Just had to put Mom into a rehab center following a hospital visit.  Will probably have to be there for the 20 days.  Not happy.

Hospital data base needed

We need early instructions for dementia.  Some people already have instructions how to handle hospital visits with "do not resuscitate " instructions.  We should have instructions that go to a world-wide hospitsl website which gives instructions as how to handle dementia cases based on the social security number. 

My mother is now going through dementia, possibly because of a Urinary Tract Infection but her life was made easier because I  was there for most of her visit.

There really needs to be a hospital data base which collects patient information which all hospitals can access.  It would help with resuscitate orders and even allergy information.  I remember my hospital visit last year and it would have been helpful if the dietitian knew I had food allergies.

JOURNAL ENTRY 92: Easter Sunday ranting

Still at the hospital.  It's been close to 48 hours straight.  And it is Easter Sunday.  Sometime today I have to make my way to my mother's house and wash up, change clothes and come back.  Odd thing is now I feel like writing again.  Actually the feeling comes and goes depending on what is on my mind.   I am not particularly good at multitasking.

Also, I would like to find a different way to relay my message.  There doesn't seem to be a good way to assist people who have issues with elder care, hunger or homelessness.  There are limited resources.  It's like the "system" is not there to help anyone.  There should be information readily available on how Medicaid can work for people who are not dirt poor.  There should be ways for people to get groceries or a meal but it is not put out there.

JOURNAL ENTRY 91: Back in Daytona Beach

I got back here Friday afternoon.  Mom was behaving strangely again.  From the time I left a couple of weeks ago actually.  However, she picked up what I believe is a sinus infection earlier on during the week .  I say sinus infection because it had her usual signs:  sneeze, runny nose, dry cough, cough.  Of course Mom started sleeping more during the day, something she does when she is fighting an infection.  I thought using the nasal spray and taking Zyrtec would help but it was too late.  Then the dementia started kicking in.   I thought it was from the sinus infection but it was from another urinary tract infection.  Wednesday and Thursday nights she gave the home attendant a hard time at night going to bed.  Friday she went to the bathroom and couldn't get up so the EMS was called.

Even though I am in New York I was in the loop the entire time.  Good thing because Mom got to Halifax Hospital and put on a performance.  She wouldn't let them give her the IV..  I was on the phone with my cousin and I heard her screaming.  Eventually one of the home attendants got there and managed to get her to put the IV in.

Sidebar:  It was always hard for nurses to get blood from my mother so they would repeatedly stick her.  Now, at 89 she has a morbid fear of needles and will fight you tooth and nail.

Like I said I arrived the day after she got to the hospital.  She still has mild to moderate dementia, but I am not sure if this is because of the infections or if it is the beginning of a different issue.  She has not been fully cooperative though and her mind come and goes.  I have been at Halifax Hospital from about 2:00 Friday afternoon and it is now 8:00 Sunday morning.

When you deal with an elderly parent and especially one with possible cognitive issues it is important for somebody familiar to be there with her.  For example, my mother doesn't hear very well and she doesn't see that well.  This is in addition to the possible dementia she may be suffering from.  She will not take some medication unless you explain it the way she understands it.  For example the doctor wanted to give her the thyroid medication (I can't remember the long name of it) and she didn't want to take it because she is not fond of taking medications.  I had to tell her that it is the little pill she takes in the morning.  That helped.  I am dreading when they will have to change the IV though.

Journal entry #90

Went to Florida the last week in March . During that one week I found out one of my cousins passed away, my aunt had to go to tbe hospital, and  that we have problem with the caregiving.  Mom is also showing signs of early to mid level dementia.

4/9 Quick thought

After viewing the state of eldercare for the past few years I wonder if the younger generation is better off living unhealthy nowso they can drop dead of heart attacks and stroke before they reach 60

Quick thought 1: Geriatric care

Geriatric care is a money making business.  Unfortunately nobody told people that years ago when people were trying to stay healthy at the younger age.  The focus was on getting folks to live longer.  No one took into account how to pay for them once they go old