Thursday, December 31, 2009
Visits to Dad- Dec. 24-30
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday 19 Dec, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
I visited Harold yesterday for a few minutes. He wanted cash and some milk!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Dad's Visits
Today, Monday, the 14th, I went to Dad's place about 2pm today. He asked me what I was doing there. He said he was expecting company. Lisa, the girl from Edward Jones came and they discussed his stocks. He didn't really want me there to hear their discussion, so I left. I took his laundry and told him Tara would be coming at about 5:30 to cut his hair. I also gave him the number of the barber shop in his building that could cut his hair for only $10.00. He apologized for his rudeness that night before.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Todd took Harold's form for his church membership records to be switched to this new branch to the office. The man that helped him is the Sunday School teacher for the branch. He said he'd get it to the right people.
Harold stressed that he really doesn't want a visit every day, but he does want a phone call. I've tried to call most days (I think I've made 10 and missed 4). I have his phone number listed by my phone at work to help me remember. Todd told him he'd try and call daily too.
Todd & I were just getting ready to leave when Tara and her girls came - time for Harold's hair cut. It seems like he wants it cut about every 2 weeks. I think we should have him use the hair stylist that visits the retirement home at least part of the time. I'm guessing every two weeks might be hard for Tara to manage with her busy schedule.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Todd stopped by at lunch on Friday, December 4th to visit.
Todd & I visited Monday. We went down to dinner with him. The cost is $8.00 per person for dinner. You can pay then or they will add it to Harold's monthly bill. Harold wasn't very hungry because he'd eaten breakfast and lunch. He insisted three meals a day is just too many. He did manange to eat almost all his food. I balanced his checkbook for him.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Visiting Dad
Thursday, December 10, 2009
I went to have Harold sign the listing documents and he is complaining of stomach pains now for the last three days. He says he doesn't want to see a doctor! I was there right after lunch so I asked him what he ate for lunch. He said hamburger. They served chicken! So I don't know if he went to lunch or just forgot what he ate. Based on his previous blood test, he might have a bleeding ulcer again. He really needs to have an endoscopy.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
4 Dec 2009 Visit Dad
He showed me all the pictures in his apartment. I saw little frame on the top of kitchen cabinet. I could not see who are they. He told me "it is my family, this is my wife, this is...the boy died, i can't remember his name (I told him his name is Gary)".
I brought some fruits for him. He likes them. I told him we will pick him up sometime during the Christmas time for BBQ.
Yes, he looks happier. Thanks for all your guys taking care of a lot of things of him.
Last Week- Nov 30-Dec 4 2009
For everyone's information, Sheryl and I organized all his meds into labeled bins in his front closet so he knows what he has.
I think he was a little nervous about me going to St. George. He kept asking me over and over again, when I would be returning from St. George.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Called Dad
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 Part II
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Dottie asked if he had his new move in packet and he said no. She had him go to her office after breakfast. There are some items we'll need to help him with. There's also a list of meals times, etc he can tape to the cabinet, door, etc. The zip code is 84121.
Harold told Dottie everyone left yesterday and went to St. George (I wish!). We were all there scurrying around setting things up and then everyone just disappeared. He should be surprised by your visit today Kathryn!
Monday, November 30, 2009
My hope is he will make lots of good friends, eat healthier and find some peace in his life. I plan to visit him again today. I think during these first few months, we should visit him more often until he feels completely comfortable there. Meals are at 8:30 am, 12:30 pm, 5:30 pm and snacks all day long. If we visit during those times, we can eat with him for free.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
I will still try
I will still try to help dad Stout moving if Monday we could be discharged from the hospital......
I am trying to understand what the plan this was for me and why my life has to be changed like this since 12 Oct 2009, and what else bad things gonna happen in the future....
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
He told me the cleaning lady, Gail had called and he told her not to come today, but I convinced him he needed his placed cleaned and disinfected because there is so much swine flu going around. I told him Todd, Sheryl and I were going on Friday to check out some Assisted Living places and he was excited about that. I assured him we would stay within his budget, but I wanted him to be someplace nice, that was referred to me by someone who has had personal experience with the facility.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
On the way there, (you know where) I inquired about Assisted Living. Dad said, I've changed my mind about that. I was watching on TV where they said Assisted Living is up to $2500 per month. I can't afford that. I told Dad that Kathy and I were going to look at his particular budget, his needs, his situtation and recommend an option that meets his criteria; NOT general stats from the television.
