Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2002. We went to visit family and they had this jumper seat that hung from a door frame. You can see Mattie sitting in it. Mattie absolutely LOVED it. He loved it because he could walk around on his two feet, he could jump up and down, and I even used it as a swing. We eventually purchased one for our home, and it was a God send, because when I got tired of carrying Mattie, I would put him in this jumper and rock him gently. I can't tell you how many nights I used this contraption in order to get calm enough to then be lifted into his crib to sleep. For me it was better than a rocking chair.
Quote of the day: When you miss me, just look up to the night sky and remember, I’m like a star; sometimes you can’t see me, but I’m always there. ~ Jayde Nicole
My friend sent me this YouTube video about why hospitals can be dangerous for older adults. The video is about 13 minutes long, and the professional in the video is a hospice nurse, who previously worked in a hospital setting. So with that in mind, I knew the topic of hospice care was going to present itself somewhere.... and I was correct. Toward the end of the video she provided other options of care for older adults rather than traditional medical/hospital care. Certainly something to consider and to be aware of, but for me personally, I have issues with hospice.
It is an interesting video, because this nurse walks us through why taking an older adult to a hospital, when presenting with symptoms, may not always be the best option. She recommends forming a bond with your loved one's primary care doctor and trying to triage issues that way! However, I have news for her, most doctors are edgy giving medical advice virtually especially when discussing a 90 year old like my father, who has multiple health conditions. Every time I have contacted my dad's doctor, his advice is to go to the ER. So it is balancing act as my dad's caregiver to determine when I can manage something and when I think medical attention is needed. That said, this nurse brings up outstanding points that we caregivers need to know about when we bring our loved ones to a hospital!
Here are some of the main points that can happen with a hospital admission of an older adult:
- Hospitals cause deconditioning -- with time spent in bed, the body weakens
- Delirium - confusion, agitation
- Sleep disturbances
- Hospitals overtreat issues, and usually treat the most pressing issue first
- Polypharmacy - hospitals typical prescribe six or more drugs to older adults and many of them can cause serious side effects
- Hospital acquired infections
In my dad's case, she is 100% correct! With every hospital admission, bullet points #1-5, happen to my dad and by the time he is discharged, I am dealing with my dad's physical recovery and the side effects of hospitalization! Which adds significant burden onto the family caregiver!
This afternoon, I took my parents out to our local diner. We go there every Saturday. I absolutely love the manager at this diner. She always looks out for me and my parents. Even though it was super crowded today, she found a booth for my parents right away. A week ago, the manager commented that she liked my headband. One of the telltale things about me are my headbands! I love them and collect them like people collect shoes or purses! Any case, this week, I tracked down the headband that she liked on me and I purchased one for her! Today I surprised her with it. I can't tell you how surprised and happy she was! There are certain people in my life that hug me every time they see me. She is one of them. I am sure hugs are shared because we have a bond, but what they most like are not aware of is that their hugs are the only hugs that I get now. My point is, this kindness means a lot to me. Do not under estimate the power of a hug, and I don't mean one in which you go through the motions, but a real hug.
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