that God has led us to serve Him.  It is such a great honor and true Joy.   Love,  Bill

GOD IS GOOD

The other evening about 5pm they had Carol sitting out in the hall by the Nurses station and she decided to go for a walk.  Has been walking good for me and the Theripist but had not gotton up on her own and just took off--about 6-8 feet to see her roommate.  But the mechanisms for lock ON the wheels and foot rests of Bernices chair got tangled up with her feet and she slid down the face of chair and she cut her upper lip and skinned her arm and knee.  But she bled so much as we all do with a head injury that they called the ambulance and we met her at the ER.   Every thing checked out ok and they glued the wound shut, took some mri and Eric and I gtook her back to her room.  She was in good spirits the whole time.  God Is Good.  He decided to make up for the fall and little injuries and proceeded to straighten her neck up to about 15 degrees from verticle.  Best her neck been this good in a couple of months.  She is also much more alert and actually seems to be happier.  Last two days have been good.  I try to feed her at meals because she has lost 20 lbs in last 2 months.  I don't know if she eats any better for me but it is good therapy for me also.  Even her physical excercises and walking by the Therapist is good therapy for me.  I am encouraging the Aids and Nurses to let Carol walk when they can.  At least around her room.  God is improving my spirits while He is helping Carol physically.

Head Nurse was amazed that Carol's face was not black and blue because of the way she looked right after the accident.  Not a bruise on her face or even body for 2 days and then some on cheek and jaw.  She is a hardy soul.

GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!!

NURSING HOME TIDBITS

I have read a number of comments on other Blogs about Nursing Homes and how they sometimes upset you or make you disappointed with them. Carol has been in a NH since early January and I now have 3 months experience. I was very confused about the NH at first but herer are some little tidbits that have helped me:

• 1. The concentration of wheelchairs around the nurses station is good for the patients. Otherwise they would be in their rooms without seeing any activity except a quick passerby.
• Most nurses or aides do have good hearts and are doing something that very few of us would be willing to pursue.
• I encourage the aides and staff to smile more often. They have beautiful smiles and it would be good for the visitors as well as the patients.
• Talk to the other patients, even if they can’t carry on a conversation. They like the attention. I am astounded about how many do not seem to have any regular visitors.
• Take your LO for a walk, maybe outside to a courtyard or just around the building. The change of scenery is helpful.
• Take Sunday Ad sections from the newspaper and help them leaf through them looking at the children, the pretty shoes, or sporting goods for the men.
• Remember all the little things they get like baths, shampoo, skin lotion, potty help, good food, eating help, medicine help (crushed pills),etc.
• Respond to those other patients that seem to want to talk or just ask you a question.
• Get personal with the staff. They have homes, families, kids, pets, etc.

Add to this list from what you have experienced. Certainly, a NH is not the most desirable place for our LO but it is a big help for the Caregivers. Just click on the ADD COMMENTS below and sign in.  This is a very secure site and Ok to use your email.    

CAROL IS DYING (Slowly but surly!)

I don’t mean to be blunt or shocking but that is a true statement. Carol’s Alzheimer’s (AD) in now in the later stages and we see part of her loosing out to AD almost daily. And though I know that Carol would not want to prolong this despicable disease, her physical body continues to fight on. Cognitively, Carol is almost gone but she still likes to look at her picture albums and newspaper ads. Sometimes she does seem to recognize family but most of the time, there is no acknowledgement that she knows us. Physically, her walking has greatly degraded but we still work with her on a walker. However, the Nursing Home got her a wheelchair and always use that instead of the walker. The therapist works with her on MWF on walking and other leg exercises. We hope that will improve her quality of life. The Therapy seems to also be helping her cognitive abilities. She is still continent and can swallow and drink but needs to be fed each bite. Does use a straw most of the time. I think her vision is also failing but she loves to look at her picture books.
According to the Alz Assoc. they estimate that Carol could live for several years or only several months. But it is inevitable. AD is a terminal illness with only a few research projects offering any hope for even diagnosing the disease early enough to maybe stop it or at least really slow it down. The medications she takes now do not do much good in the latter stages. But as I said in a previous blog, 2/17/10, God is Great and He definitely answers prayers. He has given Carol a peace and contentment that is making it much easier on her, and of course the family. She is in no pain, has no anger, or sadness.