He said o.k.
We got talking about us taking him around and he said, why don't I just buy a car and alleviate some of those concerns. I said, well Dad, there is some concern with you getting lost. He said "I NEVER GET LOST." I said, in a subdued, calm voice, "Dad, do you remember where I live" (we were driving westbound on Parrish Lane--Centerville at the time). He said, YES. Just take Redwood Road over there (pointing west) right on down to your house.
"I've driven it many times."
O.K. Dad. I'm not trying to be a smart a**, but let's just do an experiment. Why don't you tell me how to drive to my house from here. Give me specific instructions and I will drive according to your directions. Take me to my house.
To make a long story short, we took Legacy Highway (no Redwood Rd there; but, so far so good) southbound towards the I-215 interchange all the way to 3500 South before Dad said, uh, turn around we've gone too far. He told me to head east off 3500 South back to Redwood Road. Then we turned north on Redwood Road at 3500 South and passed 2100 South. He said, o.k., we're getting close. He kept looking for Independence (~1480 North) between California Ave (~1300 South) and Indiana Ave (~900 South)
After turning around about 4 times because we kept missing Independence somewhere hidden between 900 South and 1300 South.....well, you get the picture.
I informed Dad that he was about 10 miles off where he has driven to my house dozens of times. I don't know if I got my point across; but there was no contention about it.
We then went to the cemetery (once I got back on I-215 heading northbound, Dad was able to navigate me there), we went and paid our respects to Gary and Mom.
I then took Dad home.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Thanks for understanging.....
I appreciate for your understanding. I was trying to help....
While Gary gave Dad a last ride to church, when he came back home he said he was very dizzy to drive but he still did anyway--he was trying so hard to taking care of dad... So even he is gone I feels like still should do something to dad FOR GARY.
It was the 2nd very bad experience with Dad recently since Gary passed away (1st time was he gave Gary a dress at Larkin). It is hard for me to bear the way he treated my husband so disrespectable. To be honest, that was the way Gary always felt about his Dad who made Gary think he is not good enough to make his dad proud of....
That's why when I know Dad even did not bothered to come by to see Gary at greve site after visit Mom, i want to know how much his son Gary realy means to Harold, that's why I asked how about $10.00 for your son's funeral? Did your son worth $10.00 to you?
When I heard "I don't have any money" I was totally heart broken... I want to tell him, at least, we still pay your cellphone bill every month... I didn't say anything....I was trying to "behive myself" to give Harold the maxium respect I could.
In my eyes Gary was a perfect man! He was too good to be true in my life!.. and I am still feel unbearable of lossing him......
Kathy is right, I may need a little bit longer break, I am assuming... I do understand Dad's illness right now... I shouldn't take his words too serious ... I also know myself even not in the normal emotional status yet.... I lost every thing, couldn't find a lot of thing.... Gary took my mind away with hime...
I am going to grave site every day to see Gary and Mom... I want Mom taking good care of my husband for me, there, ... I put the new flowers for both of them...
Oh, one more thing, I got new position of work-- I am still work at Family history department and do waypoints instead of catelog, and got a new supervisor..which is great!
Sorry I wrote to long.... thanks for giving me longer break... I would still like to take the my&Gary's respocibility of caring of dad... I just need to be more normal first, i think...
Love you and appriciate for all your love and support.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Nov 4th, 2009
I asked him if he wants to go cemetery tomorrow so we could go different McDonald. He said "No, i done enough time there, I don't want go".
I asked what is the best time to pick you up. He said "9 o'clock ". I said it would be too late for me to go to work after we are done. Then he said Ok, 7:30am.
I wake up this morning by Dad's phone call at 6:20AM ---"I am ready for breakfast!" I told him I did not go to sleep utill 2 AM this morning. He said "So do I! I called Todd at 2:00... "you know the rest of story.
I pick him up at 7:00 am.
When I was parking the car, he bought the food By & For himself.
On the way back to his condo,
I asked him how long ago did he go to cemetery? He said a week ago, with Todd.
I asked him did you see Gary? He said NO. He went there just to see his wife.
(IT HURTS ME SO MUCH!!......)
