Thursday, May 01, 2008

CHANGES

Lots of changes today for my mom, and I think she was a bit bewildered. Today was the first day back at work for my sister who had taken the month of April off to help with the move to the new apartment. I think mom got used to having her home all the time, so was confused that she was gone all day today. My middle sister came last night and stayed with mom today. Three of us girls are going to be taking turns staying with mom so she'll never be alone. Tomorrow is my turn.

We had spoken with mom's doctor because one of her medications seemed to be causing her to be more anxious, and we asked about eliminating that medication as it wasn't doing what it was supposed to be doing. So that was another change for mom. Her medications are all lined up for the week in a little case with compartments for morning and evening for each day of the week. There used to be five meds each morning, and now we told her she was only going to be taking four. That caused a lot of questions and additional anxious moments. I hope she settled down after I left.

Mom and my sister get one meal a day in the community dining room and they had been taking the noon meal while my sister was off work for the month. Today they were going to eat the evening meal in the dining room, and that confused mom too. It takes her awhile to get used to one thing, and then when we have to change it for some reason, it really makes her anxious.

If only we could find a magic pill that would take away all of mom's anxiety. We try to comfort her and reassure her, but it is so hard. So hard to see that even little changes in routine cause confusion for her. I'm so glad that we've been able to work out a schedule so someone can be with her all the time to hopefully ease her fears and maybe lessen the changes we have to make.

3 comments:

Lisa said...

Sounds like you have a lot on your plate. But it also sounds as if your family is willing to all work together. That is really nice, and I think somewhat rare. I hope all goes well for you and your mom tomorrow.

Memaw's memories said...

I didn't have the opportunity to care for my mother since I lost her in an accident when I was 19. she was 42.

I've so wondered how she would have aged and if I would have been faced with your decisions/choices.

You seem to be handling this situation as I would hope I would have.

Keep your chin up and enjoy the good moments.

The Park Wife said...

Just been catcing up on what is going on with you, whew, you have been busy.

I am so glad you had a wonderful visit with your Alaska son, it sounds like he has a wonderful life full of adventure. That is what I want for my boys, a life filled with doing what their passion is ~ great job mom raising a real man.

I am sorry to hear about your mom, but I am glad you are there! I pray for you to have the stamina and grace to handle all of this.

What a blessing for her to have her family around.

God Bless, The Park Wife