Well, after thinking we had made some progress, today has seen a dramatic downturn .... in spite of 48 hours of anti-biotics today mum was unable to walk ..... bed-ridden ..... hallucinating at times ..... very anxious ... (Sis reported she had been perfectly well enough to enjoy her beloved footie on TV last night!!!! - it's almost unbelievable how much change in less than 12 hours?!)
The third visit by GP in a week and finally a hospital referral - although he expressed his concern that is not the best place for her just now ..... (MRSA etc, mutter, mutter ....) We subsequently received a visit from medics from the hospital 'Admittance Avoidance Team' (also known as the Rapid Response Team) .... obvious mum needs 24/7 nursing care just now .... they felt the best option was for nursing care in a home .... within an hour of their visit, a bed was found, an ambulance booked .......
I am assured by the GP this is 'just an infection' and she will get better, by the Admittance Avoidance team that they will review in 6 weeks or earlier to rehabilitate mum to her home when she is well enough with a care package in place ...... I, her sister, and the admission nurse at the home this evening all believe there is something 'more sinister' going on than 'just' the dementia and a couple of lousy infections (especially against the backdrop of her appalling 'physical health' history) .... but all agreed there is little point putting her through the investigations as she is barely well enough to undergo tests let alone any curative treatment .... We are trying to accept this may be palliative care ..... yet desperately trying to believe the medics' views ...
The NH is lovely .... clean, homely atmosphere - the staff have been bustling about mum in that bossy but loving kind of way she needs to coax her with meds and liquids .... and me - lots of tea, sympathy, understanding and even hugs ..... most importantly .... in lucid moments mum knew she needed more help than we could ever achieve at home just now ..... and she has gone willingly ..... She looks desperately ill, but comfortable, smiled at the staff several times between dozing off ....... thanked me endlessly, told me to 'go away and get some proper rest' .....
I am overwhelmed by sadness and fear - but with a tiny edge of relief she is in the right place just now ......
Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts and messages, Karen, x
(Now off to do as my mother says and 'get an early night' ......
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