I asked him "Do you want donate $10 for your son's funeral", he said "I don't have any money!"
After I drop off him, I went to cemetery, crying for my husband......
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
After I dropped Dad off, I returned at 2:40 P.M. to take Dad to Dr. Henderson, his urologist at Lakeview Hospital. Dad and I waited until 4:00 P.M. before Dad was called in. This was a follow up appt. appt. to assess the meds Dad was prescribed with a diagnosis where Dad isn't emptying his bladder when going to the bathroom. At about 4:30 P.M. Dad walked out of the treatment area and said he was ready to go.
As we left, Dad confided in me that the doctor requested a urine sample and then left him hanging in the "secondary waiting room" too long before he lost patience and then left. So, Dad never saw the doctor. (He did provide the urine sample, however.) After Dad told me that, I went back to let the receptionist know that Dad left early (because they had no clue) and Dad didn't actually see the urologist after all. I gave them my number and told them to call me with concerns and issues of follow up. They told me that they couldn't disclose patient information; so I obtained a patient consent form and filled it out and had Dad sign it after we got home. I then returned to Lakeview to give them the consent form; so that they can inform me of further situations.
Happy happy Joy joy.
November 2, 2009
November 4, 2009 (mid-night phone call)
Since the phone's on my side of the bed I talked to him first. I reminded him I'd seen him 8 hours earlier (I said 6 hours but then I was half asleep). He had left his coat and keys in Todd's car after the doctor’s appointment and I dropped them off last night. Todd got on the phone and reminded him about his doctor's appointment, etc. He finally got Harold settled down and convinced he really hadn't slept for 18-24 hours.
Hopefully this isn't the start of a new trend!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
I asked him about the Condo meeting last night. He said they were going to raise the rates but the meeting wasn't very productive - just a lot of talking back and forth. He told me has was probably going to move in with his daughter, but they just had a flood in their basement so it would be awhile. I didn't know if this was another on his ideas so I changed the subject.
He said he's thinking about asking two ladies out. One is a lady in the complex that gave him a ride home from the Condo meeting Thursday night. The other is the Meals-on-Wheels lady. I told him to go ahead and ask them both out.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
We mixed it up a little today and went to Tony's Burger and then to Wal Mart to get some groceries. After we came back to the Condo, he remembered he needed some Milk of Magnesia, so I ran over to Dicks and picked some up.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Last night! October 29, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
I will back to track next Wendsay
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Thanks!
I will try back on the normal schedule of taking care of Dad next week. I would like to still take either Tuesday or Wednesday for Dad. I don't know your guys scheduled. Wednesday would be great for me.
Please let me know .
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
I balanced his checkbook and wrote out checks for a couple of bills that were coming up due.
Harold's doctor's appointment is Tuesday, November 3rd (see post from 10-12-09). I think Todd's planning on taking him.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Todd & I took Harold to dinner at IHOP. Harold started immediately in on the car - he wants Todd to take him to buy one. We tried to reason with him with logic (see Todd's comment) but didn't have much success. Harold also said he was tired of paying the condo fees of $140.00 per month. He doesn't have the money and it doesn't pay for anything. I reminded him it paid for lawn care, snow removal, cable TV, etc. We also pointed out that rent on an apartment would be $800-$1,000 a month. The $140 condo fees are a lot less than that.
Harold mentioned moving in with Grant. As Todd asked questions it came up that this was all Harold's idea not Grant's. Harold had offered to pay him the $140 condo fees and what he was paying for utilities as "rent". He said Grant said he's think about it.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
I threw away a half of bottle sour milk in his fridge, but he should be good for a couple of days. He said he is walking to church tomorrow. I reminded him that Gary did drive him last Sunday. He had forgotten. He mentioned he had a doctor's appointment next week with Dr. Hendersen, his Urologist. (and Garys'!)
Friday, October 23, 2009
Oct 11 2009 Gary's last ride for Dad
Since Gary looks like still so drugged I told him I would go take Dad, but my loving husband just wants me stay in bed longer. He feels sorry make me could not sleep well for couple of days.
Gary told me after back home that dad said he really really appreciate if Gary could give him a ride to the church every Sunday, instead of asking somebody from the ward give him a ride.
It was Gary's last drive on this earth --- he gave it to dad.............. and left car door open--battery died... and he is gone...........
