I don't know if I mentioned that I sometimes 'Oma-sit' a particular older woman from a part of Germany that now longer exists. If I haven't, then I'd like to share a bit about L. now. I met her last May when I began volunteering at a memory care center here in town. When we met, L. was a lively 98-year-old living with dementia yet still relatively physically robust. L. could walk herself around the care center, take herself to the toilet and express some simple thoughts that may or may not have seemed to be germane to the situation at hand. She was funny, lively and enjoyed people as I was later to learn she always had done in her long life.
A few weeks' back L. took a tumble and fractured her pelvis, among other injuries. The prognosis was this: a) send L. home to sort of rot away in bed or b) operate and shoot for the best. Her family chose the latter and I was able to visit with L. a bit yesterday post-op by about four days. At that point, she'd only been administered ibuprofen for pain. I saw her late afternoon (4p) and her daughter, who also happens to be a working nurse, determined that L. not had any ibuprofen since 8p the previous night despite her care notes stipulating that the pain med be given more frequently. L. has dementia and does not hit her call button at all. NOT AT ALL. I would imagine that this bit of salient information should also be in her notes. Apparently, the squeaky wheel gets the grease at the hospital and all others are left in the dust (until someone remembers, hopefully, to check on the quiet patient in room 301).
While at the hospital visiting L., I met a friend of hers. M., a robust 88-year-old, had just come from the No Kings event held at Ocean Beach. She was part of the of the first 'u' in the anti-drumpf message. M. said that it was good to get out to the beach and be a part of things. There were drones overhead capturing the action. I've seen images in the paper--Trump Must Go Now! I think it read. And, boy, ain't that the truth!
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| A semi-recent shot of City Hall awash in red. |
How awesome the 88 year old was able to participate in the No Kings. I admire her for doing that. Sorry to hear about your friend and hope she recovers. Having surgery at her age is nothing to sneeze at.
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She's one tough cookie, but the road to recovery is fraught, indeed.
DeleteI hope your friend L recovers decent mobility after her pelvis heals. I can't believe they're only giving ibuprofen for that, and even then, omitting regular doses! I imagine L must love speaking German with you and I'm sure you're a real asset in the quality of her life.
ReplyDeleteAnd yay M! I love to hear of seniors kicking ass! Especially Trump's ass, lol! He needs it so badly.
YAY! for seniors kicking ass, eh?!
DeleteWay to go, M! That's fabulous. I'm sorry about L, that's a tough one. The pain relief - I'm glad her daughter is on top of it. I hope she heals well and quicly!
ReplyDeleteHer daughter is a beast. We should all be lucky to have her in our corner.
DeleteI don't want to imagine the kind of pain L is in. My mother, just before she died, had to have been in pain (due to the thing that ultimately led to her death), but when my brother asked, she said she wasn't in pain. Yeah, sure.
ReplyDeleteWow. That's brutal. L. can express when she's in pain and that's good. The trick at the convalescent home was to get the staff to interpret her words as they either came out in German or in English. Her daughter wrote a quick DE-EN glossary (read: kalt=cold; aua=ouch, etc.) that I hoped they tried to use.
DeleteWhat an incredible sight that human banner must have been from above. There’s something so powerful about a group of people literally putting their bodies on the line to send a message. Ocean Beach is the perfect backdrop for that kind of energy! It sounds like a wonderful day out—nothing beats the salt air and a good cause. Thanks for sharing the photos and the experience!
ReplyDeleteM. mentioned that it was very overcast that day, but there was at least one drone flown to capture the majesty of the banner from above.
Deleteoh no the poor lady must've been in so much pain. I hope the medical staff were spoken to about this mistake.
ReplyDeleteHer daughter pulled her from the facility the next day. I think L. will date a bit better at home.
DeleteIt is heart-wrenching to hear about L.’s experience at the hospital, especially when a quiet patient with dementia is overlooked for something as vital as pain management. Thank goodness her daughter is a nurse and could step in to advocate for her, as it really shouldn't take a "squeaky wheel" to ensure basic care. L. sounds like such a spirited woman, and I truly hope her recovery from the surgery is smooth and as painless as possible.
ReplyDeleteSeeing the community come together at Ocean Beach for the "No Kings" banner is quite powerful, and it is wonderful that M. was out there representing at 88 years old. That photo of City Hall in red is absolutely striking and captures such a mood. Sending much strength to L. and hoping she gets back to her lively self very soon.
Thank you, Melody. x
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