Psalm 23.

.

For more information on this gradual death of the brain, I refer you to my Aug 23, 2009 Post:

“What’s it like from Carol’s side of her Brain”

GOD ANSWERS PRAYER!!!!!

Carol has now been in the Nursing Home (NH) for 3 weeks and we are very comfortable by the way that God has answered our prayers.  We prayed that she would not have any sadness, anger, or desires to leave whenever we visited.  Only God could have enabled these request to come about.

Carol is very Content, glad to see us ( very simply) and likes to see her family visit her.  She has never asked me to take her home, --please don't go--etc,  She is very peaceful with her surroundings.  The staff seems to be taking good care of her.  One aide has changed Carol's hair to a pony tail to keep it out of her face.  Her head is nearly always drooping to the right.  It was hard to feed her and she seemed to even have trouble chewing so they now chop her main food up.  But she does swallow her food, drinks her tea or water.  She continues to walk from her recliner to her bed, to her bathroom.  But the staff is very cautious and protective which is OK with us.  A fall can be a disaster in her lifestyle. 

GOD IS GOOD and we are very relieved to have her reacting in such a good way. 

But----please do keep us in your prayers.  I am feeling a lot of loneleness but OK otherwise.   

Love from Carol and Bill.    2/17   7:00PM

CAROL IS NOW IN A NURSING HOME

Last friday, the Alzheimer's facility decided that Carol could get better and more personal care in an adjoining Nursing Home.  So we moved her and took some of her furniture but she is sharing a room.  But she seems contended and we see no anger or agitation.  She sometimes shows recognition but usually she just continues to look at pictures or eat or whatever she was doing.  No conversation but seems to be in fairly good spirits.  We still feel that this is what God was leading us to do.  It is very hard on me as I just get down and funky.  I'm OK when I am with her but miss her in our home. 

Leave a comment if you feel like it.    bill

CAROL NOW LIVING IN AN ALZHEIMER'S FACILITY

During December, Carol took a downward spiral and had a fall and several squats that took her down.  I had great difficulty getting her back to her feet.  She was still walking hesitantly and we tried to indoctrinate her to use a walker.  She was still sleeping well and eating with some "proding".  I awoke one morning with the strong conviction that the time had arrived to start the process of finding a new home for Carol.  I truly believe that God was directing this new direction.  We choose The Courtyard, part of The Christian Care Center, Mesquite.  It is the same facility her father lived for about a year.  We think it is very good with a lot of compassionat staff. 

Carol seems to be adjusting very well and has not had any anger or sad actions.  She is glad to see us when we get there and is being kept busy with a lot of interestng activities. 

I will post more in several days.            bill

50th Wedding Anniversary

50th Wedding Anniversary

Bill & Carol Eldridge

Bill & Carol Eldridge are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on January 15, 2010. Due to Carol’s condition with Alzheimer’s we are compiling a Memory Book for them in lieu of a reception. You are someone important in their lives! Please help us celebrate with them by emailing or mailing a fond memory you have with Bill & Carol. Carol LOVES pictures so photographs of you, or with Bill & Carol will be most appreciated. Please mail or email your stories by January 15th to one of the addresses below.

cdennard@att.net (Carman Eldridge Dennard) or eric@theeldridges.net (Eric Eldridge) or

billeldridge2@att.net (Bill Eldridge)

Or, snailmail to: Bill Eldridge
3404 Waterview Trail

Rockwall, TX 75087

Here's a a short video commemorating our 50 years of marriage: