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.

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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.

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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”