Bedpans and Broomsticks

The last ten days have been eventful. The hospital admitted Mom on August 17 and released her 4 days later. I should have said 'discharged ' her, because the release was very poorly handled. Nobody gave Mom physical therapy, or questioned her ability to get out of bed after five days of being totally bedridden. End Result: Mom lost her limited mobility. She had been able to use a wheelchair and walker, change herself , bathe and dress without aid, but after her release, she was totally helpless.

My Sister, Ginny and I managed to roll her from side to side, pull out her adult diaper, and clean her as best we could, but Mom weighs over 2oo pounds so it was tough. I'm her primary caregiver, and the week of the 24th, I was working with Home Health Care Aides to change, bathe and dress her. The Visiting Nurse was upset that Mom was not totally clean, but ordered a hoist lift, and a bath bench. neither of which were used.

Tuesday, the 25th was my low point. I became convinced that I was going to be charged with elder abuse because neither Mom nor our house were spotlessly clean. I sobbed, moaned, and felt totally sorry for myself. In a way, it was the best thing to do: I got all the fear and self pity out of my system, and was able to handle Mom and her professional caregivers more effectively.

This story is so complicated, and I am so tired that I will write another small chapter tomorrow. Mom is recovering from the bronchitis, her BP is good, and she undergoes a surgical debrasion tomorrow afternoon. My Sisters and I are going to demand that Mom get physical therapy as soon as it is medically feasible.