Did I honestly think things would get easier once M was safely ensconced in a care facility? Hahahahahahahahahaha!
In a word – no. Nothing is easier. Silly me.
In his first week, I noticed that his behavior started getting a little more active every day. He was up more, walking around more, talking more, starting to touch things around him and take things apart that should have been left alone. As I was leaving the place Friday night, I asked the nurse on duty to go over his medication list with me because I knew there was an issue with his meds. Either he wasn’t being given all the medication he should have been, or he wasn’t taking the medication he was being given or the medications weren’t working anymore and we needed to change them.
The nurse on duty that night told me that she was too busy checking the blood sugar levels of other residents to discuss this with me and for me to write down my contact info and she would call me later.
You can imagine how happy I was with that answer, but I wrote down my contact info, along with WHY I wanted to talk to her and gave it directly to her.
And never heard from her again.
At 11:30 that night, since I had the cell phone numbers for the business office manager and the Admissions Director, I texted both of them and let them know about the situation – what I had done and the fact I hadn’t gotten a call. I heard back from the Admissions Director that night and again the next morning. I also got to speak to the Director of Nursing on Saturday morning, and an order was put in place to increase M’s meds.
But . . . before the new meds arrived from the pharmacy, M decided to run down the hallway and try to jump over a wheelchair (sure, why not?) And ended up back in the ER on Saturday evening, having his head examined.
No concussion, but a couple of broken toes.
I got a call Monday from a psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who works at the facility. She wants to work with M and with me to get his meds stabilized so that he remains calm and doesn’t try to run and jump again, but isn’t falling asleep in his dinner. It’s a delicate balancing act. And now I have her cell phone number, too.
Other than that, things seem to be going well. I have been going to see him five or six days a week. And the response to the last blog post have been incredible. I want to send out a huge THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to everyone who reached out and has volunteered to be a part of our team, checking in on M. You have no idea how much your kindness and generosity mean to us. And knowing that there are more eyes on M has given us such peace of mind.
Back in December, the local TV weather personalities all predicted a dry, warm winter for our area. Last weekend, we had a snow/sleet event that STILL has me stuck at home and the forecast is for more snow this coming weekend. Thank goodness I can work from home!
Thinking about you so much!
Oh Linda, progress seems to be always two steps forward and one (or two or three) steps back. Our healthcare system is really out of whack and unless you’re in there advocating for the patients all the time no matter what the illnesses it seems like you don’t get the care you need. He’s so lucky he has you as tiring as it is. God bless.
You are a great advocate. Sending prayers for continued strength.
Very glad you are able to participate with and advocate for Matt! If I may be of assistance please contact me.
thanks for keeping us informed Linda. I continue to pray all of the stars and systems align and M finds happiness and calm where he is.
Thinking of you….❤️
Thank you for the updates. You’re not alone! Continued prayers for you, M & his care. M doesn’t realize what you are doing to make sure he receives the best care possible, but God does! Prayers for strength & peace.