Notes on Mom's Medication, Progress, recent Questions...Action required by some of us

Today, June 3rd, the charge nurse, Jon, told me that they have changed Mom's Haldol dose to 'as needed.' They feel she has been doing so well that they are going to see if it would work well to just use when she cannot get out of her tears/wailing. They will observe closely and give it if necessary. There is also discussion about upping her Cymbalta, but a decision has not been made at this point. We hope that this change does not result in a relapse for this weekend when Mike, Ann, Mary and ? are visiting.

Questions Mom has asked in the last couple days:
1. Where did all the personal things from Charbonneau go?
Pat and I were both with her when she asked this. We explained that things were divided up amongst family because at that time she was not really doing well and not one person could store everything. She would like some of her personal items back. When we asked her which - she could not tell us - but we think we should slowly return some things. She misses her jewelry... I think we will pick up a bookcase and maybe we could slowly fill it with some momentos.

2. She asked Pat who was paying for all this (the room at Riverview.) Pat told her that she was...that Dad had arranged a trust for her that will take care of her needs. He told her that if she needed anything - she just needed to let us (any of us) know and we would get it for her...he explained that Bill is paying the bills with the Trust. ) Within a few minutes she gave Pat a list... a watch that she could read, glass holders, a couch, a new comforter. Pat commented that he may have unleashed a dragon! :)

3. Today during our car ride she asked where Dad's funeral was held. I told her that it was at the Church in Kennewick. I told her that she was there - but she didn't remember being there. I described the ceremony.. that Mike gave the eulogy, that she sat between Mike and Barb (hope that was right), that there was a military ceremony, etc. I told her that it was during the time when she was not doing well so she may not remember. I described the reception and the party that evening. I described the boards that Mary created. She then said, "Well, I suppose no one saved any of the newspaper clippings." I told her that I am sure that we have copies and we will get her some if she wants. She then started crying and said something on the order of: It would help sombody to have with closure.

4. During the last three days she is a bit more anxious. Leaving is hard. She communicates that she doesn't know how to do anything, i.e., turn on the TV, make a phone call, call for someone. I am not sure she will be able to really do those things, but the more she bonds with the staff at Riverview, possibly some of this anxiety will lessen. I find that having someone else there, i.e., getting her ready to go to bed, or helping her go to the bathroom, or taking her to an activity is the best time to leave as she is with someone during the transition. She will probably still cry/complain... but it is hard to just walk out and leave her alone.