I think it's Friday!

[JudyJB]

Afternoon in Phoenix and even I have been up for several hours, so where is everyone?

Getting tired of chilly Arizona and would like a nice sunny day where it is in the 70s. High today is supposed to be 60 and tomorrow a whopping 61, but I am going to the Desert Botanical Gardens anyway because I bought an annual pass. Going to post this fast before someone posts a double.

[Bethers]

I've been busy this morning. First good news is Peaches is up for longer walks again. She ran around off leash for the first time since this happened and we went to the dog park here and she played fetch with a smile on her face. No more pills in food... She actually handles it better when I open her mouth, stick them in and then hold her mouth shut till I'm sure she's swallowed them. And she's eating well.

Second good news is I just filed my taxes and I'm getting a better refund than I expected. Yay... I need it!

I had fun for awhile at a good auction here at my Escapees park. But people paid more than I could afford... The proceeds go to a group in the park so that all the entertainment and more is free to us... Paid from what they raise doing these... And they are a blast.

On another note I cannot find my little humidifier anywhere. I'm beginning to think I gave it away So I'll have to continue with the slightly bigger one. Oh well...

I've been working with a supplier for the store on some souvenirs unique for our store... I've now approved the design on all but one.... Have one more change that one needs. I think (hope) they'll be good sellers!

My friends Jil and Tom came over last night for a visit. We're going out to dinner tonight. I'll miss them when I spend more time here. There lives are moving in another direction and they'll be selling their lot here. If it wouldn't be so inconvenient to do so, I'd see if I could get their lot... But I can't have money in both lots and I don't even know what theirs will go for when ready to sell. Anyway, I'm glad to be able to spend some time with them.... They'll be moving to Washington state... When I'm ready to take summers off again, I'll head their way for a visit.

Done with my book. Judy, I agree, I'd rather the temps be just a tad warmer, but I'm good as long as the sun shines with the 60's. For bit anyway.

[MandysMom]

Very quick message. Current (3rd type tried) has failed. Hospice has npbeen called to begin comfort care. Knew it was coming but one is never ready.
Velda

[Bethers]

Oh, Velda, I'm so very sorry. Love each other for what time you have. And know that I believe any of us here will be here for you any way we can. Hugs.

[PeggyinCT]

Velma, so sorry to hear your news. You both put up an extraordinary fight. May the end come gently. Love to you both. Peggy

[Acadianmom]

Velda, so sorry to hear that things are not working as planned. I have had several people tell me that I should call hospice but I see what they do at the nursing home and it looks like just someone else poking on patients. It might be different if he was at home.

Judy, you can come to humid South Louisiana, it's 85. If we didn't have this wind blowing off the gulf the cold front that's North of here would be down here. It was raining some in town. I wanted to go to the RV supply store in Lafayette and almost changed my mind. The bulbs in one of the lights in the motorhome were burned out and I wanted to get some screens to put on the water heater door before the mud daubers get started again. I had to get the mud cleaned out of the water heater so it would run on propane. Forgot that I wanted to look for a rose bush. Can't remember 2 things.

Beth, is your lot in one of the Escapees parks? I have been a member for a long time and have never made it to the park nearest to me. I pass the Livingston, Texas park when I head to Texas but it's usually too early to stop.

Martha

[BirdbyBird]

Velma saddened to hear your news but also know that you both will continue to maximize the time you have. In truth that is all any one of us has. Will be thinking of you both and may you continue to find some peace and strength as you move forward.

Martha. When my father was in the nursing home and they recommended that he receive hospice services what I witnessed was a plus for Dad. I was coming in almost every day. I had a choice of two hospice providers and choose the one that was represented by a young woman that had always stopped in the halls and spent time with Herschel. Hospice services provided him with an additional "bath" opportunity and provided additional one on one interaction even if it was only to provide hime with a change in position or some range of motion. I also noticed by observing the other residents that had services that if a resident became ill that Hospice would call in someone to sit one on one with them. If they got better the one on one support faded back but if not and they noticed any change in conditions the one one one could step out and get back up. I also wonder that Hospice might be better at addressing pain management and has easier/faster ways to contact supervisors and or medical/Dr support at all hours of the day or night as needed. The staff at the nursing home appeared to work closely with the Hospice providers and the service and supports seemed to compliment each other. Just my experience.

