I posted on my anti nursing home rant yesterday about my experience placing mom in respite care for the week. This morning she is weak, I almost dropped her on the way to the bathroom. I've switched out the walker for her wheelchair, but I don't know how her psw will ever be able to bathe her today. I sure hope this isn't permanent.
When my mom was in respite they decided to treat he anxiety with 5mg of xanax nightly, which built up in her system. Once the xanax was stopped at home, then her strength improved though she needed physical therapy for awhile.
As for the respite care. If you post on here that you feel guilty now about availing yourself of that opportunity? I will fly thru the screen and wag my lecturing finger in your face. (Hugs)
1. Your mother is in fact still adjusting, and the emotional challenges of last week are still lingering, or
2. The facility didn't provide her with enough opportunity to safely walk.
It could also be that she was just weak this particular morning; that's happened a lot with my father, sometimes depending on how much protein he's had recently. Also happens to me, probably from low potassium levels.
How does she get into the tub to be bathed? Perhaps the PSW can find alternate methods to help her stay clean until she's stronger on her feet.
Could you get some short term therapy for her to help her regain her strength?
Hang in there, it's still early in the day and hopefully things will get a lot better as she gets used to her more familiar surroundings. Make today a special day for both of you; just enjoy your time together and forget about everything else.
I noticed when I placed my own precious possession for my week of respite, she seemed to sleep all the time. Well, every time I visited her she was asleep, even her home carer visited her every day and mom was sleepy. I asked several times if they were giving her those "comfort" meds. The answer was always no. However, when they sent her home she had full containers of meds and her morphine was also full.
Give mom a few days to recover from her respite stay. Shower her with lots of love and attention and I have no doubt she will bounce back!! ((((hugs)))
Cwillie, these moves are very difficult for them. There will always be things that come up that are not anticipated. I am sure they are doing the best they can but it will never be the same as the one on one care they get at home.