Yesterday I learned that our OT will be only coming one day a week and her aide will come one day. She stopped coming 3 times a week after the 2nd week. I did not know this until yesterday. I still had her on the schedule. Then she told me that she can only come to teach a new skill. It is expected that the patient should practice the skills when he/she is not here. That is the rule of Medicare. Unfortunately, Doug can not practice skills without the help of someone else. That is why I am paying for help, while I am gone. Doug does not have the initiative or the memory to do all the exercises on his own.
This morning the bath aide did not show up. She was due at our house at 7:30. I started texting the company at 7:45. The nurse in charge of Doug's case could not get hold of her. I hurried to help Doug get dressed and ready for the day. I already had his breakfast prepared thankfully. This afternoon I talked to the nurse and I learned that the bath aide is not longer with the company. Also I learned that the bath aide who is suppose to come on Friday will not be able to come on Friday mornings at 7:30 after this Friday. So, for now we have no bath aide. The OT had planned on coming on Friday to train the bath aide in giving Doug a shower. I asked the nurse to contact the OT and let her know there is not reason to spend time training the aide who will be here only one day. So for now, and probably we will not have one in the future, a bath aide. The nurse said they might be able to get a bath aide who could come later in the day. I said that would not be necessary. Doug has limited energy. I don't really see a reason for him to use energy getting dressed, then getting undressed, then showering and having to redress himself. I would rather he use his energy for working on the motor skills that will lead to him walking. Initially I needed help getting Doug up and ready before I go to work when he first came home last month. However, since now he is mostly dressing himself, it won't take me that much more time to help him and get out of the house in the morning. I have decided that I will help him with showers on Monday morning when I don't work and perhaps on Thursday evenings before he goes to bed. We will see. The good news with not having someone coming in the morning, I won't have to be preparing everything needed to bath Doug and wait and wonder who will show up.
This all leads again to wondering about our health care system. How does a person, in Doug's condition, not qualify for more help with his rehabilitation? If Doug does not qualify who does? Thank heavens, I am capable of taking care of him. What happens to people who don't have someone who can take care of them? Or what happens if I burn out? How long can I do everything? We are a rich nation, with health care that has so many problems. These last few months have really opened my eyes.
The PT texted me and told me she wants to train me on using a pivot transfer disk and transferring Doug in and out of the car. She was hoping I could take some time off to be home for his therapy. I told her that I have been transferring Doug in and out of the car since we left the Elks and I had watched her do the pivot transfer, had Googled it and had the OT watch me on Monday. But fine, if she wants to show me and watch me.....find a time, when I am home.
Today was frustrating. But to end on a positive note, Doug did much of his routine tonight getting ready for bed, that included brushing his teeth, taking his pills and putting lotion on his feet. Transfers were a little easier. He said his legs felt stronger tonight.
I went to see Lego Batman with my daughter, grandson, foster grandson and sister Kate. Doug stayed home on his own and watched his TV favorites. I enjoyed some kid time, my greatest joy. We learned Angie and Tom have their previous foster son back, which is a sad story. The good news is that he feels a part of Angie and Tom's family. I am proud of Angie and Tom for opening their home to kids in need. This will make them a family of 6. My oldest granddaughter who is 15 they foster adopted. I am grateful to have kids who care about others.
And so we pray:
God of Love and Hope, we give you thanks for the goodness of others, for those who give of themselves to bring life and hope. We give thanks for healing in all of its manifestations. Give us patience when we are challenged. Give us strength and courage to stand for what is right. Help us to bring about your kingdom, where all are cared for and loved. In your name we ask it. Amen
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