Good Morning,
Sending best wishes to you all.
We had the ‘Best Interests’ meeting mid September, a care home placement was suggested, however, I didn’t hear anything further and I mentioned my husband was going into respite care for a couple of weeks and I wanted to see family run a half-marathon in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society.
Within a few days of his respite stay, he’d had a fall and banged his head on their radiator resulting in a one inch cut to the side of his head. Apparently, a telephone call was made to their usual team and photos sent, they said to keep an eye on him for any possible problems, but an ambulance was not requested.
A few days after the fall, he had two massive seizures, a short time apart and this time an ambulance was called and he has now been in hospital for over two weeks.
I wasn’t told about the fall in the respite place until I had a call with them regarding his hospital admission. Surely, someone who’s previously had a brain haemorrhage, has epilepsy (but no seizures since 1997), has MS & MS Dementia and is on aspirin as a suspected stroke was suggested some years back, should have been thoroughly checked by a Dr. and a possible hospital admission??
He was able to get about with his Zimmer frame at home.
I had an appointment visiting slot at the hospital and just burst into tears. He had no speech, was nil by mouth (tubes through his nose), his right side (arm, hand, leg & foot wasn’t moving at all), so he was full hoist too and was just staring at the ceiling. I was worried it was a stroke, it wasn’t.
Gradually, the odd word came, in time he was able to focus on people. There is slight movement in his right side, but he remains with ‘full hoist’ which was awful to see him being moved this way.
We had a Best Interests meeting and we discussed his eating with various specialists (after tests), three options; but we know he would want to eat again, so they are trying him on a soft food diet.
I have requested as much physio as possible with a view to possibly getting him to a standing position with help and a Zimmer frame.
Obviously, it’s not known what strength he has left in his arm and leg. I just hope there’s some progress next week, as mobility helps so much.
I’ve looked after him so well for 31 years and for all this to happen in the space of a few days respite care, is heartbreaking.
I am very grateful for all the hospital care.
I wondered if anyone has dealt with something similar?
Take care and thanks for helping.
