CAREGIVING: On Wednesday afternoon after the palliative care nurses left, I went over some more parts of Five Wishes, an advanced directive plan or living will. I’m sure there are a million living-will forms on-line but this is the one I found years ago. At the time that we started this, Kathy had not been diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease although I suspected she… Read more →
Category: Caregiving
Hospice? Not so fast after all
CAREGIVING: Tuesday had been an emotional ride, what with Erica saying it was probably hospice-time; and realizing that Kathy was making her own decisions quite well. On Wednesday Hope came to give Kathy her shower and stay with her. Monday had been too tough for Kathy so she gave her a sponge bath.She really was due for a full shower.… Read more →
“You are there.” The Truth Is Tough to Swallow
CAREGIVING: Erica the speech therapist came for another visit to check Kathy’s swallowing on Tuesday (4/29). It was one of Kathy’s bad days. There was more congestion from fluid, and we made the mistake of testing her swallowing while she was lounging on the futon. Her body was not in the best position. We had already eaten breakfast so Kathy was already… Read more →
New wheels
CAREGIVING: On Thursday Bob our new physical therapist came with a wheelchair expert named John to assess and hopefully get us a new chair for Kathy. The idea will be to convince Medicare, MassHealth (Medicaid) and probably Health New England (her Medicare Advantage plan) that it is a necessary piece of equipment due to her Huntington’s Disease. Best case is… Read more →
Food for thought – Ramping it up
CAREGIVING: On Monday I was supposed to take Kathy to the dentist for a cleaning but I cancelled it. I just couldn’t go through the transfer problems I have had when we get back home. She just can’t go up those few stairs any more. But over the weekend I ordered an inexpensive ramp from Harbor Freight to get her up… Read more →
It all Depends on the day
UPDATE: I just thought I should update that, as predicted, today was a little better than Friday. The new health aide that will be giving Kathy showers on weekends came to get acquainted. Her name is Pat and she has actually had some work experience with Huntington’s Disease. A nurse named George came to set up the care plan for Pat.… Read more →
Fried day
CAREGIVING: I should really be balancing my checkbook. And I have a song that is ready to be recorded. But today, I felt a little frustrated taking care of Kathy, and I feel guilty because I know I was whining about it. As Huntington’s Disease advances, the body stops cooperating. Today, was one of those days — tomorrow will probably be better.… Read more →