I visited Margaret on Sunday and Monday and on both Saturday and Sunday nights Margaret had had a lot of pain and also had to get up to go to the toilet on several occasions. The visits were much the same. I took in Louis and we sat on the balcony having morning tea then I took Margaret and Louis for a long walk. I stayed about two and a half hours.
On Monday Margaret's companion complained that she had had no sleep becuase of Margaret and Margaret countered by saying that Maureen's snoring and loud TV had kept her awake but I suspect that Maureen had the better case. They decided to move Margaret to another share room where the other occupant was away in hospital having surgery for a broken hip and would not be in residence for several weeks.
Margaret was moved on Tuesday to her new room which is a lot nicer and she has the window bed overlooking the courtyard. She has a TV over her bed but doesn't really know how to use it so I set it on her favourite channel for her so she just has to switch it on. Unfortunately she also pushes buttons willy nilly and ends up lost.
The new room is near the dining room where they have diversional therapy which is usually local performers dancing or playing music. I have sat through three performances and they are quite good and I think Margaret enjoys them.
On Wednesday I took Margaret to have her arm X-rayed and while we were out made an appointment for her to have her hair done next Monday afternoon. She could have it done by a visiting hairdresser but prefers to go to her old one in Tewantin. Afterwards I took her to the Local RSL Club for a light lunch. She ate half a sandwich. It is becoming a bit worrying as she is eating less and less in spite of the Nursing Home meals looking very good.
On Thursday I took her to see her surgeon who said that her arm had healed very well and she should now have regular physio to regain mobility in the shoulder. This will be provided by the home.
During the week Margaret has been in pain and not sleeping too well and her GP has prescribed additional painkillers for overnight. She is also very cold which as the Nursing Home is kept warm for its elderly residents is a problem. She has so many blankets that they are worried about her being suffocated. I am going to take in a Doona tomorrow. This is about four blankets in warmth and is also very light .
Margaret is still very upset and wants to come home.
Her GP phoned me Monday evening, after visiting Margaret earlier. He said that Margaret is "failing" and all he is trying to do is provide some "quality of life" which because of the increased painkillers and diuretic will eventually shut her kidneys down. I spoke briefly with him a couple of hours ago and he is going to see her later.
During the week Margaret received her official confirmation that she is a high care permanent resident and I have submitted all the forms to the home and Centrelink as required. She will probably remain there for the rest of her life.
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