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- Go to A Medical Emergency for a 90 year old!
What an ordeal! I am glad she is doing better! I think that is great advise and I tend to agree that it is under staffing more than anything else! I liked the idea of a family member being present especially in the cases of dementia! sam
posted by
sam444
on January 26, 2010 at 11:12 AM
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Danny
I am glad you and your wife are doing well now that you have made it through that. It is very difficult taking care of the elderly, particularly when there is dementia. How do people manage such without God. Do you believe in the gifts. Do you take control of immediate weather in the Name of Jesus? Only answer this if you are comfortable doing so.
posted by
Justi
on January 25, 2010 at 12:30 PM
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Wow, I'm glad she is doing better. That sounded pretty hectic though...to give falty information to the family members. I guess that storm in cali is pretty fough though. I thought my mom was just being dramatic hah.
posted by
PoetikliNclynd
on January 25, 2010 at 12:11 PM
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Bless you and your family
You are so right about having family members stay. I am a nurse and have been on been on the receiving end of having Richard in the hospital. Although the nurses were good, they were understaffed. Thank goodness for the VA and their home care program. When we decided he would not ever be in the hospital again, they provided everything a hospital could have and a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse, social worker, nutritionist, and psychologist and we also had hospice nurses and aides to help me and a caregiver assistant for me 5 days a week for 4 hours a day. Richard got to have his wishes fulfilled about staying at home.
posted by
skye08
on January 25, 2010 at 11:19 AM
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I hope she is doing well--can understand what you've been through, having spent the better part of 2 years with Ashish in hospital, when he was under cancer treatment. He doesn't have pain yet, thanks to the Lord, but the doctors have warned that if the stone gets stuck in the tract, it could lead to renal failure (and he has less than one kidney)--please continue to pray for him. Thanks very much for your encouraging comment. God bless. Nita.
posted by
Nita09
on January 25, 2010 at 1:14 AM
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Where I live (Baltimore Metro Area) we are very fortunate to have well-staffed hospitals that function well. I don't think my neighbors realize how lucky we are to have places like Johns Hopkins.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on January 24, 2010 at 1:29 PM
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You have my deepest respect and admiration. I know exactly what you have been through. Some years back, my dad who was an AD patient had to have prostate surgery. He was very physically strong and active but impaired with dementia. It was such a struggle to keep him in the bed and to keep him from pulling out IV and catheter, and we could not make him understand. I'm glad that the hospital part is over for you.
posted by
TAPS.
on January 24, 2010 at 10:10 AM
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Danny
What a few days you've had! It's sad but true that there should always be a second set of eyes and a second voice when an elderly person is hospitalized. They need an advocate and it sounds like the two of you were right on task. Glad to hear she's doing better.
posted by
Troosha
on January 24, 2010 at 8:54 AM
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I agree with the comments made here already Dan. I stayed with my mother, whom was comatose 'til her final end (for 3 weeks - had them put a cot in her room and with a 24 hours nurse on duty - had to pay for extra care but, it was worth it) and also, stayed with my mum in law (rather she lived with us for months while she underwent Ca therapy) until she went back to her state --- and she was left alone for a few days - and they found her deceased, after a weekend alone. (she wanted to be alone - but family needs to understand when one can't really decide) It's a good message you send. and I pray for all - elderly, ill - suffering and again, the overworked, understaffed, hospitals and healthcare workers. They cannot do it all. One, cannot do it all. Elyse
I'm so glad to hear your Mother is doing fine.
posted by
elysianfields
on January 24, 2010 at 7:46 AM
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I understand the comment about having someone stay at the hospital. If your loved one is hospitalized and for whatever reason is unable to be alert regarding the care they receive, someone needs to be with them in order to ensure mistakes, careless or otherwise, aren't made. Most medical professionals are caring people who go into the field in order to help others. But they are human and overworked and mistakes can easily happen.
Will include you and your family in prayers.
posted by
dancin_grandma
on January 23, 2010 at 6:29 PM
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horrible experience for you all but what loving family you are
It just doesn't seem fair at ninetyto be put through all this. The nursing staff world wide I think are hopelessly over worked. You are right, I just had to prioratise and pray it would be enough. It is also all the paper work, or computer work needed too....it just takes you away from your clients....all sad.
posted by
Kabu
on January 23, 2010 at 6:09 PM
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