Well, I got out for my walk yesterday, and it was very nice. I was only walking on the flat, and it wasn't far, two miles or so, but while I was walking, I didn't feel great physically. I guess I haven't recovered yet from the month of hospital joy and also the challenge continues now at home, but at least we ARE both at home now!
The live in carer is very good. The first few days were so very challenging. So many towels, so many sheets, all soaked with urine as we were struggling with the supplies we had. This was partly down to me not pre planning (but how? - I was either sleeping, in hospital, or travelling to and from the hospital!) and partly down to perhaps me not asking for someone to give me some supplies before she came home. Now I have two large packs of industrial pads that I had ordered, plus we have received the samples from the continence clinic, so no more accidents (so far). Also, a friend of mine visited in the week and stayed over. I think she wanted to see mum as she's so ill (our families have been very close since I can remember). It was lovely to see her and she really mucked in, but what with the challenges, live in carer, and house guest, it really was too much. Apart from two hours when the carer takes her break, she's here all the time. I am SO pleased she is, but it's still someone in my home. This will all change next weekend when she leaves. So I'll have my home back for just me and mum, but I will only have three care calls a day. Hope I can cope in between! I have decided on three calls as, again, the thought of four visits a day is just too much. We'll have to see how it goes.
Mum is getting weaker. She seemed to be able to shuffle a bit and lift herself more in hospital, but now she can't help us much, but she does seem more alert when she is fully awake. Really hard to see her go from being so mobile, to completely immobile, so suddenly. I have to keep reminding myself that we are now dealing with the fallout of not only age and dementia, but also a stroke. Which again brings me to hoping mum does not suffer this for long. Each time we change/dress her, she tells me to stop torturing her. It's awful. Mentally she's much worse too. Most mornings she has no idea who I am, but eventually seems to recognise me.
I'm sorry I'm just 'dumping' at the mo, and not supporting, but I need to! This is extremely hard now.