Big day today! I finally got the Christmas tree and decorations taken down and put away. I had to wait until I was home long enough and I could lift more than 10 pounds because of my knee and climb up and down the ladder. It felt really good to have it put away. I am thinking of it as another step in moving forward in the healing process.
The transition coordinator from the Elks called me today to discuss my concerns and to set-up a family meeting. We made arrangements to meet this afternoon. She had some resource materials for me to consider like Home Health for Doug once he leaves the Elks. I had the opportunity to observe his physical therapy and visit with his physical therapist.
Doug has made some gains in moving his legs. He is now able to kick his right leg up when sitting to almost straight leg. He still needs more supports with the left leg. He is sitting more upright in the wheelchair and his head is sitting more squarely on his shoulders with less head lag. He is still needing almost full support to slide on a slider board from the bed to the wheelchair. The PT says he needs more work building more strength in his legs and core before standing.
We also talked to the doctor briefly. He had heard about my concerns with Doug's discharge date and my concerns for how I will be able to safely care for Doug at home. I had told the transition coordinator and social worker that I wanted to know the specific skills that they were looking for to discharge Doug. I need to know what support I will need to do to assure Doug comes home safely and I need to feel confident I can care for him by myself. Also I may need to contract for Home health services and possibly hiring a CNA. There are also lots of financial considerations. I felt like the doctor understood. He said he is not opposed to extending the stay, but we will have to work with the insurance company. He said it was difficult to predict where Doug will be in a couple of weeks. And so we have a family conference planned for next Wednesday afternoon.
Doug is doing better with eating as well. He ate all of his dinner independently tonight. He has established relationships with the different staff and is advocating for himself. He is sitting up in bed independently. I have not had to reposition him for a couple of days. He had another shower today. He was glad about that. Even with a shower and a full day of therapies he was not too tired this evening.
And so we pray for his continued recovery. His prayer is to walk again.
Spirit, your presence is felt in our journeys, in all of the twists and turns. We give you thanks for putting people on our path who provide needed help and support. We pray that Doug gets stronger. We pray that he will soon stand and we pray that he will soon walk. We pray for strength, and for the courage to continue to persevere and to always hold a vision of wholeness. In your name we ask it. Amen
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