Here's an update, summary, and recap on my mom and her enrichment.
![Tongue :P](./images/smilies/10.gif)
See the smiley face indicates good news coming!
My mom has made some great progress. She can eat independently as long as she doesn't have to chew too hard. She can sit up in the chair and manipulate things on the table if they are not too heavy. She can move all her body parts as she intends to do. Her mobility is severely limited, but she can use the potty chair. I bet she would be SO PLEASED to know I told that to the world. (Not!) But the good news is that now she would be able to mount a good, strong, healthy objection. She can use the phone and look all around her room. She can read her book and magazines. She was able this very day to hold a small note pad in the air and write a few words on it. It has been two weeks since her heart attack.
The Enrichment ~
Interaction: Since she has been at the better hospital the staff is much more attentive and responsive. I wrote some facts on the wall to help the staff interact, such as she doesn't want the sheet tucked in, she hates the blood pressure cuff, she likes bright light, is a retired R.N., etc. Staff actually read this and incorporated the information as needed. I called her friends and family to let them know how to get in touch with her. I asked them to call and visit, though I'm not sure if they have. I contacted her favourite minister and asked him to call - he did, and it meant so much to her. I asked specific members of the staff to check on her or assist her in specific ways when I was not there. I charged her cell phone, added minutes on it, and made sure the ringer was set on high volume. She has it tucked in the sling that holds one of her pieces of medical equipment close to her body. I give her little massages as she wants. It seems so simple, but I also hold her hand, especially when the nurses are fussing with something. I really think it helps. I also phone her from home before I visit and from work after I visit. Sometimes she answers, sometimes not.
Food: I cooked familiar foods for her and brought them hot to her bed. I fed her when she needed me to. I placed hospital food orders for her to make sure she would be eating when I did not cook. I brought her fresh fruit for snacks. I left home cooked food in the fridge for staff to bring to her when I was not there, and labeled it well. I brought her a traditional Easter dinner, hot with real plates and good silver, on that holiday AND I called to ask her how she wanted it cooked. I brought her chocolate. Also, I eat *with* her, even if I bring my own, different food.
Visual Stimulation: I brought lots of fresh flowers, including bright and large ones she could see across the room (hello Sunflowers and Gerber Daisies!) and more familiar flowers that she enjoys at home, such as are currently blooming. I made every effort to present the flowers in the nicest way, with ribbons, assorted pretty containers. Today's was a variety of sweet, delicate wildflowers presented in blue and white china jam pots on a matching tray, including some with a strong scent. She was delighted. I place the flowers high and low all around the room. I also bought large fabric pinwheel flowers and mounted them on the wall. *IF* I could figure out how to get something on the ceiling above the bed I would do that. Maybe I'll get it tomorrow.
Activities: Understanding that some items I brought may be still out of reach, I brought big print word puzzle books, easy to read magazines, a thin book of animal facts, familiar novels, her Bible. I supplied pens, pencils, markers and a small drawing pad and a writing pad. She got a magnifying glass and nail care items (requested), playing cards, an easy 48 piece puzzle. I also wrote out on paper the phone numbers she would be most likely to want. I provided a book stand to assist her reading.
Audio: I brought my Radio/CD player with the requested music- Handel's Messiah- and tuned it also to her station. I asked the nicest technician to help her run the machine.
Extras: If she sleeps while I am leaving, I write her a note for when she wakes up. I brought her beautiful new nightgowns and a robe - not the every day stuff, extra nice, - and a large cloth covered box to use as a suitcase. I brought a great Easter Basket on Easter. Once when she was sick in the past I gave her a stuffed grey Schnauzer. Now I gave her a white one so she will have a friend to hug in bed. I dropped the ball getting a pedicure and may have to do it for her myself. She gets at least two hugs per visit. I tell her that I love her and that I'm proud of her. If she had a hard time of something I acknowledge that it was hard and that she stuck with it.
SO, that's my summary, including the ceiling decoration and the pedicure I'm still working on. In truth, much of it is dependent on her having some basic physical function, so I am very glad she has it now. There is talk of discharging her to a rehab facility by the end of the week. That will bring a new set of challenges, as the rooms are smaller and shared. However, they will get her into a wheelchair and moving around, which should be great so long as they don't just park her someplace. As her functions (we hope) continue to improve in rehab I plan to commission her to make something for my friend's coming baby.
Thanks to everyone for the continued support and the really great ideas.