CAREGIVING: There have been a lot of changes around here. I should probably write them down before I disremember them. I got a little sidetracked by those ladybugs trying to find a warm home for the winter (Kathy’s lungs). First things first. Kathy is still doing OK. No major changes. Our new visiting nurse feels like everyone is doing a good job.… Read more →
Tag: Greater Springfield Seniors Services
Day One: Roster Changes
Wednesday, the primary care team came from NaviCare, Kathy’s new health plan. (See my previous post about it). It was day one of coverage. Miguel is our Navigator (commercial pun intended). He will be the main contact: getting any approvals for this and that, and he will make Kathy’s first appointment with her new doctor. He will get any needed authorizations for ambulance rides to her doctor and dentist appointments. And… Read more →
Getting back to normal (sort off)
CAREGIVING: Yesterday Christina from Baystate VNA came for her weekly check on Kathy and to discharge her. Basically that means that Kathy’s condition after the hospital stay has stabilized. Her blood pressure and Oxygen levels are as good as new. I’m managing her feeding tube OK and keeping her throat free of mucus. Her diaper rash is getting better. And we have help… Read more →
Being your best advocate = squeaky wheel
CAREGIVING: I admit it. I appreciate all the kind comments about what I am doing and how I am doing. I’m grateful for all that support: from my family, Kathy’s family, my Facebook friends, my music friends and the different health aides and nurses the have walked through the door. I appreciate criticism too. Tuesday Kathy was visited by Susanne,… Read more →
Hope
CAREGIVING: One of our new aides, Hope came this morning. Monday was her first visit to give Kathy a shower and get her dressed. Today, she stayed for three hours of companion care and did some cleaning after getting Kathy ready. She sat with Kathy while I worked on a newsletter project in my actual office, upstairs. It was nice… Read more →
Update: A Close Call
CAREGIVING: My last post (about Kathy collapsing in the basement) received a lot of attention from my friends on Facebook and I wanted to thank anyone who reads these things. I have been writing these posts as a diary to help me remember one day, or one week, from the next. I’m grateful for all the support I have. Thanks.… Read more →
Going to the Doctor // a Visit from the Wrong Aide
CAREGIVING: Thursday morning, Kathy had a follow-up visit with Dr. Dourantes, her primary doc. This was the first time in a week or so that Kathy had been out because of all the snow. I still had the car parked down the street. I went and got the car. Getting her and her chair into the car was a challenge… Read more →