Allan and Hospice

 Allan (Gary's sister, Valerie's, husband who Gary serves as guardian for since his sister passed away) has had a hard month with falling--some days we would get 3-7 phone calls reporting falls.  For the most part, they had not caused any damage other than bruising, for which we have been grateful.  Falls are an expected part of his type of dementia and it is complicated for him to remember that he needs to take extra care with walking, going to the bathroom, etc.  This is all the more complicated because we haven't been able to see him in person due to covid restrictions at the center where he lives.

We with the support of the family put him on hospice during the first of the month to provide him additional support and allow him to stay in the center where he is familiar.  It was not an easy decision for anyone, but a needed one for what he needs at this time.  A week after that change was made, Allan had a significant fall and severally bruise his hip.  Hospice allowed him to remain at the center and did x-rays and provided other care all there which prevented Allan having to be taken to the hospital ER and all of the distress that would have caused him.  He is not a fan of hospitals. It was a long afternoon and evening though as we were in frequent contact with a variety of staff to try to determine what Allan had done and what was needed.  It was very difficult to not see him in person and be there to comfort him during this time.

Surprisingly, the next day we got a call from the hospice nurse and we were invited to go and visit Allan in person on the unit.  We were so grateful.  Allan was feeling miserable but I think he still appreciated seeing us and Gary was able to spend about two hours sitting with him that morning.  We had to wear gowns, masks, and gloves and have our temperatures taken, but it was so worth it to see him in person.  First time since the end of February for me to see him. 

He is doing much better these days and the staff sent us this picture a few days ago.  He has the best smile!  His hair is actually wild and crazy as he decided months ago to not cut it until "he is out of this joint!" but the staff convinced him to pull it back into a man bun.