Mom is declining much more rapidly than just a few months ago. This is not a temporary downturn or one we can reverse. We need to focus on what's best to manage the suffering and pain. Today a strong person can handle the physical care needs but soon it will require two people.
On Saturday, Mom was up during the night every 45 minutes moaning and calling for help. She seems to be in pain but can't really express where or what it is. I think the pain is all over but it's hard to tell because she can't really express herself well, especially at night. I filled the prescription for Lortab (pain med) that was given to her when she went to the emergency room for the cut on her leg. The prescribed dose is 1 -2 pills every 4-6 hours, I believe. On Sunday, I gave her 1/2 dose at bedtime but it did not help very much. She was up every 1 - 1.5 hours calling for help but there doesn't seem to be anything you can do to help. I'm not even sure she realizes she is moaning and calling for help.
I asked Maggie to try 1 pill (as opposed to the 1/2 I tried). She had Pam give it to her at 8:00 PM and Maggie reported today that Mom slept until 4:30 AM before doing same as above but then went back to sleep until 9:00PM. They will continue trying this during the week to see if this makes a difference or if it's just coincidence. If it makes a difference, then we can talk with Pugh about a long term pain med regimen.
I can certainly take the lead to sit down with Pugh to discuss the long term care needs but if we are considering seeking advice from someone else because we don't think Pugh is the guy to manage the care then I don't think it makes sense to speak with Pugh.
Dan
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We really need to get a full assessment of "where Mom is" right now. I don't want to leave it totally in the hands of a nursing hom e facility to determine. It seems to me that we can have a direction we want to move it. We need to be push for assisted living if we can get it and decide to go that route.
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