Weekly Update

Sept. 17 Update
by Judy

None of us has been to see Dad or Mom in person for a few days, but we have gotten some reports to post here. The reports come from staff at Covington Manor and from Dad by phone.

First, an exciting advancement occurred on Monday. Mom was taken to St. Joseph hospital for a swallow study. That involves sensors and X-rays to make sure things are going where they are supposed to go when she swallows. The study gave her a high grade—she is swallowing fine. So…she no longer needs thickening in everything she drinks! She can have regular thin tea, regular milk, water, and all other sorts of ordinary drinks. Hurray! She has been very patient with nectar-thick liquids, but she was really ready to move on!

A call from Covington Manor this morning indicated that Mom is eating well as long as she gets help. They stopped feeding her through the feeding tube last week, because she had been saying that she wasn’t hungry at mealtime. Apparently, that decision was a good one. She is eating better. One nurse said she fed Mom all weekend and that she ate virtually her entire meals as long as she had assistance with her meals. The Center wants to monitor Mom’s weight for another week and make sure she is stabilized before they remove the tube, but we may be getting close to the time that we can get rid of that thing!

Dad’s report from today was that Mom was weak and had extra problems with tremors and weakness in her arms, so more tests were done to identify the source of the problems. We will pass the results on when we know them.

Dad is doing well at Timbercrest, but he really would rather be in the same place as Mom. He has enjoyed movies and other programs, and he reports that it is a very supportive and family-oriented place. He has help with his medications and his eyedrops and gets lots of attention. If only we could find a place for both Mom and Dad to be under the same roof! Both of them have expressed that they have been lonely. The visits help, but we all want more for them. Thanks for the cards and messages. That all helps!