General Update #100

Rachael Kimble contacted Dusty around noon (8/3/20) via email to discuss Joyce's discharge information and its potential change depending on what Dr. Collins determines. Rachael let Dusty know that she was aware he had spoken with Maggie earlier in the day and that she would be following up with him.

Rachael suggested that Dusty obtain a portable oxygen tank for Joyce for to use during travel. Dusty stated he would reach out to vendors for pricing options. Rachel confirmed that the Aspen Park staff would ensure all of Joyce's belongings were packed on whichever day she gets discharged from their care to help with smooth transition out. Rachael confirmed that she would be following up with Kindred home health and Lincare on Joyce's discharge date.

Rachael confirmed again that she is available to answer any questions the family might have.

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Dusty called Aspen Park and asked to speak with Maggie for an update as he walked home from work. Maggie had left for the day but the current shift nurse, Andrea, had been provided information to relay to Dusty and was just preparing to call him.

Andrea reported that Joyce was extremely lethargic today and had no energy. Physical, occupational, and cognitive therapies were canceled for her as she was unable to focus or be productive with staff. Joyce spent majority of the day sleeping.

A urine sample was collected successfully from Joyce after several attempts (Joyce was too lethargic to move throughout the day and took great efforts to be roused to respond, but did not incur any bouts of incontinence at all through the day as she slept). Andrea had succeeded in collecting the urine sample by trying for a "Hail Mary play" of asking Joyce direct if they needed to call Dusty to talk to her to get her up and into the bathroom. Joyce reportedly "snapped to attention and immediately seemed to come out of lethargy" at the mention of this action and was willing to provide urine test, telling the staff she would get up and try "if they didn't call Dusty." Dusty and Andrea laughed about this and Dusty gave permission to use his name as a motivator if that assisted the Aspen Park team in getting Joyce to focus. He assured Andrea that he was no boogeyman to Joyce (no concern for elder abuse) and Andrea confirmed that Joyce only reported good things about Dusty to the staff and they did not take Joyce's response to be from fear. 

Joyce was still resting quietly in her room at the time of the phone call, with the staff checking in on her.

Andrea noted that Joyce was not herself and it really reminded her of the behaviors Joyce exhibited when she had the first UTI at Aspen Park. Dusty and Andrea both appreciated that Joyce was lethargic instead of being hysterical, aggressive, or other potentially disruptive or harmful behaviors. 

Andrea stated that lab culture was going and that they should have test results around 7 p.m. this evening. Andrea said that she would call Dusty back once the results were available.  

Joyce's blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are all normal at time of vitals testing conducted throughout the day. Andrea also suspects that a urinary tract infection is occurring and to blame for what Joyce is experiencing.

Dusty confirmed he will call Andrea after 8 p.m., once his evening meetings conclude, if he does not hear from her before. Andrea confirmed that would be fine and welcome.

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