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Hospital Bed
Gladys has physical therapy on Mondays and Fridays. Yesterday, the physical therapist noticed how difficult it is for Gladys to get into the bed. She asked me if I had considered getting Gladys a hospital bed because it can be raised and lowered. Immediately my mind saw dollar signs and began to calculate costs, as I looked at the therapist as though she had lost her mind. What I actually said was, “No, I haven’t, does Medicare pay for that?” and she said “Yes.”
Evidently the therapist just has to sign an order and have the doctor sign off on it. After that Medicare is supposed to contact me about delivery. The therapist said she was reluctant to suggest the bed because most of her patients don’t want one because they are unattractive and don’t match the decor. I don’t care what they look like, if I can sleep through the night a few days a week. Right now I have only had about three nights of uninterrupted sleep and that was because my daughters were here to check on Gladys at night and help her back into bed.
Hired Sunday Caregiver
In a previous post, I talked about how Gladys won’t cooperate with my daughter on Sunday mornings and gives Anita a hard time about getting ready for church. In the past two months, Anita has only been to church twice; either because Gladys is uncooperative or because she has wet the bed and needs to be bathed again. I bathe Gladys on Saturday night and don’t have time to bathe her again on Sunday mornings (I leave at 6:50 AM); and Anita has not been taught how to bathe her. Anyway, I have decided to hire someone to stay with Gladys on Sundays from 10:00 AM until 1:30 PM. This will allow Anita to arrive at church in time for the 10:45 service and get on her post (she operates one of our TV cameras) and will allow me to complete a days work (Sunday is a work day for me).
Jack Bauer and 24
Now for the really important stuff! I was able to watch 24 last night without interruption!! Got Gladys to the bathroom, dressed for bed and into bed. By the time 24 came on she was sleep. Oh, the little pleasures in life.
5 People have left comments on this post
Mar 24, 2009 - 03:03:58We got a hospital bed for my mother in law in her last months. To heck with the decor. Our backs needed relief. I guess in the case of Gladys it might keep her from getting out of bed but watch out for her going right over the rails!
Yea Ms. Valerie! I am so glad to hear you now have some outside help. I remember a time when people would suggest such for my mother and I would barely let them finish their comment – I just couldn’t tolerate the idea that someone else would be with her. Different situations however I am much happier now and enjoy (usually) our time together.
Judy.
@Hattie – you are so right. The decor is not important.
@Judy – This will be a big help, especially for Anita. The lady who will sit with her is a professional caregiver and came highly recommended by a friend who works with Social Services and has seen her interact with patients.
I’m so glad you’re doing this. You will all be much happier with your situation.
BTW: I tried accessing your blog from my blog and got a pop up ad, even though pop ups are supposed to be disabled. ????
The sitter will be particularly helpful for Anita. She is only 28 and I want to keep her fresh for when I really need her to help me out.
Don’t know what’s going on with the pop-up, I don’t have any ads, just the items from Amazon.com.
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