Visiting Mom

My hubby and I visited Mom today at the nursing home, and I got there just in time to feed her her dinner. She continues to be a hearty eater, and that is a good thing. However, despite the Care Plan Meetings, communication with administrator and staff , and constant monitoring, things aren't still up-to-par. I know things will never be perfect. But doing one's job properly is a must. I had a discussion with the cafeteria worker on duty today because they just cannot seem to get things right in following Mom's dietary guidelines. First, they were giving Mom regular sugar instead of "Sweet N Low" (she's diabetic), and then they kept giving her milk despite the orders to stop doing so for one week. Now, it's them failing to give her a glass of water even though on her meal ticket it states that she is given milk, tea, and coffee. Their response was well she has a pitcher of water in the room. Well, if she could GET IT ON HER OWN, then I'd understand. But she cannot....but that's beside the point. The dietitician told me that Mom would be furnished a glass of water with each meal to ensure that she was getting enough liquids. And this was stated in front of the social worker, head nurse, activity director, and myself. So I told the cafeteria workers this fact, and the lady with the attitude changed her tune of trying to pass the buck to the CNAs. She doesn't like me much because she was part of the sugar/milk problem during the holidays. However, I just want the best for my Mom and the residents who are at that nursing home, and speaking up for them must be done. Dignity is what every person deserves, especially people who cannot communicate anymore. We must be their voice.



Other than that and the fact that Mom's arm had been bandaged due to her allergies once again, our visit with Mom went well. She enjoys being pampered when we visit. She gets her hands and face cleaned and massaged with lotion. Then I massage her hands and feet with lotion. She then loves when her hair is brushed. I love doing this because it makes her relax and I love to hear her giggle and smile when she is listening to me talk about what's going on in the world today or reminisce about memories we lived. Some days it's only my voice speaking, but on good days, she is talking to me. And those are the times that I wish I could bottle up and save forever.