Katie Laughs and Katie Smiles: Katie’s Story, Part Fifteen
Judene and I went to visit Katie last Friday. Judene took some silly Christmas headgear for us all to wear while we sang Christmas carols.
Katie sang, Katie laughed, Katie smiled.
Judene and I went to visit Katie last Friday. Judene took some silly Christmas headgear for us all to wear while we sang Christmas carols.
Katie sang, Katie laughed, Katie smiled.
Sam is embroiled in the middle of a very difficult situation. It’s hard for him to see the positives.
Well, Katie may have had the date wrong—but the concept was right. KATIE IS GOING HOME on Monday, December 15th.
The Provider met with the nursing home staff this week to compile a specific and detailed plan for Katie’s care. I was invited to attend the meeting, and I asked Judene to accompany me because she always provides good perspective and moral support.
When Judene and I arrived, it was immediately evident that KATIE IS EMERGING!
When the Provider began checking down the list–
Katie began slapping her leg. “This is how I clap,” she said. And we all clapped with her.
We talked about meals: Gloria cooks very healthy food. What do you like for breakfast?
We talked about treatment and therapy: Gloria can tend to your wounds. She can help you with your stretching exercises.
We talked about visitors: Gloria will be glad to have your church group over to sing hymns.
Everyone is doing what they can to facilitate the transition home and to make the plan work.
Sam and Katie’s home will be hectic for a while. But I believe the plan will succeed because…
Each time Judene and I visit, we try to be optimistic, but too often we leave feeling discouraged, generally for one of three reasons: Will Katie be unresponsive? Will she be crying out in pain? Will she show any discernible emotion? All are difficult to understand—mysteries buried deep in Katie’s brain.
The backward steps are alarming and disheartening. We remind each other to remember: “One, two, cha-cha-cha!”
Indeed, our visit last week was really good. Katie was alert. She no longer has to wear her braces during the day. She did not cry out at all, and for the two brief moments that she did experience some pain, she said, “Ow, ow, ow,” QUIETLY.
She also made an emotional statement (albeit unemotionally):
“I’m going home on the 12th no matter what.”
Three steps forward for sure!
From the onset, I had a specific idea of the care plan that would be necessary for Katie to be cared for at home. But, I was skeptical that such a plan would be approved.
The plan was based on two major factors:
At the October 23rd meeting, Katie was relatively alert and able to participate in a limited way. Sam informed the provider that all narcotic medication had been discontinued. The provider assured Sam that they would be able to care for Katie in the home environment. More importantly, another meeting was scheduled for the following week with all involved parties: Katie and Sam, the Area Agency on Aging care manager, the nursing home social worker, the provider, and the prospective caregiver.
At this meeting, Judene and I were also in attendance to provide support for Katie and Sam. When we first arrived, Katie greeted us with a vivacious, “Hi!” We were delighted.
When the Aging care manager outlined the specifics of the Waiver Program’s, “Services My Way” plan, I was floored. It provided more than I had dreamed of in my wildest imagination, such as:
And if this was not enough to make the day, the provider brought the caregiver they had in mind to look after Katie. “Gloria” has experience working in a family unit. She knows how to use a Hoyer lift. She’s described as being a homebody, having spirit, and being reserved yet warm. We were all most-impressed when Gloria reassured Katie with a gentle touch and calmed her with an uplifting hymn.
One more meeting was scheduled to complete the Public Partnership paperwork for final approval of the plan. The paperwork has now been submitted. The target date for Katie to come home is December 15th. And again, we wait…
Peace with your past, present in the now, excited for the future!
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