Assisted Living
Much has happened since the last time I have posted. We went to see Dr. Pearce on Oct 2nd and got started on the patches for the parasites in Rick's brain. At first Dr Pearce put all 5 patches on him. Tuesday morning, he was very anxious and refused to go into the center when Erin took him. It took her and Debbie, a staff member at the center, coaxing him for quite a while before he reluctantly went in. Erin had to stay with him for a little while until he calmed down. It made her late for work. Then Wednesday morning he was anxious all the way to the center. Erin said he shook so bad that it shook her car. But he went in ok that day. I looked at the recommendations from Dr. Hunt and noticed that he intended Rick to have on 2 patches for the 1st 90 days and then the other 3 for the next 60 days. So I asked Dr. Pearce about it and we took off 3 of the patches. He is now wearing only the Parasite patch and the health and wellness patch. He hasn't been anxious like that since.
But I haven't seen any great change in him yet. He still can't get out his sentences. He still gets anxious at times, trying to tell me about some inpending doom, follows me everywhere, picks up every little speck and holds it forever in his hand, and pilfers. I'm not sure what changes I'm supposed to be looking for. Of course it has only been 2 weeks. We will give it time.
The other big thing that happened was I got a call from Kerner Ridge Assisted Living telling me they had a bed available for Rick. It would be available about the 1st of November. Well, you remember me saying that I was praying that when it was time for him to go into assisted living the bed and the finances would both be available? I exhausted all the resources I could think of and found nothing. I do still have an application in with the VA but that usually takes at least 6 months. There is no way that we can afford $3750/mo out of my present income. So we had to turn it down. His name is still on the list and we will be notified of the next bed available. Hopefully, the VA will come through by that time. But then maybe we won't need the bed then because these patches work. We will just have to wait and see.
While trying to decide about the assisted living, we thought of another alternative for Rick's care. There is a lady in our church, Debra Riley, who has worked with Alzheimer's patients before. She stayed with Rick one evening when I had to be gone and Rick said, "She was a very nice lady." She has told me that she missed doing that kind of work and really thought of it as a ministry. So we decided to ask her if she would be willing to be with Rick 3 hrs in the evening so that I can continue to work. That way I can concentrate on my work and not have to worry about what he is doing or have him standing over me while I'm working. Debra agreed and today was her 1st day. I think it was a big success. She paid attention to Rick. They looked at a book together, watched TV together. She talked to him and shared with him. He really enjoyed the individual attention. When I got home tonight, he didn't seems to know how to respond. He just got silly, making silly noises and shaking his hands at me. When she left and I got him ready for bed, he said, "This has been a good day." I am glad he enjoyed it. I was able to get my work done too. I think this is going to be a good arrangement.
I know this is Rick's blog, but since I am his caregiver I guess I'd better keep you all informed of my health. I had a routine physical the last of September and my EKG was abnormal. So I was sent to a cardiologist who did a stress test. He said I PROBABLY have coronary artery disease. He has scheduled me for a cardiac catheterization this Thursday. He thinks I have an artery clogged at the base of my heart. If they go in and find nothing, I will be able to come home that day. If they do find a clogged artery, they will repair it with the baloon procedure and a stint. Then I will have to spend the night. If they find multiple clogged arteries, I will have to be scheduled for a bypass. I am praying that either they will find nothing or just one artery that is bad. I have not had any chest pain, but I have noticed that I have to take deep breaths every so often. And I have had some palpitations a few times. So hopefully it will be taken care of. I trust God to take care of me and my family.
Cheryl and Jeremy are moving. Cheryl is due to deliver our 1st grandson Nov 18. They needed more room. They found this house and God has worked out all the arrangements in just a little over 1 wk. Sold their house and purchased the new house. They are going to move in this weekend. The closing is Oct 25th. So they are very busy people. They are doing a much better job getting their packing done than I did. Young minds are able to handle things better.
Erin has not been able to find a job in Columbia, SC so is sitll here with us. I am very glad to have her here. I don't really want her to move away.
Tamara is working long hours with her new teaching job. It has really consumed her time. She has been pretty stressed out about it. Hopefully she will be able to get things under control and feel more relaxed about it. She will be taking half a day off from school to be with me during the cath.
Our grandaughters, Mara and Emma, are growing up and becoming very smart. I enjoy having them at my home although I get very tired. They are a joy.
Well, I guess that is all the news for this time. Thank you all for your prayers, love and support. We love you all.
