Last week, the usual Hawai’i Kai visit was canceled because moms had a medical appointment. This week, the visit ended up being sidelined because moms was recovering from yet another fall that occurred last Friday. The incident happened in the shower and required a one-day stay at the hospital for head injuries. Needless to say, the usual rounds were not made. Instead, a solemn discussion ensued with the sister-in-law.
A complete summary of the last fall, including the results from the hospital, was provided. The sister-in-law has now invoked a few Draconian measures to prevent future incidents. Moms’ friends can only visit but not take moms on any excursions. In the case of the usual Hawai’i Kai visit, moms can be transported anywhere but must always remain the vehicle. Moms has also been made to wear “adult diapers,” but not for incontinence. The bro locks the bathroom door at night so moms cannot enter. The rationale provided was unattended falls would be prevented. Moms must use the “adult diapers” in lieu of a toilet. Sounds like senior citizen abuse, eh?
Moms has also recently exhibited distinct personality changes as well as odd changes to diet. And, moms has been making a lot of odd guttural noises. In some respects, moms is becoming unrecognizable. As alarming as that may be, what can be done?
At this point in time, there is nothing for moms to do but eat and sleep. Depression is probably already showing. Symptoms of dementia are likely to increase more rapidly. And, the date of matriculation into an assisted care facility moves ever closer.
There will be no point to any future visits. There’s absolutely nothing to converse about with moms. Moms can barely hear or comprehend what is being said. There would be nothing to do but sit in the living room in fairly awkward silence. The day of reckoning is here.
Addendum: The purpose of returning to Hawai’i has always been about spending time with aging parents. Pops passed on about 19 years ago. Moms is slowly degenerating, which is very sad to witness firsthand. Once moms is gone, there is nothing left. That, of course, has always been the ultimate fate of a pariah.
Moms has also recently exhibited distinct personality changes as well as odd changes to diet. And, moms has been making a lot of odd guttural noises. In some respects, moms is becoming unrecognizable. As alarming as that may be, what can be done?
At this point in time, there is nothing for moms to do but eat and sleep. Depression is probably already showing. Symptoms of dementia are likely to increase more rapidly. And, the date of matriculation into an assisted care facility moves ever closer.
There will be no point to any future visits. There’s absolutely nothing to converse about with moms. Moms can barely hear or comprehend what is being said. There would be nothing to do but sit in the living room in fairly awkward silence. The day of reckoning is here.
Addendum: The purpose of returning to Hawai’i has always been about spending time with aging parents. Pops passed on about 19 years ago. Moms is slowly degenerating, which is very sad to witness firsthand. Once moms is gone, there is nothing left. That, of course, has always been the ultimate fate of a pariah.
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