We have reached the next phase in our care taking of my grandmother. She is now officially on Hospice. She cannot walk even with the help of a walker and she cannot do anything for herself anymore except feed herself. She needs help getting from her bed to her wheelchair or the chair in front of her t.v., and to the bathroom. Unless one is capable of carrying her to the designated object she will remain immobile.
This past weekend was our family holiday party. Of course everyone wanted her there but nobody knew the effort it would take to get her there. It was tough getting her inside but when it came time to getting her back to her “apartment” in the nursing home it was much simpler having learned from the mistakes the first time. But, after all was said and done, with the exception of going to a casino one last time, the decision was made that this would be her last outing. Once she arrived at the party she was happy to see everyone. She ate, received presents, and not long after she was ready to go “home”. My sister in law and me had the honor. We took her back, got her in bed and said our goodbyes.
Before we left she expressed her desire to “go home” and that she didn’t want to stay at the nursing home. The easiest way to divert her is to point out the pictures in her room. She has pictures on her wall that once hung in her house that she shared with her husband and three children. Once she sees the pictures for the slightest moment she is drawn into the memories, whatever they may be, that makes her smile.
I have been to the nursing home almost daily within the last few weeks. My main reason, besides to see Bubie, is to make sure she isn’t sitting in her own urine and that her bed is dry and clean. And, now that she is on Hospice care others’ that have her best interest will visit her several times a week.
My latest visits have been very pleasurable and stress free. Bubie hasn’t shown any agitation that she had in the past at least not with me. My visits are after her naptime and before dinner around 2:30 in the afternoon. It seems to be the perfect time. She’s happy to see me, and always looking for something to eat. It’s music to my ears. The other day she did one of the things she does best. My grandmother is the best backscratcher. She has the perfect nails that are long and pointy. I got a back scratch!
Every time I leave I make sure the t.v. is on the cooking channel with the volume up loud enough for her to hear noise.
Once of the things my grandmother has expressed an interest in doing is to go to the casino. I promised her I would take her one day soon. It better be soon.
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