Upheaval

My usual readers know that our household is in upheaval. Rocky is in hospital with several unresolved issues. Medical team has a plan and it is being managed now. They hope to stabilize Rocky’s conditions, one with the several others. When stable, they will move him to a physical therapy rehab center. There Rocky will work his way back to caring for himself including eating on schedule and with appropriate nutrition. He will be taught afresh how and when to take all medications as directed. He will return to dressing himself and moving about the apartment with confidence.

The medical team thinks this will take 2 to 3 weeks of intense therapy. It will also give the team time to assess how reliable Rocky’s return to health is. If they are not convinced, he will likely be moved to a nursing home facility where meds and diet are well managed.

With two people in the household rapidly approaching 80 years of age, the team does not want to bury the well spouse with caregiving duties. Such will only destroy that spouse. So, to return home remains an open question.

Another aspect of this plan is the nature of rehab facilities. They do not have extensive nursing capabilities to monitor and treat the many elder health problems evident today. They do the basics so they can focus on physical therapy and such. If Rocky relapses while in rehab, he will return to hospital before being moved to a nursing home. We are unaware of the probabilities of this happening.

Thus, the upheaval. I remain a troubled sleeper in this circumstance gaining only 5 hours of sleep at night. Plentiful naps restore the sleep count to 8 hours if favorable terms are available. Without ample sleep, thinking and reactions are dulled. Such is the current case. Weird but true. Just another factor to learn, cope and manage.

On the positive side, Rocky’s medical condition is stronger and more stable than when he arrived 8 days ago. Today may be the day he begins rehab. We shall see.

January 23, 2023

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