Day 21 - Grandma Update

How about a Grandma update?

Between Marcy and Leiya and myself, we are coping very well with Grandma's care.  And of course the saving factor has been the hospice care.  (Thank you to everyone who pushed us to do that!)

Nurses come regularly and a simple prescription has helped immensely with the diaper changing process and pain.  No more redness, no more crying, no more changing diapers at 15 minute intervals.  Thank you nurse for that change!

The bath nurse (that's what she calls herself, she is the CNA) comes every other day and she has been absolutely wonderful!  Diaper changing, creaming up the area, changing sheets while Grandma's in bed, bathing and shampooing in bed.  And all the time she talks to mother and coos at her and is just cheerful and upbeat.

My standard question to these hospice nurses:

"How can you do this?  What's the hardest part of doing hospice care?"

I expected the CNA to say that it was the diaper changing, or the patient's attitude, or maybe the suffering that she sees.  Her answer surprised me.

"You know, I can't think of a hard part.  That sounds strange but I honestly don't find any part of the care difficult to do.  I absolutely love my job.  I have been doing it for 15 years and I have a passion for it."

And she is GOOD at it!  The whole room brightens when she walks in with a cheery greeting to Grandma.

"Hello sweetheart!  How are you feeling today?"

While the CNA bathes Grandma and washes her hair Grandma lets out numerous contented groans.

"Hmmm...  That feels so good."

I can think of no other phrase from Grandma that makes me happier.  When Leiya is massaging her feet or when the warm blankets are pulled up around her and Grandma says "That feels good." it makes me feel that we are doing things right, that the goal of hospice care which is making the person comfortable is being reached.  Grandma got her nails cut and her hands lotioned.  Hmm...  Soft...

We managed to get Grandma into her wheelchair for about 30 minutes and Leiya did a rush job on cutting her hair.

"I sure hope I have as much hair as you have when I get old Grandma."

Lookin' pretty and feelin' good!