Bumps in the Transition Road: Katie’s Story, Part Fourteen

Expect bumps. Good philosophy.

• “There are always bumps in the transition road–we expect them,” the Provider said. “Give this about a week and Gloria, Sam and Katie will start to get into a routine.”

 

• First bump:  In short, the home health agency did not show up on Tuesday, and will be unable to come until Sunday. This occurred because the nursing home did not send the orders until the day of Katie’s release; orders were incomplete; the staff was uncooperative in rectifying the problem.
• Second bump:  The environmental modifications could not be provided until after Katie’s discharge.  Katie’s living area is carpeted, which makes it very difficult to move the Hoyer lift and wheel chair.  In addition, since Katie is dead weight in the bed, it takes two people to move and transfer Katie.  The laminate floor will not be installed until after the New Year.
• Third bump:  Sam is having difficulty visualizing that Gloria will be able to handle the heavy aspects of Katie’s care without assist.  He points out that this has always been his biggest concern.  The success of the plan rests on the caregiver’s ability to work independently.  In the meantime, Sam will have to pitch in to help Gloria, or make arrangements to have the neighbors help.

Sam is embroiled in the middle of a very difficult situation.  It’s hard for him to see the positives.

• First positive:  The Provider is monitoring Gloria’s ability to handle Katie.  They will make adjustments where needed and are confident that it will all work out.
• Second positive:  The Provider reports—“ I cannot believe how alert and oriented Katie is—it blows me away. She is reminding Sam to do things!  Sam went up to get some tape and came down and said, ‘I can’t remember what I went upstairs for.’  Katie replied, ‘Honey you went for tape.’  After Sam leaves the room, Katie says to me, ‘I think Sam needs to do some of my brain teaser exercises to stimulate his brain.’  Gloria, Katie and I cracked up. She laughs, she smiles—she is funny and right on point.”
• Third positive:  Katie’s new mantra–

IT IS WHAT IT IS

 

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