A Sleepy Day Around the House

Karen is doing a great job adapting to her reduced strength. Before the “event” she was caring for herself most of the time. Sometimes she needed my help getting up from the couch, or taking a shower, but other than that she managed things pretty well. Although she can’t get up and move around by herself anymore, she’s working hard to do as much as she can.

Karen wants to keep sleeping in our bed, instead of getting a hospital bed here. Since our bed is pretty high we had to work out how to get her in and out of it safely. Getting out of bed is pretty easy compared to some of the other things we have to manage. I swing her legs over the side and help her sit up. This usually make her pretty tired so we take a rest before proceeding. She can just touch toes on the ground and once she’s ready it’s an easier transition to standing.

Getting back in bed takes a little more effort. For this, we have an athletic step that’s pretty sizable (4′ wide) and adjustable height. We have it adjusted to about 5″ in height, and with my help she can step up to position herself along the side of the bed. With a little support I can maneuver her onto the bed, and she can make sure she ends up in a comfortable position.

When out of bed she can walk short distances with my help, or longer walks with her walker. She’s doing a fantastic job with the walker, and doesn’t need my help at all with that (though I’m there with her). Sitting down and getting up from chairs and couches involve me helping her in one way or another. The key is taking it slow, and making sure that we have the proper positioning. Sometimes it takes multiple smaller transitions before attempting to get up.

She’s eating rather well right now. Oatmeal has been part of breakfast the last couple days, but dinner has seen more variety. Last night she had some buffalo wings and potato skins (TGI Fridays freezer meals). It didn’t sit well after, but she did keep it down.

Mid meal snacks include Italian ice treats or sherbet, and she likes those a lot. She also drinks a Carnation Essentials breakfast drink about once a day.

Since Karen can’t get up or move around on her own I spend the whole day next to her, whether she’s sleeping or awake. My mom’s been visiting every day to bring necessities, taking care of a few things around the house, and imparting wisdom. She spent several years caring for her mother, and knows everything that needs done, and how to do it. Although I care for Karen myself, my mom makes sure I’m doing it right.

Well, that’s a lot for today. I thought a little insight into the day would help frame the other things I might say in posts. Things changed rather suddenly for her, but we’ve changed to adapt. As things progress we’ll continue to adapt.

Tomorrow I hope to make a post about Karen’s new landscaping. I think you’ll like it.