It is hard to tell - 2023 10 30

 

It is hard to tell what might be happening day to day with a frail elder, when so many body systems are in various conditions of operation. The digestive system. The respiratory system. The nervous system. Systems for reasoning and logic. 

One day needs to be a complete rest day. 

"No, I'm not getting up today. I'm going to stay right here in bed for the whole day."

Another day may be a high energy morning.

It's 5:30 am and I wake up and notice the lights are on in the main room. I stumble out of bed to find Mom in her big green chair, "Good morning, darling! How are you this morning? Can I have a drink?"

Later in the afternoon, all the energy is gone.

"Mom, you are looking a little peaked. Is it time to go for a lay down?"

"Oh? I guess you are right. Let me toilet first. Help me out of the chair."

Still another day might start with a long sleep in, punctuated with a glass of juice, a cup of tea, and even a bowl of rice crispies in bed, falling into a deep sleep after each intake of nourishment.

"zzzzzzzz. zzzzzzzzzzz. zzzzz. zzzzzzz."

When I return from taking out the trash or walking the dog, there is Mom's tousled grey hair above the back of the big green chair.

"Well, look who it is! Hello Mom, how is it going?"

"It's going fine, Jenny."

"Would you like a cup of tea and a bun with butter?"

"Oh, that would be grand!"

She stays up through the rest of the day and into the evening.

"I won't go to bed until quarter to nine."

"Ok, Mom. Let me give you your pills now so we have that taken care of. Do you need help getting undressed for bed?"

"Hmm. Yes, I might need a hand with that."

"Are you going to want your hot water bottle for your feet?"

"Yes, come to think of it, they are a little cold."

After she has gotten into bed in her fresh pyjamas with a hot water bottle on her feet she falls asleep almost instantly. 

I kiss her on the forehead goodnight.

"That was a good day, Mom."

"Yes, it was a good day with the family."