Mom/Dad/Caregiver Update

April 2024

 

My dad doesn't have caregivers on Sunday and so Kerry, Brit, Ang and I coordinate visits to lighten the load.  I usually go from 4:00-5:00 and it's nice to have some time with my mom.   Whenever I go during the week, there are always caregivers and sometimes hospice workers, but on Sundays, it's just the two of us.  I usually get to help her eat and then get ready for bed.  This Sunday was surprising because she was actually resting.

My mom rarely rests during the day.  She is on the move from  4:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  She agitatedly goes throughout the house taking things out of drawers, moving pillows, opening closets, or taking things out of the pantry.   I was so glad she was able to lie down for a bit, and it was a nice touch to my busy Sunday to be able snuggle in bed for a bit.

Small but mighty!  This is in example of her being busy around the house.  Heidy sent it to my dad when he was at lunch one day.  We have a safety belt on her because she cannot walk by herself without falling.  My mom was really on top of things on this day because she also unstrapped her safety belt!

Notice anything?  My dad had several infections this month including pink eye.  He was perplexed with why he kept getting sick, but it was pretty clear to me and Britney.  He absolutely needed more sleep at night.  My mom is up and down all night and then up for the day starting between 2:30 and 5:00 a.m.  I have been trying to get him to consider hiring a night caregiver for probably over a year.  Five different infections in a month aren't fun, but I am glad it helped him get serious about getting more help.  In April, he was able to find someone to come in for a night shift five days a week, and it has made him a new man.  He had kind of forgotten what it felt like to sleep for more than two hours in a row.

Our current caregivers are Alma, Heidy, Destiny (Heidi's college age daughter) and Michelle (nights.). We love these ladies.  They take great care of my mom.  Below is a fun picture of the original three.  They happened to all be at the house at the same time.  My mom and all her besties!

July Proctor, Heidy Baeza & Alma Merriman

My mom's caregivers = Our extended family