Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Eye doctor visits
Dr Myers and Dr Shelly saw Mom Friday and Monday repectively. Dr. Myers went on vacation. No change in the eye since Friday, but Dr Shelly said it was no worse. Mom has conjunctivitis in the right eye but it is not on the cornea. Mom is now on new medication Vancomycin eye drops (since Friday) and now Bacitracin anitbiotic gel as of yesterday. Dr. Shelly said use up the Vanc. since we'll have to get another prescription for it anyway.(We had a mix up in how to use this drug, my fault for not instructing caregivers well enough. Shelly was fully appraised of situation and said go ahead with it.) Current careplan for eye is Vanc. every two hours, Bacit. 2x per day, am/pm (bedtime) (discontinue Genteal gel), Optive drops 4x per day (allow lapse time between Vanc and Optive drops so as not to have one wash out the other.) Follow up visit is Aug 7th (Tues) at 9:45 am with Shelly. I tried to get the appointment for my next weekday off, but neither doctor was available on that day. I went over plan with Pam and wrote down instructions and centralized all the eye meds (except for Vanc which has to be refridgerated) in a plastic bag marked "Eye care." The prescription for the next batch of Vanc is in this bag. It has to be specially mixed. On Friday Dr. Myers had a pharm. on Grove St. mix it.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Update 17 july:
Mom's legs have swelled much more than when I saw her last week, so much so that they have begun to weep and bleed again. Her weight and BP are stable though. Her breathing is more labored as well and you can hear some wheezing. Dr Pugh instructed to increase the Metolazone to 4x per week for the next week. If the swelling/weeping does not improve, we'll need to take her in to see him.
She seems to be getting use to Gwen but she really doesn't like her. I think it's just a personality clash. The good news is that she wasn't crying about this time and was very understanding of the need to have someone there. I think the best approach to dealing with this problem is to let her know having someone there is more for us than for her so that we can sleep at night knowing someone is there. She seems to get this.
Woodlawn is the way to go. Tom and I discussed this many months ago but whatever you all decide is fine with me.
MK - please be sure to get paychecks to Maggie, Gwen, and Jackie. They are all concerned about getting paid on time. Just so we are clear on this mattter, this is your task now. I will not be writing checks.
Dan
Mom's legs have swelled much more than when I saw her last week, so much so that they have begun to weep and bleed again. Her weight and BP are stable though. Her breathing is more labored as well and you can hear some wheezing. Dr Pugh instructed to increase the Metolazone to 4x per week for the next week. If the swelling/weeping does not improve, we'll need to take her in to see him.
She seems to be getting use to Gwen but she really doesn't like her. I think it's just a personality clash. The good news is that she wasn't crying about this time and was very understanding of the need to have someone there. I think the best approach to dealing with this problem is to let her know having someone there is more for us than for her so that we can sleep at night knowing someone is there. She seems to get this.
Woodlawn is the way to go. Tom and I discussed this many months ago but whatever you all decide is fine with me.
MK - please be sure to get paychecks to Maggie, Gwen, and Jackie. They are all concerned about getting paid on time. Just so we are clear on this mattter, this is your task now. I will not be writing checks.
Dan
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Update - July 15, 2007
Update July 15, 2007
A few things to update all of you on some things:
Mom’s Weekend: Uneventful. More of the same. Morris visited on Sunday. Good spirits and seems alert and stronger than the last time we saw her.
Mom’s Eye: Her right eye continues to be red but improving with drops.
Mom’s Car: Greenville Auto tax was paid by Jane or Eileen and the new decal is on the car. I’m not sure we have the correct registration certificate in the car. The old one looks different than the new one so I’m going to call the tax collector to make sure we have the right document . The insurance card is in the car. Morris is upgrading the insurance on the car to include liability; I’m a bit confused but I think he only had collision or something like that.
Garbage Can: Moved the garbage cans to the garage. Maggie has difficulty getting down the kitchen stairs and then getting it up to the street – easier from the garage and up the driveway. FYI – Friday is garbage day. Roy says he’d be happy to take care of if Maggie has trouble with it (so far, I don’t think she does so Roy can be a back-up)
Summer Kitchen and Family Room Stuff (+ Morris’s clothes): Didn’t make any progress on this. Next time we’ll take all of it to Goodwill so please take (or set aside) what you want before then.
