A Better Day

Mom was dressed when I got to her house today.  I walked in just as Jean finished giving her a haircut!  She looked so pretty, even as she fades, she is beautiful!  

We were successful in enrolling Dad with Hospice also. Medicare allows him to be enrolled for 3 months, and then he will have to be re-evaluated.  If he is again accepted, he will be evaluated in 3 more months, then it goes to every 2 months. I am not sure that he will re-qualify, as his health has to be declining, and he really is pretty healthy!  We were concerned because Dad hadn't had his blood checked recently to monitor the coumadin, a blood thinner, that he takes.  We had attempted to enroll him shortly after Mom was diagnosed, but Medicare denied him.  This time, however, they did accept him.  The Hospice nurse, Debbie, and doctor, Dr Case, came today to check both Mom and Dad.  Dad has no complaints, his blood pressure and vital signs were very good and he seems to be feeling great, except for his sadness about Mom.  Mother was in less pain today, although her abdominal area is enlarged and is very tender to the touch.  The Hospice nurse will continue to visit twice a week, and now will check on both Mom and Dad!  Another nurse will come do Dad's blood test on Thursday to ensure that he is taking the right level of his blood thinner. The blood test will be done weekly, at first, to make sure it is staying at a pretty constant level.  Diet and other things affect it also.  It is now very comforting to have Hospice watching after Dad also!

What a blessing Hospice Austin is to Mom and Dad and our family!  Thank you, Lord God, for these women who so patiently and lovingly care for our parents.  We are so grateful to You and ask You to give them grace for their service to You and those they care for.  Amen.