[Bethers]

Martha, I second what Tina just said. We selected a good nursing home for my Mom. But our hospice nurse was exceptional. And yes. It meant extra baths, etc. I'd give it a closer look. I can't imagine the time there without that extra help.

[JudyJB]

So sorry, Velda. At least hospice will keep him comfortable.

And Martha, I agree with Bird-by-Bird about calling in hospice at the nursing home. I waited longer than I should have to do that with my mother, but when I did it meant that there was another person overseeing her care to make sure she was comfortable. (She had severe dementia, was almost blind and deaf, and was in a wheelchair.) They were wonderful with my mother and made me feel good that they would be checking on her often.

They also addressed pain management for her back better and sat with her more often than I could. Being on hospice also meant that they would not try any extraordinary efforts to resuscitate her, as once happened when she was in another nursing home even though she had a do-not-resuscitate order from me.

[beazle]

Oh, Velda, I’m so sorry for your news; and you’re right, even when we know it’s coming, it’s still so hard. I’m praying for comfort and peace for you both during this time.
Judy, I, too, have about had it with cold Arizona! Thought we were coming to hot sunshine when we left Wisconsin in January. I’m planning a return trip that is farther south than our trip out, so I can get my “bones warmed up” before we are back in the frozen tundra.
We are currently at Zane Grey RV Village in Camp Verde, AZ, a lovely spot with trees and a little water. Tomorrow we’re taking a guided hike at sunset near Sedona so I’m hoping for a nice view, even if it is chilly. Missing Cheryl (IrishIroamed) as we had a great 10 days together in Tucson area and Apache Junction. And, I got to visit with Judy JB and meet Beth, too!
Today was laundry day-amazing what the idea of clean sheets can do to the spirit, LOL!
Be safe and keep warm...
Eileen

[Azusateach]

Velda, I add my hugs to everyone else's. It's a tough time, for sure.

And about hospice. My mom was a hospice nurse, and also a patient before she died. The level of care I saw her give her to her patients was amazing, along with the way the team worked together to care for everyone involved. I remember her telling me about a little lady who was basically bedridden but wanted to see the ocean one last time. Mom was able to get her into her car and drive her to the beach, where they sat and watched the waves for about 30 minutes. It wasn't much in the grand scheme of things, but it meant the world to that little old lady. And another time she had a patient who hadn't had chocolate for a long, long time due to diabetes -- her family wouldn't "allow" her to have it, for fear that it would make her sick. Well, she was terminal, and wanted to taste chocolate one last time, so Mom brought her one, just one, piece of Sees chocolate (Mom found out what her favorite kind was), and she brought it to her. It didn't make her any sicker than she already was, but it did give her tremendous pleasure for just a few minutes.

When my mom learned that her cancer was untreatable she arranged to have the hospice group she'd worked for treat her. It was amazing. They not only made sure she was comfortable, but also made sure that us kids were doing okay, too. Hospice is not just for the terminally ill. If it does its job, it's about the terminal patient's family as well. I have nothing but good memories of our experience with them. One of the things that this particular group does is take an article of clothing from the patient and make a teddy bear from it. We had 3 made from some of Mom's clothes. Her best friend, my niece, and I each have one. Such a sweet way to remember her. Mine is made from one of her favorite housecoats.

Anyway, Martha, that poking & prodding that the nursing home does won't be done by hospice people unless they're trying to figure out how to make Harold more comfortable. If he's terminal, then find a group that you're okay with and let them help you both. And Velda, I hope the group you're working with will be as supportive of you as they are of your husband.

Laura

[monik7]

Velda, I’m so very sorry. Wishing you both prayers and peace with whatever is to come. (((((HUGS)))))
Sandi

[Acadianmom]

What I have see is someone from a hospice just talking to patients and aids for about 5 minutes. I have never seen them actually do anything. I am there everyday for a couple of hours. They just kind of wander in and out. The nursing home has a nurse practitioner that I talk to several times a week.

Martha

[Irmi]

Velda, my heart goes out to you. I will keep you & Mel on our prayer list in church.

[avalen]

So so sorry Velez, I'll keep you and him in my prayers