New Money Market account and on-line banking at SunTrust: Opened new account so we can get some add’l interest. Left signature document in kitchen desk for Dan to sign and take/send to bank. Also set up on-line banking and will start using next week. If you want the sign-on and password, just let me know. Talked to Eileen about possible credit card for use by anyone staying at Ivanhoe. We can also continue to use the debit cards (just need to pass information to me via email so I can reconcile the account.)
House Value: Roy gave us an appraiser contact; Fred Beire who charges about $300 for an appraisal. Let me know if you think we should proceed with this or just use a real estate agent to assess house value. When I was in SunTrust last week they used an internal program that estimated $149,00 to $175,000. That would be very good news .
Legal Documents: I’ve reviewed most of Mom’s legal documents for the lawyer and will be copying in advance of his review. I’ll be sending you a list this coming week so you’ll see what we have. Please let me know if you have any concerns or want more information once you get it.
Funeral and Burial Arrangements: Part of Legal Doc review led to the Mackey Funeral Expense insurance (most of the funeral expenses are covered and you’ll see more this week on this). Talked to a very nice man who sent me more info re: burial plots, etc. which led Bob and I to Woodlawn Cemetery this morning for a drive through while Morris was with Mom (at the other end of Edwards Road, across from Red Lobster). Their office was open so we talked to another nice man who gave us the following info re: burial plot (not included in Mackey). Lot’s of different choices but discounted if we arrange prior to Mom’s death. Two basic choices: in-ground burial or mausoleum.
In-ground
Burial plot: $1,595 to $3,000 + (based on location within cemetery) . Plots are available.
Open/close grave: $1,095
Bronze burial plaque/marker (no headstones): $2,000 to $5,000 + (differences based on size, number of words, decoration, etc.)
Burial Vault (cement enclosure for the casket): Mom already has this with her Mackey service
Mausoleum Option
Crypt: $3,500 to $5,000 + (depending on location, inside or outside access, level/height of placement – six levels; eye level placements are more expensive than ground level or top level
Bronze burial marker: Each one the same – standard: $915
Open/close crypt; $795
Benefits of Woodlawn
Close to Ivanhoe
We can pay over time with no interest charged.
Part of a nation-wide “chain” – Dignity
Have a bereavement travel program which provides lower cost air travel, hotel and car rentals for immediate family traveling to the funeral.
It is one of the oldest cemeteries in Greenville, very open, no headstones, looks like a nice place and is well-maintained. Have no idea how it might compare to other Greenville cemeteries.
Dependent on a number of things, the mausoleum choice can be slightly less expensive. More people are picking mausoleums for some reason these days, according to the cemetery guy – preferring not to be under ground.
The sooner we make this decision, the better off we’ll be since we can get this decision behind us and start paying for it. Last minute decisions will cost more according to cemetery guy. I would suggest Vic, Tom and Dan do a drive-through and give others their impressions of the place. I have no idea of a cost comparison. Proximity to Ivanhoe and the look of the place sort of sold us. Open to any other options if someone wants to offer one.
If choosing, in-ground placement, the man suggests seriously thinking about buying more than one spot since inevitably family members seem to want to be buried next to “kin” down the road. Bob and I wouldn’t be interested but others might. Like buying real estate, can always be sold
Church of the Redeemer Episcopal Church
Rec’d a call from Jackie Smith who is the Eucharistic minister at Redeemer. She was very concerned about Mom since she says she’s called a couple of times (last week and last night) and only heard someone fumbling with the phone but no one answering. Can’t explain last might since we were here when she would have called. She would very much like to bring Mom communion every Sunday if Mom wants it. I forget now who is here next weekend but Jackie is scheduled to come at noon next Sunday. If you would like to change that for some reason or Mom doesn’t want her to come at that point, just give Jackie a call. Her phone numbers are on the refrigerator. Father Bob Horowitz is the new pastor and Jackie says he is a wonderful man, and much nicer than the former priest, the one who married Mom and Morris.
All for now.
A few things to update all of you on some things:
Mom’s Weekend: Uneventful. More of the same. Morris visited on Sunday. Good spirits and seems alert and stronger than the last time we saw her.
Mom’s Eye: Her right eye continues to be red but improving with drops.