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Grant's phone call
Dad had a good day yesterday with Dennis. I don't know how it's been with Todd and Sheryl this week. I wish we could figure out the best way to help him feel happy AND be safe! Dad's lonely, but doesn't want to be around a lot of people.
Dr. Lym, last we spoke, said he most likely has a bleeding ulcer, not cancer, if he is taking Excedrin everyday.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Updates on Dad's condition
I spoke with Dr. Lym yesterday. He told me we need to understand that our Dad, as we know him, is already gone. We are dealing with the disease and it's only going to get worse. Agreeing with Dad on everything he says is usually the best way to keep him calm. However, the car thing is a concern. The moving situation in not even a possibility. Dad won't pay for the moving costs or pack himself. Plus, I don't think he could sell his condo right now, unless he gave it away, which is highly unlikely.
Why don't we all look into Assisted Living Pricing and we will compare in a week or so.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
So, Sheryl and I (Sheryl took the day off) talked and we decided to pick up food at McDonalds and took him breakfast at his condo.
Actually the visit went really well. While there, Sheryl spent about 90 minutes reconciling Dad's checkbook. Sheryl has some granular questions for Dennis about autopay--duplications in check numbers. Dad showed us Mom's diary that she wrote at the beginning of their marriage.
Dad has a follow up doctor's appt. on Tuesday, November 3rd at 2:45 P.M. We will handle.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Dad and I talked about mom and he brought me up to speed on the John Goddard story. (I was just curious). He also shared some personal spiritual moments he had earlier in his life.
Dad has expressed some interest in bike riding. He is emphatic that he can. I have mixed feelings. I need to get him a helmet and see if he can still do it. Is there a padded bike trail?Thoughts?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Wednesday 7th Oct 2009
He also told me that he asked his home teacher out, and she said NO to him in such hurry. Dad said she did not tell him the reason, but he thinks because she thinks he is too old. She is around 50-years-old and never married.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tuesday 6 Oct 2009
Since he was still snoring when I get up, I decided to take care of dad today, instead of him. As soon as I get in the car at 7:30 am, I called Dad "I will be there in 10 minutes". He said :"I won't be ready within 10 minutes, give me 15 -20". I said fine.
When I arrived the condo I called him "I am here. Just walk out whenever you are ready". He sounds upset at me "I already told you that give me 15-20 minutes!!". I answered: "That's why I am calling you WHENEVER YOU ARE READY! Take your time."
We went to McDonald for breakfast. He does not need anything to buy, then I bought a bag of grapes for him.
Monday, October 5, 2009
I reminded him that he and I did that last week. To save face, he backed off and said that he had received another bill even though he was paid up through November as a result of the last visit. So, he's doing better; but is still struggling with his short term memory.
He also told Sheryl and I that he has nearly decided to purchase a new vehicle. Our response was silence (which I think is best when he makes a statement like that.)
We enjoyed Chilis and then took Dad to Walmart to get some headache meds and dogfood for us. Dad is still blown away by Jeffrey R. Holland's talk (as are we).
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
As I was leaving, he did start to rant a little about wanting all his books back that Dennis gave to DI. He asked, "Why would he do that?" I said, "Why else? You told him to." I don't think he believed me. I told him to tell us the books he wants to read, and we will get them for him.
Also, LuAnn came over last night and took Dad to dinner. I thought that was very sweet!
Business items: Sheryl, I put the bills on Dad's desk that Den paid by billpay. Dad gave me the copy title of the car.( without me asking) We have not heard yet if it was sold at the auction.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Online payment is now available at www.xpressbillpay.com (FYI for Dennis). I took Dad to get some milk. He seemed more "with it" with me today as well.
Sheryl is going to visit Dad tonight to reconcile his checkbook.
Thanks Mike and Kathy for your kind words. Kathy and Dennis, enjoy your vacation.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Wendsday 30 Sep 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
I felt impressed to visit Dad on Sunday afternoon, September 27 just before heading to Sheryl's family for family dinner. He was very lonely today; but I hope I cheered him up. Dad called me hungry Monday morning, so I took him to McDonalds/Walmart. It's his favorite hangout.
Dad doesn't seem to be as negative with me as others; don't know why. I bought dad some packaged sausage McMuffins and told him that if he's ever craving some, he now has options to pop one in the microwave any time.
