Saturday, January 8, 2011

Mom Had a Fall

My mom had a fall yesterday and was unable to get help for about 4 hours. Her head somehow got wedged in the basket of her walker and somehow she ended up with her blankets over her head as well. She tried to call for help in the hopes that passersby might hear her from the hallway but alas no one came to help.

I do pay for a necklace for mom to wear in case she ever has such a problem. The necklace has a button which is to be depressed if you get into a "situation" but mom didn't have it on. She always takes it off when she is getting her bath and then she often neglects to put it back on due to forgetfulness or distractedness.


It was many hours later when the wound nurse visited to change her dressings that she was discovered and the ambulance personnel prompted were called to come and check her over. Mom didn't go to the hospital as she said she didn't feel she had any broken bones but she is battered, bruised and very sore.

We are on an urgent waiting list to get mom into a nursing home. In fact I just spoke to the nursing home the day before this falling incident and they are working as fast as they can to prepare things equipment wise. The issue really is when the room will be available as it is currently occupied. They may move the gentleman to another room but I know this is asking a lot. I just leave it in the Lord's hands and pray for mom and her new home to come available as soon as it possibly can.


Update:  A few days after the fall mom ended up being admitted to hospital. She has a cellulitis infection in the legs. This is her fourth trip to hospital for a similar reason which is why she is now on a waiting list to go into a nursing home.  My brother and nephew are with her and looking after things. I imagine she will stay in the hospital until her infection gets better. In a way, it is a bit of a relief to me that she been admitted so that the doctors can treat the infection which was also setting into her bladder; another recurring health issue.

23 comments:

The Professor's Wife said...

So sorry to hear that Joyful! Will be praying for your mom!

Joyful said...

Thank you very much! I really appreciate your prayers.

Jan said...

Oh Joyful, my heart is with you.... praying for you and your Mom.
Love, Jan

Joyful said...

Thank you Jan. It means so much to me and to my mom when I let her know that people are praying. God bless.

Unknown said...

Oh, Joyful, that's awful!
I'm so sorry for your dear Mum, she must have been so scared and felt so helpless. I recently watched my mother-in-law nurse her own mother with the sort of love and grace that I've "seen" through your words as you. I hope your Mum won't feel too bad going to a nursing home, I hope she won't feel lonely or forgotten - I know not by you in any way - I just feel so bad for people going into nursing homes, because I know I would never want to go into one myself.
But I understand sometimes it is necessary. You love for your Mother, has always inspired my in your blog posts. God bless you both.
xx

Joyful said...

Hi Shell, so lovely of you to drop by. Yes, mom was very frightened by her whole ordeal. I just hope it helps somehow to get her a room at the nursing home sooner. My mom never wanted to go into a home, nor did I want to put her there but her care needs are such that we really have no alternative. She is going into a critical needs place. The plus side is at last she will be able to participate in church services which she has really missed all these years. The church goes right to the residence on Sundays. Also I will continue to visit her there as often as I can and I know she will enjoy the social activities they have there and being around other people as she is really a social person. She will have her own room to retreat to when she wants to have peace and quiet. It is a very emotionally draining experience to try to provide care to a parent who needs more than you are able to do so I am anxious for her to get all the care and support she really needs so she can enjoy her remaining days.

Kilauea Poetry said...

Hey..sorry about that! I can totally understand the frustration and concern. I'll make a point to pray tonight. It'll be Ok! The rose is lovely!!

Joyful said...

Thank you KP for your prayers. Much appreciated. Hugs.xx

OneStonedCrow said...

So sad to read about your moms fall Penny - and to be stuck like that for four hours must have been hell for her - I do hope that place is found for her in the Care Home as soon as possible ...

Here's wishing you strength in this trying time.

Joyful said...

Thank you OSC. Though I usually try to keep faith and not worry, it is so very difficult where elderly parents are concerned; especially as I am so far away. The sooner her room comes available the better off we will all be. I know some folks think it is heartless to put someone into a nursing home. Believe me, mom wouldn't go willingly if she didn't also know that was the best place for her with her current health problems and mobility issues. I am very hopeful that she will grow to love it there with all the many social opportunities she will have.

Anonymous said...

Oh I'm so sorry to hear this! Praying for swift healing for your Mum, and a quick&easy solution...xx

Diane said...

So sorry to read about your Mum's fall but glad to hear that nothing is broken. My Mum used to wear one of those press buttons around her neck, thankfully she was always very good about putting it back on after her shower and leaving it in a postion that she could reach easily while in the shower.
A friend of mine found her Mother in the bathroom with no clothes on after she had been there for 3 days. She was in a bad way with dehydration as well as the problems from the fall. They managed to get her into a home very quickly afterwards but not a good way to force the issue!!
I am sure you will find the strength to to carry on in such difficult moments. Diane

Kaybe said...

Father, I ask that you release a grace into this dear one's life that her latter will be greater than her former. That this transition will go smoothly and glorify you and your goodness. I thank you Father that the joy of the Lord is her strength and that your peace that passes all understanding rules and reigns in her mind & emotions. Lord, let this dear one be a bright and shining star for you in her new home. And just like a falling star burns it's brightest across a dark sky - let your precious daughter burn with your love in that place for you.

Thank you Father - Yay God!

Take good care,

Karen

Joyful said...

Rachel thank you for your words of care, concern and prayer. They mean a lot.

Joyful said...

Diane, yes it is so difficult when our parents are failing in health. Thank God mom gets help coming in a few times a day. Normally they do show up but how odd they didn't on that day! You are fortunate your mom is diligent about her necklace. Unfortunately mine hasn't been that diligent or she would have help much sooner. I can only imagine what your friend and her mom went through after 3 days of no water and being alone. Mom gets dehydrated very easily and so 4 hours was very long for her.

Joyful said...

Kaybe, thank you for stopping by. Moreso, thank you for the beautiful prayer which I'm sure went to Heaven like sweet fragrance. May the Lord bless you.

Rhonda said...

I am sorry about your mom and will be praying for her and you.

my grandma was in her 90s when she started needing a walker, but she rarely used it, she said it was because "it never is where I am"
sounds like your mom and her emergency necklace :)

Joyful said...

Yes, Rhonda, isn't it so true ;-) Mom is doing much better today than she was yesterday. Thank God. She sounds much stronger though she is still a bit shakey. I told mom today she needs to wear her Lifeline necklace even during her bath but she had reasons why this wasn't doable. When she gets into a nursing residence soon, I will cancel the Lifelife service as she will have someone there to watch over her 24/7. It will be such a relief.

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

You are sure going through a lot with you ailing mom. I pray for some relief for all of you.

Joyful said...

I am sorry about your mom and will be praying for her and you.

my grandma was in her 90s when she started needing a walker, but she rarely used it, she said it was because "it never is where I am"
sounds like your mom and her emergency necklace :)

Joyful said...

So sad to read about your moms fall Penny - and to be stuck like that for four hours must have been hell for her - I do hope that place is found for her in the Care Home as soon as possible ...

Here's wishing you strength in this trying time.

Joyful said...

Thank you KP for your prayers. Much appreciated. Hugs.xx

Joyful said...

Hey..sorry about that! I can totally understand the frustration and concern. I'll make a point to pray tonight. It'll be Ok! The rose is lovely!!

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