Mom’s Car: Greenville Auto tax was paid by Jane or Eileen and the new decal is on the car. I’m not sure we have the correct registration certificate in the car. The old one looks different than the new one so I’m going to call the tax collector to make sure we have the right document . The insurance card is in the car. Morris is upgrading the insurance on the car to include liability; I’m a bit confused but I think he only had collision or something like that.
Garbage Can: Moved the garbage cans to the garage. Maggie has difficulty getting down the kitchen stairs and then getting it up to the street – easier from the garage and up the driveway. FYI – Friday is garbage day. Roy says he’d be happy to take care of if Maggie has trouble with it (so far, I don’t think she does so Roy can be a back-up)
Summer Kitchen and Family Room Stuff (+ Morris’s clothes): Didn’t make any progress on this. Next time we’ll take all of it to Goodwill so please take (or set aside) what you want before then.
New Money Market account and on-line banking at SunTrust: Opened new account so we can get some add’l interest. Left signature document in kitchen desk for Dan to sign and take/send to bank. Also set up on-line banking and will start using next week. If you want the sign-on and password, just let me know. Talked to Eileen about possible credit card for use by anyone staying at Ivanhoe. We can also continue to use the debit cards (just need to pass information to me via email so I can reconcile the account.)
House Value: Roy gave us an appraiser contact; Fred Beire who charges about $300 for an appraisal. Let me know if you think we should proceed with this or just use a real estate agent to assess house value. When I was in SunTrust last week they used an internal program that estimated $149,00 to $175,000. That would be very good news .
Legal Documents: I’ve reviewed most of Mom’s legal documents for the lawyer and will be copying in advance of his review. I’ll be sending you a list this coming week so you’ll see what we have. Please let me know if you have any concerns or want more information once you get it.
Funeral and Burial Arrangements: Part of Legal Doc review led to the Mackey Funeral Expense insurance (most of the funeral expenses are covered and you’ll see more this week on this). Talked to a very nice man who sent me more info re: burial plots, etc. which led Bob and I to Woodlawn Cemetery this morning for a drive through while Morris was with Mom (at the other end of Edwards Road, across from Red Lobster). Their office was open so we talked to another nice man who gave us the following info re: burial plot (not included in Mackey). Lot’s of different choices but discounted if we arrange prior to Mom’s death. Two basic choices: in-ground burial or mausoleum.
In-ground
Burial plot: $1,595 to $3,000 + (based on location within cemetery) . Plots are available.
Open/close grave: $1,095
Bronze burial plaque/marker (no headstones): $2,000 to $5,000 + (differences based on size, number of words, decoration, etc.)
Burial Vault (cement enclosure for the casket): Mom already has this with her Mackey service
Mausoleum Option
Crypt: $3,500 to $5,000 + (depending on location, inside or outside access, level/height of placement – six levels; eye level placements are more expensive than ground level or top level
Bronze burial marker: Each one the same – standard: $915
Open/close crypt; $795
Benefits of Woodlawn
Close to Ivanhoe
We can pay over time with no interest charged.
Part of a nation-wide “chain” – Dignity
Have a bereavement travel program which provides lower cost air travel, hotel and car rentals for immediate family traveling to the funeral.
It is one of the oldest cemeteries in Greenville, very open, no headstones, looks like a nice place and is well-maintained. Have no idea how it might compare to other Greenville cemeteries.
Dependent on a number of things, the mausoleum choice can be slightly less expensive. More people are picking mausoleums for some reason these days, according to the cemetery guy – preferring not to be under ground.
The sooner we make this decision, the better off we’ll be since we can get this decision behind us and start paying for it. Last minute decisions will cost more according to cemetery guy. I would suggest Vic, Tom and Dan do a drive-through and give others their impressions of the place. I have no idea of a cost comparison. Proximity to Ivanhoe and the look of the place sort of sold us. Open to any other options if someone wants to offer one.
If choosing, in-ground placement, the man suggests seriously thinking about buying more than one spot since inevitably family members seem to want to be buried next to “kin” down the road. Bob and I wouldn’t be interested but others might. Like buying real estate, can always be sold
Church of the Redeemer Episcopal Church
Rec’d a call from Jackie Smith who is the Eucharistic minister at Redeemer. She was very concerned about Mom since she says she’s called a couple of times (last week and last night) and only heard someone fumbling with the phone but no one answering. Can’t explain last might since we were here when she would have called. She would very much like to bring Mom communion every Sunday if Mom wants it. I forget now who is here next weekend but Jackie is scheduled to come at noon next Sunday. If you would like to change that for some reason or Mom doesn’t want her to come at that point, just give Jackie a call. Her phone numbers are on the refrigerator. Father Bob Horowitz is the new pastor and Jackie says he is a wonderful man, and much nicer than the former priest, the one who married Mom and Morris.
