Home from the Hospital + Rehab
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My grandfather is home from the hospital + rehab. He came home Thursday and it took what seems like half a day to figure out all his medications. It’s crazy the amount of pills he needs to take now every day. We got new pill organizers which will help but man, getting them all in there and making sure they are correct was a little stressful. Geesh, getting old isn’t easy. Between trying to figure out when he takes what and how much of what, I felt like my brain was going to explode.
My dad and I read through 3 sheets of medications, dose amounts and both just looked at each other and said, “this is nuts!”
My grandfather said, “how do you think I feel, I have to take all that crap!”
When I arrived to pick him up, he was sitting just on the inside of the door to his room waiting for me. He said he had been waiting since 4am. -ha.
He was so happy to Miss Kelly wheel him out to the car he almost cried. Actually, he did cry. Just a little bit ;).
He gave her hug and thanked her for everything she did for him. He really enjoyed the staff at Salmon Health and is looking forward to getting back to “camp” which is in the building right behind this building where he stayed for rehab. That’s one of the benefits of Salmon Health, not only are they just a few minutes from our house but they have everything on-site that my grandfather may need.
The first thing he said was, “lets stop and get gram a dozen roses.” So that we did.
When we got home, my gram, mom and dad were waiting for him and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
Well except for my dad, he just rolled his eyes at the gushing emotion from my grandparents and drank his ice tea.
My dad isn’t that sappy, in fact, he is pretty emotionless. -haha
We ended up moving my grandparents into the main part of the house last week while my grandfather was still in rehab. They have always lived in the in-law area in our garage but now my grandfather needs more care so it was necessary to move them. The converted garage / in-law area is where we added the second staircase and chair rail life 6 years ago when they moved up from Florida. My grandfather has a lot of adjusting to do as he gave up his license, stopped working and essentially lost his living space all in the last 2 months. It hasn’t been an easy road for him or my gram for that matter. More on the moving spaces around in the house and him giving up his license next week. For now, we are happy to have my grandfather home from the hospital + rehab and attempting to adjust to our “new normal.”
Meet Jessica
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
If you have an iPhone, try the Round app for keeping track of medication schedules. It’s the best I’ve found and it will really help you! Best of luck and love to you and your family as you go through this next transition. Your grandfather looks good.
Oh I will check that out! Right now we have the daily/weekly planner thing that we fill for each day with pills but man oh man, if you mess one up or they change the meds, it’s hard to tell what pill is what! Thanks for the tip 🙂
Hello Jessica. I’m so sorry about your grandfather but I’m also glad he’s back home. I’ve been off FB for awhile because the negative dialogs are overwhelming. I missed everything about your grandfather but again I’m glad he’s home and I’m glad he has you to help him through everything. Be strong !
Thanks Toni! Yeah the negative dialogs were out of control around the election….. I couldn’t agree more 😉 Glad you are back !
The first thing he said was, “lets stop and get gram a dozen roses.” Now that tells me all about who your grandfather is…what a beautiful being! Despite his illness and the problems with his mind, it’s clear his soul is full of love. Brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you for sharing.
He has gone back in time and is now realizing that he worked too much and didn’t pay enough attention to my gram. -ha. He has turned super sappy and even though he is “time traveling”, he is for sure clear about how much he loves my gram 😉
Your grandfather looks great – couple posts back I was a little worried he looked so drawn and thin but he looks great here. Oh and the tears streaming down my face “lets stop and get gram a dozen roses” just beautiful. Your dad – had to laugh that would be my husband everyone in tears but him! I so enjoy reading your posts even if they do make me cry. My mother has dementia but I am thousands of miles away from her and my dear brothers deal with her daily medication(which is mind boggling as to what to take when) and all her needs. Wishing you all the very best in the changes going on in everyone’s life.
THank you for your sweet words and that is great your mom has your brothers to care for her. The amount of meds is CRAZY!!! Like 25-30 pills per day. I have panic attacks when I have to fill the med daily/weekly containers! -ha
The love that lasts with older couples is so sweet. When my mom, with Dementia fell and broke her hip she and my Dad had to be separated. She was on the side of total nursing care and he was in assisted living side. Everyday an aide would push him in his wheelchair to her room. He always said”there’s my sweetheart”. Mother’s Dementia kept her from getting back on her feet so we moved Daddy into her room permanently. He gave up what little independence he had to always be with her. They were married 75 years. He passed away last year and she recently passed away never realizing that he was gone. Getting old is not always pleasant. The scary thing is I’m almost 71. I’m next!!!
Oh my goodness that is unbelievable she didn’t know but you know what, might be best. My grandfather would DIE if something happened to my gram. He would be better not knowing :(. Such a tough thing to go through, so sorry about your parents. I love the part about him going to see her in the wheelchair and them pushing him 😉 71 is young too!!! 😉
I read the poem and post to my husband. We just finished moving my folks twice in one month, ending up in an assisted living facility. They are safe and have good care for which I am thankful. You are part of a special family filled with love.
Hi Cindy, thank you for your kind words 🙂 Sorry to hear about your parents but good to hear they are in a safe place and have the help they need 🙂
Yes, like everyone else, when I read that he wanted to get grams roses, my tears poured down. But I am also crying happy tears knowing that he is now home with his loving family. These are tough times for your family. Each day will bring something else, treasure each one.
Thank you for the poem, so touching and a great reminder for those of us who are caring for loved ones.
Thank you Mickie for stopping by!
How sweet that he wanted to get roses for his wife! Even after all he’s been through, he’s still thinking of her.
🙂
I’m so glad that your grandfather is back home. That picture of your grandparents on their walkers is so sweet.
🙂 Thank you Bonnie!
You are such a special grand daughter, they are blessed to have you.
Thank you!