Posted 12-6-19
Update: Mom had another good day yesterday! Very thankful for another great day. There is a measure of these good days that, in my non-medical opinion, can be partially attributed to her perfect routine since moving to the general population at her nursing home. (My stepdad coming 3x a day for 14 months helps too. 🙂 ) Compassus Hospice has been outstanding at coordinating everything, including regular showers typically by the same person. I am very familiar with several local hospice offices and love them all. Great services for those in an often terrible situation. They are heroes, as far as I am concerned, and bad experiences are the exception more than the rule.
Showering, or at least bathing/hygiene, is sooooo very important. I have written several pieces that talk about the importance of this (preventing infection/UTIs, and for many other reasons). If this is an area of challenge for you, I am truly sorry. We had the same problem for a year and are thankful that is behind us. If you are a home caregiver/relative, you may need help in this area. Don’t feel bad! It is very hard!! I encourage you to contact your local area agency on aging or the Alzheimer’s Association for help. Help is available more often than not and can truly make a difference.
Speaking of showers… (See what I did there, shoehorning a request in like that…)…could you all do me a huge favor? Would you consider sending me a Christmas Card that I can deliver and read to mom? She has always loved Christmas…even now as far as I can see. She loves big, bright pictures like are on cards and I would love to decorate her room in Christmas cards from well-wishers. If you have time and wouldn’t mind, here is my contact info at work. I will deliver them myself as they come in and pictures will follow! 🙂
SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging
Re: Brenda’s Christmas Card Shower
1735 S Fort Ave
Springfield, Mo. 65807
Thank you sooooo much in advance! She will love 1 , 10 or more. 🙂 Maybe we will be super blessed and get her favorite number: 5,280?? 🙂
Share this everywhere if you want… Woot woot!
Have a nice weekend and be safe!
#EndALZ
Last note: do this for others with this condition too. They all need your encouragement…and it will brighten up a dark world, even for a day. 🙂
No gifts, especially money…just some encouraging words for a lady fighting Alzheimer’s. 🙂
Her name is Brenda and my Stepdad is John.