General Update #118

Maggie called and left message on Dusty's cell phone ~10:46 a.m. (8/23/2020) requesting that Dusty contact Aspen Park about a change in Joyce's condition. Joyce reported to be hallucinating again and quite agitated. Maggie was leaving for the day, and Dusty was directed to ask for Andrea when he calls.

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Dusty returned phone call to Aspen Park ~10:58 a.m. once he noticed voicemail had been left.

Maggie had left for the day, Dusty reached Andrea.

Andrea reported that Joyce was experiencing hallucinations again.

Andrea's shift started at 10 a.m. today, taking over for Maggie who provided information to pass onto Dusty.

Earlier today Joyce had packed up her belongings was was waiting for people to come get her and take her home to the farmhouse, insisting that she was leaving the Aspen Park facility.

Aspen Park staff sat down and gently reviewed Joyce's timeline with her, reminding her of her CT scan scheduled for this coming Tuesday and cancer center telehealth conference that was scheduled and that Joyce would remain with them at least through those dates. Joyce eventually consented to remain onsite at Aspen Park and the staff helped her unpack all of her stuff.

Andrea reported that on Friday (08/21/2020) Joyce's feet "froze," as she was attempting to pivot from her walker to sit in her room's recliner. Joyce called out for help when this occurred. Joyce was checked by Aspen Park staff, finding that all vitals were normal.. Joyce knew who she was and where she was, being "sharp as a tack that day" according to Andrea.

Andrea stated that this was a one time thing where Joyce's feet wouldn't move (hasn't occurred during Joyce's stay at Aspen Park to date). Aspen Park therapy team was called and they came down and assessed the situation and Joyce overall. Joyce 's feet didn't freeze up again, she transferred well and a re-attempt and Joyce got around room well under her own power as they supervised. Joyce did seem extra fatigued on Friday according to Andrea./

Andrea had aides do more checks on Joyce throughout Saturday (8/22/2020) Joyce is fairly independent overall and she doesn't use her call light to summon Aspen Park staff for assistance, and this was the norm for most of her time at Aspen Park. Joyce continued functioning independently throughout Saturday, not using the call light, which was a good sign as Joyce was "behaving normally."

Jessica (therapist) was working with Joyce on Saturday, and reported that it was one of the better sessions that she has ever had with Joyce. Again, Andrea stated that Joyce was "clear headed and sharp as a tack" during all interactions. Andrea went off shift on Saturday at 10 p.m., reporting that a Tylenol dose at 8:45 p.m. was all the medication Joyce was administered at bedtime. 

The Saturday night shift reported that Joyce was experiencing hallucinations which  continued on into today.

Maggie assessed Joyce this morning. Joyce kept looking out her room's window while Maggie was present. Maggie asked Joyce what she was seeing out her window and Joyce stated that there was a woman out there and Joyce wanted to know what that woman was doing outside her room's window. Maggie told Joyce that she believed Joyce was seeing someone out her window but informed Joyce that there was actually no one outside the window - but Maggie confirmed with Joyce that she believes Joyce is seeing someone out the window.

Andrea visited with Joyce just before Dusty returned the call Maggie made, informing Dusty that Joyce told Andrea that there was a woman out in the hallway who stopped by before Andrea came in to check on her asking to have Joyce do have her do her taxes. Joyce told Andrea that it was her decision on when to retire from doing taxes and that Joyce had to think really hard on if she could help that woman in the hallway in doing their taxes as she was uncertain about taking on a new client. Dusty clarified for Andrea that Joyce had done taxes with H&R Block for 38 years when Andrea asked if Joyce had an accounting background.. Andrea never had this kind of conversation with Joyce before and thanked Dusty for context as the information Joyce shared about taxes came out of the blue.

The Aspen Park is contacting Joyce's primary care doctor, Dr. Collins, and will be retesting Joyce for UTI as when Joyce has had hallucinations with them in the past it is usually a result of UTI occurrence.

Andrea stated that Joyce is calmer now, less agitated. The Aspen Park team uses talk about Dusty with Joyce to help orient Joyce and ground her in reality. Joyce knows who she is and where she is at the moment.

Andrea will keep Dusty posted as new information comes in.

Dusty stated he will call Joyce and check in with her now that he is back in Moscow and has cell service.

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Dusty and Jess called Joyce ~11:28 a.m.

Joyce did not acknowledge who Dusty and Jess were throughout the conversation. Joyce immediately stated that she was all dressed up and ready to go. She stated that "we're supposed to meet and go someplace" and that "if you come home come here and get me and then they'll make us go somewhere."

Joyce warned Dusty and Jess that "it's spooky when you get here - you need to find out what its all about." Joyce said that they don't tell her much. 

When Jess and Dusty asked for clarification about "spooky" and what it meant, she said that "the authorities are in on it."  

Joyce said that she is just about all ready to be picked up and that "we'll get to the bottom of it!"

Dusty and Jess attempted to change the subject and re-direct Joyce onto other topics (like Dusty's time at BSA Camp Grizzly for Order of the Arrow Service and Induction weekend) but Joyce did not engage. Dusty and Jess recommended that Joyce watch some TV or read her Redwall book and relax while they work on taking care of everything, assuring her that they would. This seemed to placate Joyce and she ended the call quickly on a calmer note.