All for now.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Second good night with Gwen
Talked to Maggie this morning. Mom was up a number of times last night but had another good night with Gwen.
Also, sent 2 checks FEDEX for Maggie and Jackie. No problem. Will leave more checks in the desk. Will need to keep track of checks and use of debit cards (if any) so please let me know or leave a note.
Also, sent 2 checks FEDEX for Maggie and Jackie. No problem. Will leave more checks in the desk. Will need to keep track of checks and use of debit cards (if any) so please let me know or leave a note.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Last Night with Gwen
Just talked to Maggie to see how last night went. "Everything went very well for both Mom and Gwen. No problems." All quiet on the western front.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
FIREWORKS CONTINUE
Well, we got through Kayla and then Peaches (Gwen) showed up. Fireworks turned to bazooka rockets........this is one tough bird, man......had to turn off the baby monitor so that Gwen couldn't hear what she was saying....tough, tough words being spoken.
Anyway, I'm not so good at all of the details. We're going to have to keep our eye on the Gwen thing......not sure she's the right one, but also don't know how to address breaking someone else in. We'll need a local to run ramshod (is that the word?) if we have to go another route. Can some of you other folks have some conversations with Mom about Gwen? Need more data here....maybe that's giving me the answer I don't want to....we need to find someone else. An uncomfortable situation all around.
The week is going good. Mom has had visits from Morris everyday, Tony and Roy Brock twice. Everyone bringing her chocolates.
Had lunch with Morris at Westminster. He seems lonely. The place is very nice and has everything a person could want. I asked him to tell me what he didn't like about it....that there had to be something: his answer was: B-O-R-I-N-G.....
Took Mom to the eye doctor because her eye was red and weepy. Pushed date for next appointment back to July 27 at 2:15pm, a Friday. If no one else can do it, can we ask Maggie to take her? I don't see why not.
All perscriptions are filled.
I think that Mom could be in a place like that if we could get her out of the house.....not with Morris though. In a separate apartment because she would still need her caregivers.
Anyway, I'm not so good at all of the details. We're going to have to keep our eye on the Gwen thing......not sure she's the right one, but also don't know how to address breaking someone else in. We'll need a local to run ramshod (is that the word?) if we have to go another route. Can some of you other folks have some conversations with Mom about Gwen? Need more data here....maybe that's giving me the answer I don't want to....we need to find someone else. An uncomfortable situation all around.
The week is going good. Mom has had visits from Morris everyday, Tony and Roy Brock twice. Everyone bringing her chocolates.
Had lunch with Morris at Westminster. He seems lonely. The place is very nice and has everything a person could want. I asked him to tell me what he didn't like about it....that there had to be something: his answer was: B-O-R-I-N-G.....
Took Mom to the eye doctor because her eye was red and weepy. Pushed date for next appointment back to July 27 at 2:15pm, a Friday. If no one else can do it, can we ask Maggie to take her? I don't see why not.
All perscriptions are filled.
I think that Mom could be in a place like that if we could get her out of the house.....not with Morris though. In a separate apartment because she would still need her caregivers.
MOM MEETS NEW VISITING ANGEL
A fill-in Visiting Angel arrived a few minutes ago (Kayla - Pam is on vacation) and we are having early fireworks. Mom is NOT happy......more later.
Jane - Got in! Thanks so much....
Jane - Got in! Thanks so much....
commonSignON
I have created a common signon for us to use for authoring.
I will send the signon in email
This signon can be used by anyone who does not want to create an individual signon ... no biggie ...
I will send the signon in email
This signon can be used by anyone who does not want to create an individual signon ... no biggie ...
posting to the blog ...
just read Eileen's comment about being unable to post.
I checked out the Help on this, and it seems that the invitation email that went out is critical to getting set up to author.
you must use the link in the email that was sent.
Eileen is giving this a try now, she may have some how-to tips later on.
I checked out the Help on this, and it seems that the invitation email that went out is critical to getting set up to author.
you must use the link in the email that was sent.
Eileen is giving this a try now, she may have some how-to tips later on.
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