Home at last

Monday morning the bed, mattress and other equipment arrived from hospice, as planned. Monday afternoon Mom met with a hospice social worker again about becoming one of their patients, and after a 3-1/2 hour conversation, signatures and forms were completed. We figured all was well, but I should know better. Monday evening the hospice nurse called, apologetically telling me that they were mistaken; upon closer examination, at this time Mom is not a candidate for hospice care. They had thought she would qualify because of the need for pain control, but her wound by itself is not a terminal condition.

Nevertheless Mom returned to Meadowlark Tuesday morning after making her good byes to staff and friends at Heartland. She was sent home with her medications, supplies for wound care and best wishes. I discussed the equipment situation with the Heartland social worker, thinking an administrative event could take place and not disrupt what was in place. I should know better than to think!

Once home she was greeted by Tanya, the caregiver from Hanna's Home Health, who will be staying with Mom Monday through Thursday; another caregiver, Phyllis, will stay Friday through Sunday. I left Tanya and Mom alone so they could get acquainted. The topic of food came up and I made a run for corned beef, chicken noodle soup and fries from the Bread Basket. When I returned, her first visitor was drinking tea and eating cookies. Jean brought some flowers from the church altar on Easter and left with her teacup after telling Mom how she liked it. I proceeded to make several telephone calls with medical equipment companies, resulting in arrangements for the removal of the hospice equipment and delivery of replacements by Beaumont Home Health on Wednesday.

After taking a much deserved, long nap, Mom and Tanya discussed dinner options and I went out to spend some time with friends. Sometime during the afternoon her telephone quit working so when I got home and determined the problem was outside my realm of expertise, I went online and placed a trouble ticket through AT&T's automated system. I was informed that the problem would be resolved by 8:00 p.m. Thursday, which didn't sit well, but Mom wasn't worried.

Mom slept until almost 10 a.m. Wednesday and woke up feeling cold. After getting cleaned up, having Tanya clean her wound and eating breakfast I reminded her that her bed was going to be picked up and a new one delivered. "Whatever," was the response. I also explained the problem with the phone and received the same response.

The equipment hospice delivered on Monday was removed Wednesday morning, the room vacuumed and made ready for the new equipment. AT&T repaired the problem with the phone, the Heartland Home Health nurse came by and Beaumont delivered their equipment. OT came by, PT called for tomorrow and all is well at 23110 Meadowlark.

Needless to say all the changes and activity has been a little overwhelming for Mom. She's dealt with it all with her usual aplomb and we talked about now that things are settling down, she'll be able to develop a pattern of living that works for her. Tanya helps her as much as necessary but allows Mom to do what she can. So far she hasn't been cooking, but I think that may change in a week or so as she regains some confidence. She has had several calls this afternoon, is enjoying being home, and getting comfortable with Tanya. Giving them space is difficult for me, but necessary. I hope to leave Friday even though I know Mom would prefer I stayed, but Byron & Colleen will be coming by, Val will be down again this weekend and hopefully other family members, friends and neighbors will stop by often.

Throughout all that she has gone through Mom's attitude remains positive and hopeful. She's where she wants to be. What a trooper!