But I haven't seen any great change in him yet. He still can't get out his sentences. He still gets anxious at times, trying to tell me about some inpending doom, follows me everywhere, picks up every little speck and holds it forever in his hand, and pilfers. I'm not sure what changes I'm supposed to be looking for. Of course it has only been 2 weeks. We will give it time.
The other big thing that happened was I got a call from Kerner Ridge Assisted Living telling me they had a bed available for Rick. It would be available about the 1st of November. Well, you remember me saying that I was praying that when it was time for him to go into assisted living the bed and the finances would both be available? I exhausted all the resources I could think of and found nothing. I do still have an application in with the VA but that usually takes at least 6 months. There is no way that we can afford $3750/mo out of my present income. So we had to turn it down. His name is still on the list and we will be notified of the next bed available. Hopefully, the VA will come through by that time. But then maybe we won't need the bed then because these patches work. We will just have to wait and see.
While trying to decide about the assisted living, we thought of another alternative for Rick's care. There is a lady in our church, Debra Riley, who has worked with Alzheimer's patients before. She stayed with Rick one evening when I had to be gone and Rick said, "She was a very nice lady." She has told me that she missed doing that kind of work and really thought of it as a ministry. So we decided to ask her if she would be willing to be with Rick 3 hrs in the evening so that I can continue to work. That way I can concentrate on my work and not have to worry about what he is doing or have him standing over me while I'm working. Debra agreed and today was her 1st day. I think it was a big success. She paid attention to Rick. They looked at a book together, watched TV together. She talked to him and shared with him. He really enjoyed the individual attention. When I got home tonight, he didn't seems to know how to respond. He just got silly, making silly noises and shaking his hands at me. When she left and I got him ready for bed, he said, "This has been a good day." I am glad he enjoyed it. I was able to get my work done too. I think this is going to be a good arrangement.
I know this is Rick's blog, but since I am his caregiver I guess I'd better keep you all informed of my health. I had a routine physical the last of September and my EKG was abnormal. So I was sent to a cardiologist who did a stress test. He said I PROBABLY have coronary artery disease. He has scheduled me for a cardiac catheterization this Thursday. He thinks I have an artery clogged at the base of my heart. If they go in and find nothing, I will be able to come home that day. If they do find a clogged artery, they will repair it with the baloon procedure and a stint. Then I will have to spend the night. If they find multiple clogged arteries, I will have to be scheduled for a bypass. I am praying that either they will find nothing or just one artery that is bad. I have not had any chest pain, but I have noticed that I have to take deep breaths every so often. And I have had some palpitations a few times. So hopefully it will be taken care of. I trust God to take care of me and my family.
Cheryl and Jeremy are moving. Cheryl is due to deliver our 1st grandson Nov 18. They needed more room. They found this house and God has worked out all the arrangements in just a little over 1 wk. Sold their house and purchased the new house. They are going to move in this weekend. The closing is Oct 25th. So they are very busy people. They are doing a much better job getting their packing done than I did. Young minds are able to handle things better.
Erin has not been able to find a job in Columbia, SC so is sitll here with us. I am very glad to have her here. I don't really want her to move away.
Tamara is working long hours with her new teaching job. It has really consumed her time. She has been pretty stressed out about it. Hopefully she will be able to get things under control and feel more relaxed about it. She will be taking half a day off from school to be with me during the cath.
Our grandaughters, Mara and Emma, are growing up and becoming very smart. I enjoy having them at my home although I get very tired. They are a joy.
Well, I guess that is all the news for this time. Thank you all for your prayers, love and support. We love you all.
posted by Unknown at 8:29:00 PM
2 Comments:
Hi Brother Rick & Sister Joyce,
I met you at the Womens conference I sat next to your table at the Touch the World Luncheon. I have just found your buisness card read your blog. I will be praying for you! My meeting you both was a highligt to the weekend !!!! I am standing with you on the promise written in Joel 2 :25 Sister Joyce as I am writing this God is prompting me to tell you , " that HE LOVES YOU !!!!" I have not forgotten you, seek Me! I AM the Way the Truth & the Life Walk by faith not by sight . I am bringing Ricks healing. but it will not come as you expect." Be ready standing on your tiptoes with great expectation! MY dear sister you too shall walk in wholeness of body :) love to you ! Karen Morris missions@uraog.com
Joyce
I just discovered your blog and am reading withe interest. Please take care of yourself. I'm in a similar position with my mother, who has Alzheimer's. I'm also awaiting the VA pension! If you ever need to talk, just email me. I'll be visiting again!
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