Grandmama has been home with my mom for about 2 weeks. So far things are going ok. My mom reports that pain management is a very big issue and they are having to experiment to make it through the night without waking. The other issue we are facing is nutrition. My Grandmother (she is 91) just doesn't have an appetite, but she has to eat in order to get better AND thrive.
The doctor has diagnosed progressive dementia too. Though, I think if you make it to 91 you are doing awesome if you JUST NOW have some cognitive decline. So she has a hard time staying in the moment and not spacing out a bit. She is in great spirits and is happy to be out of the hospital, but a little bit depressed to have to depend on my mom so much. Thankfully my step-dad is awesome and caters to their every need 24/7.
We are getting some nice ladies from their church out there to come and be with her when my mom goes back to work tomorrow. My step-dad tries, but my Grandmother simply refuses to let him help her to the restroom or any other intimate function. So she has demanded a female to help with the intimate tasks (getting dressed etc.). This is one of those times I wish I were closer so that I could come over with Abby. It would be trying (for sure) but not so much so that I wouldn't at least try.
The doctor is not optimist unfortunately. Dr. T is bordering on diagnosing Grandmama with Failure to Thrive. If this is diagnosed then the recommendation would be hospice & (her insurance/medicare) would pay for it. It would also mean that she would most likely have less than a year remaining with us.
I think my mom would prefer hospice-- but only for the help, pain management, professional bit. I think she wants the help, but not the ultimate meaning of what hospice would be.
So we are doing our very best to make these last months/years as happy as possible. My mom takes her on trips to the coast and around to shop/eat/sit in the park. We skype and facetime so she can see Abby. She even got to help read a bedtime story to put Abby to bed over the Iphone. I am also trying to be better about writing letters so that she gets mail that is not bills all the time.
So that is where we are. Thank you so much for all of your positive thoughts, prayers, private messages and other very nice things to remember our situation. End of life stuff is really sad, ya'll.
Re: Grandmama Update (Kind of Long)
BFP #4 It's a BOY!
CP: July 2011
BFP #3: 11/3/2011 M/C 12/12/11
We miss you and love you always, little firecrackers!
I'm sorry Betty.
I'm so sorry, Betty. Sending lots of hugs, T&Ps your way.