Hello again
Today, being Saturday, is mom's bath day. So of course they get her up, give her a bath and put her back to bed. Without the TV on. Just the stereo. Music is great, but visual stimulation is also important. she has a nice TV, Blue Ray player. I have brought some nice disks, with wonderful scenery. Bob Hope movies. Some with Bing Crosby and others with just Bob Hope.
I like the Bob Hope movies. The one I really like is Call me Bwana. Funny and stupid at the same time.
This is the way residents are taken care of. NOT! Maintenance, just plain maintenance. As you can tell I am not happy about this at all. It is on my list.
So the first thing I have to do on mom's bath day, when I arrive, is to remove some of the coverings they have her under. She is so hot and sweaty, it is not funny. And then give her lots to drinks. Some of the 8 different types of beverages I have for her.
Since I brought her dinner, and it was hot, I didn't have to go anywhere, but feed mom. Of course I turned the TV on and put it on Man Tracker. We both seem to like it. Mom was interested and kept her eye's on the TV. Two girls trying to out wit the cowboys, and they did.
Since mom was already in bed, I just proceeded to give mom the nightly spa treatment before the staff came to change her. And I changed her night gown.
Being a male caregiver to my mother, things are a little different than how a women would handle things. When I change my mom, I make sure she is always covered up. While dressing her or undressing her. I put the new night gown over the old one and take it off one arm at a time. As soon as I remove the one arm, the new one goes on. So mom is not embarrassed. I have changed her pad. And yes at first it bothered me. But it didn't seem to bother mom. She was OK with me cleaning her. Once I put on the gloves it becomes sterile, so it is somewhat OK.
I really don't or haven't done this that often. It is my mother after all. But if it needs to be done, I will do it.
So we finished everything. I held her hand while she listened to music. And I did sing along with the songs. I know them and I do say, that I have a good voice.
So my right arm has not been working that well today. I have dropped many, many things. I still have a headache, getting use to it. But I shouldn't have to .
Using my left arm as much as possible. But I shouldn't have to become left handed. This is what the insurance company thinks.
You can still do things, but with your left arm and with great discomfort and pain. So that is OK, we can't help you with things.
By the time I cook dinner for mom, I am not hungry. So I go to bed and just watch something. I usually have toast. Easy and quick.
Need to go now.
GOD bless and good night.
Oh yea it seems so very old friends who I haven't spoken to in a very long time, are sending me notifications on you know. I won't say it.
But I am very easy to find and I don't use the sight.
Again
GOD bless and good night
Kris Schmuland