Dropped by Tuesday to pick up meals on wheels and place in fridge while Gary took him to the doctor.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Took him to McDonald's / Wal Mart where he ordered 3 Sausage McMuffins today.
He and I bought some item inside Wal Mart. At 11:30am took him to his (and my former) Urologist, Dr. David Henderson. (620 Medical Drive, Suite 300, Bountiful - 801-298-3247 - for further reference). Dr. Henderson basically said that Dad was doing okay and gave him a couple new prescriptions. (I also had a visit with Dr. Henderson since he was the doctor who performer my first 4 cancer surgeries before I transfered to Huntsman).
After the doctor's appointment Dad wanted to go to the bank so I drove him to Zions Bank in Bountiful and then took him home. The Meals-On-Wheels was waiting for him.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
I opted not to discuss any of the insurance issues or medical issues. I didn't want to upset him. He was really missing mom today.
One more thing: He said he was going to cancel the Meals on Wheels because they didn't give him enough food!? I hope he doesn't, but it's up to him.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
He told me he keeps his condo open when he leaves because "he has his reasons." I talked to Dad about someday selling our house; him selling his condo and having him move in with Sheryl and I as one of many options.
We'll see how things develop.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Harold was also mad about the doctor appointments that I had made for his tests. I told him Kathryn had made those appointments (turns out she had asked his permission first) and that he didn't have to go if he didn't want to. I did reaffirm that he is slightly anemic and that it probably is due to a small hemmoraging internally. I Googled "hematocrit" (the test he was 3 points low) and it explained that when the RDW was high and the MCV was normal, it probably meant the patient has an acute bleeding problem. His RDW is high and his MCV is normal so we do need to follow up on this but I did not want to press my luck after getting the two insurance issues resolved. He is not very motivated in part because I think he would really rather be in the next life right now.
We also went to the bank and cashed a check for $125.00.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday Morning
I took dad went to McDonald this morning. We had a nice talk while we were eating.
I told him that me and my parents bought some new flowers and put them on the mom’s grave last Saturday. he was very happy and asked me “have you ever see my wife before she died?”, I said to him with my BIG SMILE FACE : “If your wife died 2 years ago, then Yes, I did see her before she died because I married to your son over 5 years ” . He started laughing….”That’s right! That’s right!”
He does not need anything to buy at Wal-Mart so we went home.
(Lena wrote this)
Medical and Insurance Update
Second, Toby Gonzalez, Harold's State Farm insurance agent, has agreed to meet with Harold and I in the morning. His homeowner's is out of force again. The last check was received after the deadline so Toby has a refund check with him. Hopefully we can work out coverage, etc. and get the condo covered again. The car situation will be different. Don't know what to expect there but to adequately insure the car against theft, etc. will be a few hundred dollars.
If you have any ideas before we meet tomorrow that would be helpful.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday, September 22,2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
...pardon the copy, paste, and reconstruct of this post. Blogger wasn't exactly intuitive about my needing an invite to participate.
I took Dad yesterday to McDonalds (Walmart) to eat as all he had to eat today was a can of peaches. (I expressed our concern about his haphazard eating habits.) The meals on wheels folks didn't show up today; but Dad feels they should show up Tuesday.
Going back to Walmart/McDonalds: We ran into Luann and her son. We also ran into another gentleman from the North Canyon Stake that recognized Dad and struck up a conversation; but Dad didn't remember him.
At Walmart, we got Dad some soup, orange juice, and other needed groceries. I had a talk with Dad about the importance of his doctor's appt. He has agreed to look at that again; I just have to help him get over the Excedrin hurdle.
Dad's problem with the doctor's appt. is he kind of wants to accelerate his own mortality. With more time, I will try and get the doctor's appt. redone. Dad and I had a philosophical discussion about his perception of Mom's premature passing due to eating habits/health issues. Dad feels strongly that mom was culpable of that; and I asked Dad, well, if you're doing the same thing...He then stated that it's o.k. for him as an 84 year old to do that; but not o.k. for mom at 77 to do it.
Once Dad realized he painted himself into a corner, I dropped it. (But, he got the point.) I expressed my concern with him not eating enough and regularly. We'll see how meals on wheels does. Thanks Kathy for setting that up.
