General Update #64

Dusty and Jess called mom to check in with her about her day. A nurse arrived during phone call and took mom's blood sugar levels, reading came up as 216 at ~8:45 p.m. Joyce received one unit of insulin shortly afterward. Nurse was so good at administering the insulin the only thing Joyce felt was the wetness from the alcohol wipe. Joyce reported that 216 was the lowest reading it was so far today. 

Joyce enjoyed her meals today. She stated that they give her too much food at each meal and her stomach revolts at the idea of eating everything that they bring her. Joyce reported that she doesn't feel she was getting enough water. Dusty reminded Joyce that she needs to ask the nurses for assistance in refilling her water bottle as there aren't the same number of nurse's aides present at Aspen Park as there were at Gritman. Joyce said that her Chicken strips and french fries for dinner were quite good.

Joyce shared that Carol called her earlier in the day and that they had a good visit. She also received a card from Phil and Connie, which was a pleasant surprise for her. Joyce didn't expect to get mail at Aspen Park. Joyce had no visitors stop by her window today. Dusty apologized for not stopping by, he was going to stop by today to visit and see if Aspen Park would accept the small fan from his home to be placed into Joyce's room for her comfort but his allergies kept him at home. He'll try bringing it in tomorrow if allowed.

Today Joyce started cognitive therapy work and was put through a lot of memory tests. Joyce said they would read her a paragraph, as an example, and she would then have to relay a summary of what was said or provide details to questions about the paragraph.

Joyce din't have much physical therapy today. Her pain levels were too high and her pain medications were off schedule due to events occurring elsewhere in Aspen Park (which delay nursing staff in getting around to administer her pain relievers). Joyce said that the Aspen Park nurses informed her that she is anemic, which is also probably affecting her energy levels and recovery from injuries. She did manage to walk a little ways down the hallway, but not as far as she would have liked to go today. The nursing staff does comment that she is moving around well with her purple walker. Joyce appreciates the nursing staff and that they don't judge her, or look down on her when she says that she is in pain or doesn't have the energy levels to do things. 

The lightning storm which rolled through the Palouse this evening was enjoyed by Joyce. She had a great view of it through her room's window.

Jess assured Joyce that Craig was watering her plants out at the farm. Joyce confirmed that she would like Jess to take some of the tomato plants that are growing on the counter to give to her co-workers at the student recreation center if they were interested. Jess and Dusty confirmed that they would get Joyce's pepper plants planted out on the patio, perhaps this weekend as time allows. 

Joyce expressed that she wants to go home. She's doing her best to make good efforts with the nurses, to have a good attitude, and to do what they ask of her to prove she is capable of being on her own. She misses being at the farmhouse. Joyce finds herself dreaming about being at home again. She sees where things are at in her home, thinks about things that she wants to have but she cannot get them because they are out at the farm and she's in at Aspen Park. 

Joyce asked about the living room's basement doors at the farmhouse, expressing her concerns about them. Jess and Dusty let her know that the family is discussing ideas on how to change (make safe) the doors. Joyce stated that she is giving the go-ahead to the family to make whatever changes are needed at the farmhouse in regard to the living groom basement doors and making them safe. Joyce expressed that, going forward, she sees herself as restricted to the main floor of the farmhouse. She will not go to the basement or attic by herself anymore. Joyce said that she should keep this recent fall in her mind going forward. Joyce has been reliving the accident, saying she "...lost my balance, I tumbled down the stairs...not good!" 

Jess and Joyce brainstormed some items to make together when Joyce is back at the farm. Jalapeno poppers and whole wheat muffins were at the top of the list.

Joyce appreciated the phone call and wished everyone a goodnight. 

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