Not getting better

Not getting better

Well, I finally got the Power of Attorney paper work for Aldo finished, got the witnesses I needed, and a notary to put his seal on it. Always good to have things like that in order, so that Aldo will get the kind of care he wants, in case he can't speak for himself. The doctor and social at the hospital were so happy to know that he had an extended family of some kind, that they started to work with us even before the paper work was finished. Besides they had Aldo's verbal ok. Younger doctors seem to be better listeners than older ones, at least for the most part. There are exceptions in both groups, but his doctor really listens and takes time to explain things to Aldo, though she is truthful, but with a soft lining so to speak.

Aldo did not seem to be getting better when I saw him yesterday. His right hand was just about useless, and his left was weaker than it was a couple of days before, so I don't know what that really means. The doctor told me that therapy may help him, that she has been surprised in the past, by the progress that some of her stroke patients have made, but she is not overly optimistic.

Aldo wanted me to make sure his rent was paid in his apartment for the May, but I had to tell him that the Nursing home will need the check, to help pay for expenses for his care. As we talked I had to be honest. We talked about a time line, and I said that he will not be better within a month, that even if he could eventually move back in his place, it would be several months at least. I of course did not tell him that I did not think this would happen, he is already depressed enough. He has been on a plateau for so long that this sudden change is very difficult for him. I know he is very anxious about losing his apartment, that this plunge into helplessness may be permanent.

Pattie and I are trying to get him place in a facility near where we live, then he will get plenty of visitors, like I said his extended family is a good size. He is such a gentle soul, and well loved, so having visitors on a regular basis will be a big help to him.

People complain about nursing homes, the care, etc. There is truth to that of course. Many are understaffed, so the CNA's are often overworked, and of course underpaid. You always have those near burnout, and some are just plain lazy, so having visitors on a regular basis, insures better care. Though I think most workers in nursing homes are loving and caring people, with perhaps simply too much too do. Well we will see how it goes after we get him settled in his new home.