The orientation materials that Optimal Hospice Care has provided is easy to read and useful. It presents the facts, procedures and actions to be taken in a gentle but direct way. Knowing what to expect in the various stages and what needs to be done is key.
Yesterday, Shookie came by in the morning and just sat with me for a bit. At about noon Kim came by with some roses to visit Mum. I could tell Mum was happy to see her since Kim is one of her favorite people. Her eyes brightened and there was a hint of a smile. Kim and I then spent the afternoon hours going through photographs… pulling select ones of Mum… while also checking on her every half hour.
Richard, her hospice nurse visited in the afternoon too to check up Mum. He gently informed me what to expect next and marked the certain spots in the orientation booklet especially for suggested dosage for her pain medication to be administered.
Aileen swung by about 6 followed later by Rachel and Christine at about 7:30. I was tired as I had not caught my usual afternoon nap so Shookie came by to give me an hour and a half break at 9:30 PM. At midnight I checked on Mum and saw she was resting easy so I decided to hit the sack.
It is evident now the time has come to have shift rotations to at least just sit with Mum. Kim is starting that off today… Karen has volunteered and Shookie will be available whenever needed. To my friends here in the Big NO… if this is something you can do I will accept the help. I know this is not for everyone and that’s OK. Call me or just turn up and I’ll work to a time of your convenience.
Once again… a Big Thank You to everyone who has come by, called, commented and emailed… a friend even Skyped me yesterday from halfway around the world. It all helps. Keep those stories coming in in the comment ON THIS POST.
Some of you in the blogosphere have never met Mum. Perhaps THIS EARLY COUNT, and THIS PICTURE DAZE will provide you with a bit of her essence.
I checked on Mum just before writing this post and Mum is resting easy. I’ll return as soon as this is posted.