Dad and I read from the Ensign for FHE and spent some time together.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday Morning
When I drove him to McDonald's in Centerville I tried to explain that Paula is a genuinely nice person and is just trying to be helpful - The kindness of strangers phenomenon (and that she is half his age and is already sealed to her husband).
During the McDonald's / WalWart breakfast I asked Dad about the pending colonoscopy and again he reiterated his position of not willing to go without Excedrin for a week prior to the procedure. As a side, I totally understand Dad's reluctance to stop taking the medicine that seems to be the only thing between him and an out-of-control headache. However, I also understand the physician's request because aspirin thins the blood too much during a medical procedure and makes it harder to control bleeding. (I've had to go without about 20 times since 2005).
When Dad said he would rather skip the colonoscopy than the Excedrin, I asked him if he understood the ramifications of what he was saying - Was he willing to put his life at risk over some pills. He said something to the effect that he was 84 years old and windowed and he was quite ready for the next life. Whether or not he'll remember this conversation, who knows...
He said he didn't need anything else that day. He said he was looking forward to Meals-On-Wheels to start next week. He also said he didn't need a ride to church in the morning because he wasn't going. When I asked him why he told me that he was suppose to speak in Sacrament Meeting and was going to bug-out so he didn't have to.
(That's my Dad...)
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Gail The House Cleaner
Friday, September 18, 2009
Doctors Appointment on Monday, Sept. 21
Ok, I just checked my e-mail and dad wouldn't allow the doctor's office to schedule the appointment because it meant going off of his Excedrin. (which by the way, he told us he wasn't taking any medication except his eye drops). I forwarded the e-mail onto you, Todd. I responded to the e-mail by telling them, we would call on Monday and reschedule. Would you mind doing that Todd? I couldn't set up the procedure because I didn't have his policy number etc.
September 18, 2009
Todd visited with Harold this afternoon. Todd got the pamphlet he wanted. He said his dad seemed really out of it today. He thought yesterday was Friday. He accused Todd of causing problems by saying Harold had issues with Dennis.
Harold woke up this morning (about 2:00 a.m.) with severe chest pains. Todd asked if he thought it was a heart attack. Harold said no, but he thought it might have been a stroke. Todd asked if he wanted to go to the doctor. Harold said no, he was fine now so Todd didn't press the issue. Todd will be calling this information to Dennis and Kathryn to see if it needs to be passed on to Dr. Lym (blood results received this morning).
Results of Blood Tests
Thursday, September 17, 2009
One More Item
September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
September 16- Wednesday
This time I remembered to bring him his white shirts, however, I did notice he had other white shirts in his closet. I asked him why he didn't wear one of those on Sunday and he said they were dirty. Then I asked why didn't you let Dennis take them to the cleaners and he said they weren't dirty on Thursday!? But three days later they were too dirty to wear?
Dad is excited about going to the temple on Friday evening with his friend in the ward. Sunday evening, someone is picking him up to go to a Study Class. His spirits were fairly happy today. He appreciated the food from Sheryl!
September 15, 2009 - Car Insurance
I talked to Harold about this and he refused to sign the check. He's ok having no coverage on the car. I'm fine with whatever everyone decides to do.
September 15, 2009
Todd ran to Dick's Market and got 2 half gallons of milk. All his milk was old - he did have one dated 9/13/09 which he drank with dinner. I went through the fridge and threw out a few things that were growing mold.
Harold seemed to be in good spirits last night. Todd told his dad he needed to start considering the fact that he might one day need to go into a nursing home. This did NOT go over well. Todd stressed that this wasn't go to happen soon, but it might become a reality in the future.
Monday, September 14, 2009
September 14, 2009
Because I have medical procedures on Tuesday and Wednesday I traded Todd for this week. I pick up Dad at around 8:30 am. We looked at some pictures and he started to complain that his wife (I believe her name was Joan…) never liked to go fishing at Fish Lake (catchy name) with him. I told him that some people just don’t like to fish…
With that problem resolved I drove him to his favorite dining establishment, McDonald’s at WalMart. He was kind enough to give me directions to this particular WalMart (the one I’ve been coming to since it opened in 2003) ;o)
He ordered his usual 2 Sausage McMuffins and water. I asked him if he needed any groceries while we were here. He indicated he just needed one thing: a gallon of Sunny Delight (orange-colored liquid). I took him home and he seemed happy as a clam. I told him Todd and/or Sheryl would over on Tuesday evening.September 13- Sunday
Saturday, September 12, 2009
September 12- Saturday
Friday, September 11, 2009
September 11, 2009
Todd asked if anyone was visiting him. He said "no" but then remembered Dennis took him to the doctor yesterday. He's upset Dennis is "pushing him" about everything. When Todd asked for specifics he couldn't come up with anything but the Senior Center activities.
