CAREGIVING: I wanted to show the process for getting Kathy into her wheelchair and back into bed. It is always easier when one of the aides helps out, but here are a few photos of the procedure. I used to use the Hoyer lift to go straight-ahead into the chair. But a physical therapist showed me how to lift her over… Read more →
Tag: health insurance
Declining? (Part 2)
CAREGIVING: When we last checked in I was told Kathy was “declining.” That episode was probably related to medication issues – Atropine, in particular. By the next nursing visit, her vitals were pretty good. Unfortunately, caregiving is a rollercoaster. What goes up doesn’t keep going up. Each up is lower than the last up. You are lucky if you level out for a day. Or… Read more →
“… Declining”
CAREGIVING: I am losing track of the days. But, about a week ago Kathy’s nurse, Shannon returned for a follow-up on her blood pressure. It turned out to be the same day that Rebekah, the hospice spiritual advisor was visiting me too. I wanted her advice on some of the brain and body donation forms I had. Kathy’s blood pressure was still low and I had cut her… Read more →
Feeding tube: plumbing hacks
CAREGIVING: Last week Kathy’s feeding tube started acting up. Well, actually it has been a gradual thing. A few months ago I noticed the purple plug end of the tubing (coming from the feeding bag) was slipping out of her stomach port. I fixed that by lightly roughing-up the plug of each bag with a little piece of sandpaper. It is just enough to grip it… Read more →
Dodging a bullet
CAREGIVING: Sometimes it is hard to tell how things are going. I tend to write when things have levelled off rather than when there is a crisis. Things that would be a problem for someone else are things that I am used to in the ebb and flow of caregiving. The last few nights I was able to sleep in my bed… Read more →
Getting recertified for hospice
CAREGIVING: Recertification is one of those things that I am glad I can worry about it. Kathy is doing well enough that she needs to be recertified to continue with hospice care. Medicare pays for hospice, but the general rule of thumb is that since it is end of life, comfort care it is restricted. In other words they want to make… Read more →
What’s a little snow?
LIFE: We have had one snow storm after another this month. Between taking care of Kathy and moving snow, I haven’t had much time to blog. I need to have parking for the aides and nurses (even if I don’t go anywhere). I think we have had three storms this month. But, I’m not keeping track. I still haven’t cleaned my car off… Read more →