Well, another change to the plan. They had asked me yesterday if I wanted them to dig deeper into new law to get Jim into rehab, and I said no. Hence my update yesterday. But family was worried about me, for it really is just me, so I texted doc late last night and said check. He and case manager spent all day doing that, for they could not get the PT and stroke/brain/memory help they feel he needs through home health etc here without it costing me an arm and a leg. So, after two management meetings and a negative COVID test, I got a call from the center his doc really wanted him to go to that he was accepted - but law won’t allow me to go. No visitation either. All because of unreported deaths, virus cases etc in nursing homes and rehab centers! And because he hops out of bed and tries to go where he wants, he will be in a lock down unit. So.....
I feel he would get better faster at home mentally, but I can not give him the other things he needs. I have to be honest about my physical limitations and accept help. My family is ecstatic for both our sakes, and I have to find a way to be at peace with this. At least I know this facility, for Jim’s mom has been here for years - even in same unit for a few of those years. She will be 103 in August, but is now in a unit where she gets the extra physical help she needs. Due to virus, though, they will not be allowed to see one another. I also know the director of admissions from seeing her around when visiting Jim’s mom, and from my work. She is a member of the credit union and member/ friend of my boss. When they had to refuse us yesterday, she saw my name and called me personally. Then today called back with the Yes for Jim, but no for me. Case worker really tried to get special exemption for me, but that only works for end of life residents for last goodbyes. Again, law. They have wonderful PT, and specialize in all things memory and brain related - what Jim needs. They have weekly FaceTime day for each wing, and Jim supposedly could get an aid to call me so he can talk to me. No phones or tvs in rooms, which is great since Jim does not really watch TV. All private rooms with shared bathrooms. I have to list positive aspects to help cope with the fact he may go nuts when he does not have access to me for two-three weeks. They moved that rascal to a different room - right across from the nurses station to keep an eye on him better - and he had a nurse call me because he was scared, did not know where he was, where was I etc earlier today. Yet they told me this morning before that he was totally lucid, answered all their questions correctly, and even called doctor by his correct name! I need positive thought and prayer for him to be able to handle this separation so as to heal, get better and stronger, and come home to me. For those who know him well, you know he is a friendly guy. When I asked how he did today, they said he walked around - with a belt restraint to catch or guide him, but no walker - sat up in his chair for over an hour, and hung out with them at the nurses desk for about an hour and a half. I was like ?? Standing up?? They said he seemed restless and bored and kept asking for me, so they brought him to the desk and sat him in a chair, and he entertained them. I was like were you entertained? The young man laughed and said “oh yeah”. Jim does not drink, but give him a brain event, and no telling what he said! I did have another tech ask me if I really met him on a caving trip, and he and another said it sounded like we had both had quite an interesting life with many adventures. I think they will miss him, and probably why my ears were burning?! I bet the walls at that desk will never be the same, and they know things about us that would make me blush!! But I wish I had been there to enjoy the show 😊 Will be there early and stay till he goes to rehab to make sure we say goodby, and explain again what is happening and why. Wish me luck, and don’t judge me too harshly for getting him help outside of home. Stay safe, be well, and go find a cave! Mimi Jasek Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