Todd & I have talked about looking into Meals on Wheels or something similiar. We worry about his eating habits. Maybe they could bring in a late lunch/early dinner on some days. This could add some varity to his McDonald's favorites and help with getting some more nuturious meals.
Visit and Groceries - 9/2
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9-2-2009(sent by email orginally)
I had a last minute meeting to attend in Utah yesterday and today so I had a chance to drop in on Dad.
Mikel and I drove up Tuesday night and spent a couple of hours with Dad.
He said that he needed groceries so we picked him up what he needed.
He seemed in good spirits but was quite irratic in what he spoke about. (The usual 40 year old home teaching woman etc etc) We joked about that Mikel's name was... Several times.
The house seemed clean and I noticed nothing of concern.
m - September 11, 2009 10:22 AM
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Two more items!
2. Harold says he has a study group the third Sunday of each month which would be Sept 20th at 7 PM. This would be a very good activity for him. I think the group is from his old Bountiful Ward. We will need to get some information for him to attend.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
He talked to the doctor about his constant battle with constipation - Dr. Lym gave him a Rx which he would not let me take him to get filled. He said he would take care of it. I don't know why he would not let me take him. The other item was a urinary problem that Dr. Lym referred to a Urologist that Harold had already seen. When Dr. Lym told him, Harold said he wanted to pick the doctor he would see. When we got home we looked through his phone book and found the doctor he wanted - Dr. David Henderson at Lakeview. I made an appointment for September 29th at 11:30. That is a Tuesday (Gary).
I painted the curb in the garage so that he would be able to see it better. I also took his white shirts to the cleaners. Kathryn will pick them up Saturday.
I should also mention that I asked Dr. Lym privately what signs we should be looking for to determine if Harold is entering the initial phases of Alzheimer's. These are the things he said to look for: 1. Change in personality, 2. Getting disoriented while driving, 3. Forgetting to eat, 4. Unable to keep his own checkbook and 5. Unable to purge old items from the refrigerator. (I am really suprised I could remember all five!) When I told Dr. Lym that he is doing all these things he gave me a packet of materials for us to read about Alzheimer's and some sample medication. I didn't give Harold the medication because he still denies having any memory problems.
I forgot to mention that we went to Crown Burgers because he said he was starved. No kidding, after fasting for 24 hours. When I left, he thanked me for taking him to the Dr. and for lunch.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Gary called and said he had a bad weekend with his migraines (even spent an evening in the ER) and asked if I could take his place today. Dad was a little upset when I arrived, but was calmer during his McDonald run. He said our visits weren't working because no one was coming. I reminded him of the people that had come the last couple of days, and then he remembered. We had a pleasant visit and then purchased some food items. I think it's best if we buy food items that he doesn't have to prepare in any way, just take out of the box and eat. He was excited about two new t-shirts I bought him. He picked them out and they were only $5.00 each. Got to love Wal-Mart! He said he needed t-shirts because his other shirts were too hot. He also bought bananas, OJ, granola bars, mini cupcakes and twinkies. (Not that healthy, but it's what he wanted) After Wal-Mart I took him home, did the dishes, and then we went to the hardware store to get batteries for his remote control in the Living Room. He was excited to watch TV in the Living Room. He talked a lot about the photos of mom that he thought were at Fish Lake. He wrote on the back of them they were taken at Fish Lake. He was so excited to think that she went to Fish Lake with him at one time! Whether it's true or not, it doesn't matter! He needs to believe she did! I hope she did!
We talked for a while, then before I left, I reminded him of his doctor's appointment on Thursday. About a month ago he asked me to make an appointment with a doctor to help him with his dementia. I promised him either me or Dennis would be there to take him. He had to fast 12 hours before the physical. He was pretty happy when I left.