Mike and Jeff and Keyzy's Health

[Seabrook]

My father was still mentally well so he didn't ever blow the whistle unless he was down, and I could see how when a person starts getting a little senile, they would over-ring a bell, possibly in the fear of being alone. I'm glad he didn't do that.

I was just thinking that intercoms are really a wise call, but if they fall and can't get up (like my father), then they couldn't get to the intercom. I got a belt to hook his cell phone on it, but he kept forgetting to put it one. So that's why I made him even sleep with his whistle on.

 

[Mary Kay]

The intercoms have wires that can be pulled down..he does have a cell ith a clip. Come to think of it all the cells in the house have clip ons too! I could clip one on the bed covers if it becomes needed. I am still getting a whistle..one never knows.
Can you ladies think of any thing I missed?

Phones through out the house
bath chair (hand holds are already in the shower)(hand held shower head is also there)
Walker with wheels and seat
Cane
night lights in the bath, hall, and kithen.
medicine- one week pill holder.
large print phone list at each phone location. (we need to program the phones with preset numbers..son will do that..it's complicated!)
recliner in his bedroom.
His computer for entertainment as well as his bedroom T.V.
All I can think of is the bedtable and bell.

Suggestions from anyone who has ever cared for a sick hubby..and no Swedish Nurses (Mike & his brothers suggestion) unless she weighs 300 lbs and is over 70!

 

[CES]

that looks like a great list MK. everyone is right- you rock!

I think you probably have all of the major bases covered. Would it be worthwhile to have a thermos-type container for water?

 

[StormFinch]

The only thing that comes to immediate mind is commode rails MK.

 

[classwife]

How about some extra whistles to put on the floor here and there...and tie to this and that...just in case....you can buy bags of them really cheap at party supply places....

 

[Safira]

You seem to have a great list going there with all the bases covered.

Just one question, do you have a master list of medications and at what time of day he takes them? If you don't maybe have one of your sons or grandkids create a master list on the computer. Then print one out and keep it with the meds. This way once a week when you make out the pills for him you've got the list to look at. Any changes can be made on the computer and then make out a new list.

Sometimes meds can get confusing, especially when you have one that needs to be taken 1st thing in the morning on an empty stomach and wait 30 minutes before eating, and another right before bed.

Oh yes and what Stormfinch said, will he need a chair over the commode to make it easier on him?

Don't forget some kind of spill proof water bottle, my father drinks more water when it is around him all the time. Out of sight out of mind.

Thnking and praying for you guys.

 

[keyzygirl]

Sounds like you have it all under control MK,My thoughts are with you daily.(((Hugs!)))Remember to take tiime to take care of yourself.We tend to forget that and its a must.

 

[Seabrook]

Looks like you've thought pretty much of everything Mary Kay. Good job!

The only things I added to my father's setup were b/c he was extremely weak and also 90 years old, so he wasn't that agile. When he got the urge to go potty, he had to go right then, so I went to Nordstroms to the lingerie section and bought him some masculine colored tee shirts that reach to the mid calf. That way, he could be naked underneath and not worry about having to undo his pj bottoms. Also, I put a urinal under his bed, and a rented porta-commode in the corner of his room in case he needed it.

The most valuable thing I got him was a memory form mattress cover. He spent so much time in bed that he would get sore and achy (osteopor.). He didn't want one, but I got one anyway just to try out. He was in bliss over it once he tried it (released the pressure on his joints). Also, I didn't want him getting bed sores. I bought him a hospital bed w/remote to elevate/lower, and I just laid the form over that (twin size).

The only other thing I can think of is some coconut or almond oil for you to use on him to massage his legs/arms to keep his circulation going well. But you might want to clear that with the doctor first to see if its ok to do.

Like I said, I think you've pretty much thought of everything and will make a wonderful nurse.

 

[Lisa66]

MK, could he use one of those "grabber" things? ............ the long handle where you squeeze it and the other end has two pinchers that come together so he can pick up small items he can't quite reach on his own.

 

[Fudgey]

MK, could he use one of those "grabber" things? ............ the long handle where you squeeze it and the other end has two pinchers that come together so he can pick up small items he can't quite reach on his own.

I got my DH one of those when he had back surgery. He still uses it....LOL

 

[Mary Kay]

Have a grabber..he uses it to pick up small sticks and acorns (losing battle with 200 year old oaks)
We use aloe cream when he needs it.
One whistle is enough! This is a small house.
He doesn't need any help with anything so far. I will look into toilet rails if it looks like he needs them. For now I have talked him into all this stuff with the ruse that it will pamper him and make things easy on me. I don't want him to think he is as sick as he is. Plus, I have some bad days here and there, he says he will share with me..lol
We have had memory foam mattress covers for years..thick ones. because we both have back problems. I can't do without mine!
We have a pump style coffee caraf. It keeps hot or cold for 8 hrs!
So I got the over the bed table from a medical supply place. It was cheaper then all the ones I saw on-line and just as well built!
Mike picked up some diabetic mens slippers. They are suede, with a Dr. Sholls style inset for comfort and balance. They are lambs wool lined for warmth too.

 

[Safira]

Hey those house slippers sound really nice.

 

[Mary Kay]

Update:
All day at the V.A. and Moffitt cancer center. We saw the pain Dr. and he raised the level of meds for Mike. Mike got his first Hormone shot. he said they were little pellets not liquid so they would break down slowly. He also got hormone pills to take daily.
We saw his neuro surgeon. he said his back pain was here to stay. To operate would just trading pain for worse problems. His foot numbing and leg pain was neuropathy and again..it was chronic and would get worse over time. See you next year unless the pain is worse. He really was very nice..but there is nothing to be done.
After that we dropped off the rx's and got shuttled over to Moffitt. Mike took an hour long test and we went shopping for daughter's 40th birthday present. then to pick up the table..grabbed some bread and milk and finally got home. Talk about dead tired!

 

[Safira]

What a day, you sound like you need a nap. Sorry about not being able to help with some of his pain. Is there any medication that can help with the neuropathy? I remember my FIL had it, and it seemed to be very painful for him.

 

[Seabrook]

Yeah, I use one of those too; they're great if things aren't too heavy they're reaching for.

 

[selenamstar]

Just reading that made me tired!

 

[SudokuGal]

MK, I'm thinking of you and Mike.

 

[keyzygirl]

MK,Did you get to relax today at all??

 

[Fudgey]

MK,Did you get to relax today at all??

How are you and Jeff doing?

 

[keyzygirl]

We are good,he gets a little better everyday.