Sorry I have not posted updates in a while

Marie5656

Marie5656

SF VIP
Location
Batavia, NY
Things have been a bit nuts, so I have not been on a lot. Rick's home visit did not go well. He got in the house OK, maneuvered around with his walker well, including in and out of his recliner.
Everything hit the fan when he went into the bathroom (they had planned to check him there, and he needed to use it anyway). Problem was, he had much difficulty getting up off the throne without an assist from both Physical Therapists to give him a full assist. Even then, it took several minutes as his legs got very weak.
When we had a meeting at the nursing home the next day, they made the determination that he needs to stay in at least another 10 days. The PT gave him some leg exercises he can do in his room between sessions. He can do them all sitting in the chair. I was going to help him go over them all today when I went, but I woke up with a cold and did not want to sit too close to him. I got to stay if I work a mask.
A financial person, affiliated with the center is going to meet with us on Monday to see if he will qualify for Medicaid.
He will be needing some services when he gets home, They have offered him PT and OT for a few weeks after he gets home. And a Home Health Aide. He is feeling pretty down, and has asked for, and will receive some counseling services. THAT is a big step for him, as he never wanted to admit before that Mental Health services were for him.
If he can get Medicaid, that will help in covering all of this.
 

Marie,

Consider a set of these adjustable grab bars, they attach to the two bolts in the toilet seat.

71PCAjyjSLL._SY450_.jpg


Good luck!
 
Aunt Bea said:
Marie,

Consider a set of these adjustable grab bars, they attach to the two bolts in the toilet seat.

71PCAjyjSLL._SY450_.jpg


Good luck!
Click to expand...
I agree. I’m at this stage with my parents. They also need shower grips.
Things like this make the world of difference.
 

We are one step ahead of you, ladies. The bars attached to the toilet would not work, because Rick is a big guy, and those are not wide enough. The PT has suggested one of those commode chairs. It can be used either separately, with a bucket underneath, or placed over the toilet. Plus, he would be able to have it placed in the shower, to sit on when he bathes.
Possibly one of these bars on the wall across from the toilet as well...it folds up to the wall when not in use, and down when he needs it. He tends to want to pull himself up rather than push up on handles.

1254637.jpg
 
Sorry to hear your hubby is having some issues Marie, hoping he regains his strength soon and can stay at home with the right assists. Hope you feel better soon too with your cold, all the stress is probably getting to you...hugs.
 
Marie, back in 1990 when I had a broken hip I used a walker and an elevated toilet seat. It helped a LOT. But I grabbed onto the vanity countertop with one hand.
 
Sorry this is taking longer than hoped. I feel for you both. I am glad tho' that you have a team working with him and eventually, he'll be able to move around like before. The PT is so important.

Also, sad to hear you caught a cold, Marie and you need to take care of that. A lot on you plate, I know. My good thoughts are sent your way.
 
Bummer that he has to stay another 10 days but obviously it's needed and time well spent! Between the accommodations you're making in the bathroom, and the PT to strengthen his leg muscles, I'm hopeful for you that you'll overcome this latest setback quickly.

Glad he's considering some counseling. It will definitely help his state of mind, which in turn will boost his physical healing.
 
As a veteran of many ortho procedures, a raised toilet seat helps a lot especially to keep bent knees lower than hips. I recommend d a shower bench instead of chair; the kind where part of the bench is outside the tub, sit then swing your legs into the tub. Don't have to step over the side of the tub. Good luck !Again from my experience,a few extra days in the rehab facil can make a big difference. Half the battle is developing confidence while remaining properly cautious.
 
I'm sorry to hear that Rick's body wasn't ready to make the transition yet, Marie. I'm sure he's anxious to be home, but he does also want the best outcome. I'm keeping the both of you in my prayers. May you both be strong and get healthy soon!
-Tommy
 
Wish us luck. We are having someone ome out today to see if he can qualify for Medicaid. The only thing that may hold him back is he has some money in investments. Luckily, he just got his statements from them in the mail last week, so I am bring them out, as well as his bank statements, so we an show an up to date read out of what he has.
All out accounts are separate, nothing is joint. Plus I owned the house (paid in full) before we met, and I kept it entirely in my name.
 
Marie5656 said:
Wish us luck. We are having someone ome out today to see if he can qualify for Medicaid. The only thing that may hold him back is he has some money in investments. Luckily, he just got his statements from them in the mail last week, so I am bring them out, as well as his bank statements, so we an show an up to date read out of what he has.
All out accounts are separate, nothing is joint. Plus I owned the house (paid in full) before we met, and I kept it entirely in my name.
Click to expand...

I don't want to sound morbid but if he is a little bit over on assets check to see if he can prepay his funeral expenses to bring the number within Medicaid guidelines.

Good luck!
 
Aunt Bea said:
I don't want to sound morbid but if he is a little bit over on assets check to see if he can prepay his funeral expenses to bring the number within Medicaid guidelines.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Not morbid, really. We have talked about things he can do to spend down some of his assets.
 
What we found out from the Medicaid person is a spend down may not be needed...as out assets are below the limit for Medicaid. I asked about the $2000 asset limit I had heard of. She said THAT is for people on SSI. Suplimental Security Income. Which neither of us are on.

That being said, I need to RANT. As I had mentioned in another post, he has some irritation and wounds on his bottom. He has had a lot of loos stool, partly due to his colon cancer surgery last year, and partly due to his recent illness. That has caused the irritation on his bottom. A wound care person came in today to look at it. It is still pretty irritated, and she said it was due to his loose stools and all. SO, they cleaned him up well, and she said she was going to put in his chart that he was to be cleaned completely after bathroom.
My rant comes from this..She then decided to make the statement that "It looks like because of this you will need to see your doctor and get a colostomy bag. REALLY? He was totally beside himself ever since. I had to spend most of the rest of the afternoon reassuring him that let us see his doctor first..the one who did his surgery..and see what HE says. He has not been eating as much fiber in the hospital as when he was home, which I feel he needs and that the doctor said he needed. I felt she was out of place to just announce that...never having seen him before.
 
Hope your hubby gets well soon. Nice that you stand by your man in sickness and in health.
 

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