The Hobbit Hole V - Where Many Paths and Errands Meet...

ecurbh

[HairOfTheDog]

Communication is always an issue when caring for an old folk in the house.

And I am not talking psychologically.... at this point.

When my grandpa was in the house, dying.... he was bedridden. He was stuck back there, and if he needed something he needed a way to signal that. Shouting doesn't work for either side very well, short or long term it will get irritating for both sides. And banging on the floor can't be good either.

We got a little dinner bell that he could ring. (you might want one in the bathroom and one everywhere else she sits) It is the best I can think of that you can do. She needs a way to signal, and you guys need it to be a noise you can live with. Yes, any signal will wear on the family, both for those tasked with responding to it, and those who will hear it and don't have to respond to it.

When my grandpa died.... Dad did not want to see or hear the dinner bell ever again. But it worked.

[Overtaxed]

We got a little dinner bell that he could ring.

Hehehe....we got a dinner bell for my mom to ring after coming home from surgery. I cracked her up by taking the clapper out one time.

[2Jedismom]

Corin, I know just what you are going through...went through it with my grandmother, who lived with us during the same kind of stuff...she would scream for my mom to help her to the bathroom and then minutes after she got back in bed would forget that she had gone and start screaming to go again. Then she quit screaming before and began screaming AFTER she'd already soiled the bed. My mom, bless her, did her best by my grandmother, but ultimately, for her own health, she had to put her in a home. It was horrible. But what other options did we have?

Well, I have told my mom that I have no intention of putting her into a home IF she supplies me with the ability to pay for in-home assistance. Her insurance will likely pay part of it, but they are also very well off and I should be able to have someone to help out almost 24-7.

Who stays with Nana during the day? Anyone there to help? Perhaps a night-time aide might be arranged?

Just throwing things out there...it's a hard situation.

You have my ear.

[ecurbh]

A friend had some fun with the riding pics I emailed him the other day...

Good ecurbh...

Evil ecurbh...

[2Jedismom]

I still think a baby monitor would be good for a situation like this...

[HairOfTheDog]

ROTFL!

[HairOfTheDog]

It might for the bedroom... but you don't want to hear every sound that happens in the bathroom.... especially at Corin's house. ;~D

[2Jedismom]

LOL THis is very likely true, but I am thinking of the bedroom. Nana could just say "I need to go to the bathroom" and then whoever has the receiver would be able to hear it. The receiver on my baby monitor attached to my waistband...was like a small walkie-talkie. The monitor sat on the table beside the crib. I could hear the babies turn OVER, it was so clear.

[Corin Stormhands]

This total helplessness is only about 48 hours old. So we're still figuring that out. I think the most difficult aspect is that we've been caught totally offguard. Two months ago she was pretty self-sufficient and still living on her own.

I know this is not easy on her. And, quite frankly, I could tolerate a good bit more of it if I didn't have to worry about the boys. Luke is pretty clueless. But we're just gettin' Jr. back from the hell of middle school.

[2Jedismom]

Maybe look into some night-time only assistance? I know my mom could have just about handled anything if she got enough sleep. I used to try to help her, get up in the wee hours to help clean up my Grandma...but it was too hard. And it would wake the entire house, so you have a valid concern there.

[2Jedismom]

***I'm becoming fond of a tall cup of Tazo's Awake with honey.

I don't think I have any of that...I have Refresh, though...trying it right now.

Clears your sinuses! LOL

[HairOfTheDog]

Lots of folk have dealt with this, so don't be hesitant to ask for ideas here! We'll likely give both good and bad ideas, but you can pick and choose.

We did have in-home care for grandpa. Mostly daytime help. As it turned out, Grandpa didn't want the aides helping out ~too~ much with is personal hygene stuff, but those aides will also help with maintaining the house if that is what you need help with. Ours did laundry and cooked. We went through a few, so expect that, just with turnover in young relatively unskilled help. Ended up with a really nice girl who really fit in well with grandpa and us too.... She went to his memorial service... We never saw her again, but we felt close to her then, she was really helpful to have around.

[2Jedismom]

I wish you guys could come over here, soak your feet, drink tea and discuss this while relaxing a bit. My house is just so tidy and comfy and no one ever sees it!

[HairOfTheDog]

I admit..... the thought of the three of us all sitting around with our feet in a tub drinking tea... it brings a smile to my face.... :~D ~chuckling~

[2Jedismom]

:-)

[2Jedismom]

Well, you guys are some pretty good friends...I missed you when you were at Entmoot, even though you checked in frequently...it wasn't the same.

It'd be a less bright a world without you.

[HairOfTheDog]

You Are My Sunshine
My only sunshine!
You make me happy
When skies are grey!
You'll never know, dear,
How much I love you!
Please don't take my sunshine away!

[SuziQ]

I'm enjoying a cup of coffee.

Just had my afternoon cup(s)!

[2Jedismom]

--->smiling, while folding towels.

[HairOfTheDog]

I hope you come to the next moot.

Really.... you have to try!

It will be a blue moot without you!