Respite and the Nursing Home

Dad went into respite care Monday afternoon at Barnes West County. He was transported by ambulance and doesn't really remember the ride (which was probably a good thing, he hates how the ambulance rides). Mom and Dad were both able to get some rest, which was much needed.

Wednesday night, Jim and Jack brought Dad a crab leg dinner and asked for Dad's blessing on a FUTURE marriage (ie: no one is currently engaged) to his daughters. Dad was very excited and even teared up a few times. Mikayla cracked his crab legs for him and he ate around two pounds of crab!! Pastor Arle also stopped by for a visit and we were able to take communion as a family.

Wednesday was the last day great day Dad had. Thursday and Friday he did alright, was still eating but started sleeping a lot more. He's now on a schedule of "comfort meds" to help with agitation, any pain he may have, and to help him relax. We came to the tough realization that we would no longer be able to care for him at home and began looking for a more permanent place for him to stay once respite care ended. He was still eating meals and talking coherently, but there are just some personal care situations we can not handle at home anymore.

This morning he was transported to a nursing home in St. Charles. He was given the comfort meds this morning and then did not wake up for the ambulance ride. He's been sleeping most of the day and is only awake for short periods of time. His breathing has become noisy because of fluids building up and is now on oxygen, although he doesn't seem to like that much either. His speech is also pretty slurred and he's difficult to understand, but he will say a few words now and then. He did drink an ensure and part of an oatmeal pie, then asked for Mom to bring him pudding tomorrow.

One doctor that has been in to see him thought Dad would have around two weeks left. I have no idea which doctor that was though. The hospice nurse that came in this afternoon thinks his organs are starting to shut down and that he probably only has a few days left. Lately he's enjoyed listening to conversations, even if he doesn't fully participate in them.There's been many times his eyes have been closed but then he'll chime in with his two cents about whatever you were talking about. After today, I'm taking leave from work. We are going to slowly start making final arrangements, so that when the time comes, that is one less thing we will have to do. If anyone wants to visit or feels like they need to come say whatever they need to say, please let us know and stop by for a visit.