Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Starting a new chapter

It's now official.  Mom was transferred this morning to her new "home".  I am struggling with no longer thinking of her as a patient and now as a resident.  Things went reasonably well but honestly I'm heart broken.  I am trying hard to accept things and not dwell on it.  I know we will all adjust but it's hard to have been completely responsible for someone's care for so long and now to completely hand it over to others. 

I need to get some more photos for Mom's room and I want to put more hooked rugs on the wall.  So "pretty" will take some time.  One of the first things to go in the room was her special angel.  


A friend brought her to the hospital on Christmas Eve and she has watched over Mom ever since.  And of course there's a picture of Millie there too. 

It seems that they are not really eager to move Mom's room so for now it looks like this it.  Mom's bed is on the right.  I bought that new recliner for me when I visit.  The window at the foot of bed looks out to a couple of bird feeders and the staff told me that deer and pheasants are frequent visitors.  I think I may find a low, narrow stand for the foot of the bed and buy a small TV.  I found that it entertained her when she was alone in the hospital.  Until she is assessed for a proper Geri-chair she is not mobile and I don't want her laying there all day bored. 


Sorry I didn't take better pictures but it was a bit chaotic, moving and meeting all new people.  


Dark picture but she loves the butterflies on her new quilt. I need to quickly hook a larger rug to go next to the birdhouse rug.  Any suggestions?

I will say the staff were very helpful and welcoming.  The residents are not lacking for attention in this wing.  That is a good thing.   Thank you all for the encouragement and support.  It has helped me so much as I try to figure out this next new phase in life.  It was a very long day.  I think I will sleep like a rock tonight 



17 comments:

  1. Its never easy to go through what you are dealing with, but it does seem like a nice room, hope the transition is a peaceful one ...my thoughts and prayers Hugs lil raggedy Angie

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  2. So glad it went okay. Her room doesn't look too bad. Better than I thought. I am glad she will be able to look out a window and see things. I am also very glad she liked her new quilt.
    I was on a blog, and it was talking about letting go of guilt. You are doing maybe the hardest thing you have ever done, but you have been such a good daughter Kim. I am so relieved that now you have some help. I hope now you can rest deeply.
    Thank you for sharing tonight, I know you are so tired.

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  3. When I think all that you've been through and your mom almost dying of septic shock around Christmas and she has pulled through and now is starting a new phase of her journey, I'm amazed.
    It could be a totally different story. I'm so glad that she is near you and that you are talking in decorating her room. I think that you need to put a picture of you and your auntie on her dresser. I think that it would be good for her to see familiar faces of her love ones. Just my opinion.

    I'm keeping you all in my prayers. I'm sure Millie must miss your mom too.
    Hugs,
    JB

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  4. Her room looks very nice and I'm thankful the staff is kind. How about a butterfly rug? I know this has been so hard for you. I was caregiver to both my parents and now to my husband. I'm so thankful that you have help now...I hope you rest very well tonight. May God bless you all.

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  5. You really have done a phenomenal job of caring for your mom. She has been made comfortable and so many touches to let her know she is loved. I hope the transition goes well and that any rough spots you feel now are quickly replaced with relief over the care she receives, and a chance for a deep breath for you.

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  6. You have worked hard to give her room some touches of home. Someone suggested a butterfly rug. That sounds like it would be a nice addition! I send along hugs to you! xo Nellie

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  7. I was going to suggest a butterfly rug but was beaten to the punch.
    I am so happy mom is near and you can spend time with her daily. You are such a blessing and she is so lucky to call you daughter.
    Hugs :)
    Lauren

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  8. I was thinking of you today! Glad it is going smoothly -- I can see your pretty touches in her room really make a difference!

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  9. Hi Kim, I am sure its very hard right now getting use to the situation with your mom. I think your a great daughter and all those homey touches will help your mom adjust to her new place. Hugs cheri

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  10. all transitions are so hard I am sure your mom will be safe and cared for it is time for you to rest a bit and let them share the load. Make a rug with birds on a branch.
    Cathy

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  11. A new phase for both you and your Mom. Seems you're adding all the right touches for your Mother to feel at home.

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  12. Maybe a couple bluebirds for the next rug. Bluebirds are so cheery! And it is so important to your mom (and anyone, for that matter) to have the room made as cheery and homey as possible. Good for you!

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  13. So glad that things went well,I know that it must be hard for the both of you.Her room looks nice and I am sure that you will continue adding just the right things to make her feel more comfortable.Big hugs and my prayers.Blessings,Jen

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  14. She has pulled through and you fought for her facility and won. What you're going through is very difficult, and I hope that eases as time goes on. Mom loved butterflies too so we had a butterfly mobile overhead, and she couldn't follow the stories on TV. She was fascinated with watching a bubble tube in the doc office so we got one. It even calmed me down! I hope she does well at her new home.

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  15. Hi Kim! I have been away for a bit so seeing this is unsettling because I know how upset you are. I wish with all my heart there was something I could do. It just is never easy. I know you will make it cozy for her. My thoughts are with you! Hugs!

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  16. I'm so glad that your mom got a placement in your town. I've been praying for that to happen. I know it isn't easy for you to not have her home with you but she is close by and getting the medical attention she needs. I'm sure you will make her room homey for her! I think a rug with birds or a bunch of flowers would be sweet with the birdhouse. Take care!

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  17. Having gone through a similar experience, I can tell you that at some point you will realize that you've done the right thing...for both you and for your mother. The transition is hard, but time really does help. Blessings to you both.

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