Mum’s in the ED tonight after her fall 6 days ago (well 2 falls in two weeks). I’m super worried. Delayed concussion ABI IV (she only has vision in one eye and now the other is gone) this is not good.
Her life is about to change drastically and it’s going to be an awful adjustment for her and I just feel so sad.
Been through something similar with my Mum a few years back. Did the hospital give you any info on ‘confusion’, which is a known side effect of such falls?
All one can do is to be there for her, preferably turning up at a regular time of the day as predictability is key. Try to avoid surprising her, or doing a data dump of new information, cos it may not be grasped fully. This isn’t the moment to attempt to get her to agree to home help etc. I made that mistake with my Mum, and so did my brother who didn’t understand that my Mum couldn’t grasp new information at that point. It didn’t end well. Also, I suspect your brother & SIL aren’t going to be much use. Try to be there at least once a day.
You might like to get her a radio with simple controls - the twist sort - with comfy headphones. If she’s got low or no vision then having some means of blotting out the other activity in the ED or hospital room is very helpful. Phone apps rely on vision to operate the controls. Boredom and the ceaseless sounds and activity around her is a nasty mix when she’s trying to sleep and a radio helps. My mum also felt better when she had her favorite shawl/throw to wrap herself in as she found the hospital ambient temperature too chilly for comfort.
Clean clothes/laundry, hairdressing etc. will also help her to feel better. The nurses can’t do all of this, so you or other rellos will probably have to do this as required. Also familiar food - hospital food varies a great deal depending on the hospital and the time of day. Not all of it is edible imo. If her doctor agrees, then homelike food is good.
We’re all here for you and your mum, always. I am so so sorry about you both going through this. Please reach out if you need support. And feel free to vent to/at me any time you need.
I’m so sorry; this is such a hard thing to go through. Further to what Thornbury witch suggested, it can be helpful to visit around mealtimes or when things need to be done. One time my mum was in hospital, I tried to visit regularly to help with her meals, etc., as the staff were run off their feet. It also means you can keep on top of what treatment is happening and help provide medical info to the staff, too
Mum’s in the ED tonight after her fall 6 days ago (well 2 falls in two weeks). I’m super worried. Delayed concussion ABI IV (she only has vision in one eye and now the other is gone) this is not good.
Her life is about to change drastically and it’s going to be an awful adjustment for her and I just feel so sad.
i’m not sure how to go about this.
Been through something similar with my Mum a few years back. Did the hospital give you any info on ‘confusion’, which is a known side effect of such falls?
All one can do is to be there for her, preferably turning up at a regular time of the day as predictability is key. Try to avoid surprising her, or doing a data dump of new information, cos it may not be grasped fully. This isn’t the moment to attempt to get her to agree to home help etc. I made that mistake with my Mum, and so did my brother who didn’t understand that my Mum couldn’t grasp new information at that point. It didn’t end well. Also, I suspect your brother & SIL aren’t going to be much use. Try to be there at least once a day.
You might like to get her a radio with simple controls - the twist sort - with comfy headphones. If she’s got low or no vision then having some means of blotting out the other activity in the ED or hospital room is very helpful. Phone apps rely on vision to operate the controls. Boredom and the ceaseless sounds and activity around her is a nasty mix when she’s trying to sleep and a radio helps. My mum also felt better when she had her favorite shawl/throw to wrap herself in as she found the hospital ambient temperature too chilly for comfort.
Clean clothes/laundry, hairdressing etc. will also help her to feel better. The nurses can’t do all of this, so you or other rellos will probably have to do this as required. Also familiar food - hospital food varies a great deal depending on the hospital and the time of day. Not all of it is edible imo. If her doctor agrees, then homelike food is good.
Thank you kindly for that advice. I’m going to follow all of that.
I’m so sorry mate. I can’t imagine how you’re feeling at the moment. I hope everything turns out the best that it can ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you :)
So sorry to read this. Best to you both.
Thank you.
We’re all here for you and your mum, always. I am so so sorry about you both going through this. Please reach out if you need support. And feel free to vent to/at me any time you need.
Edit: how’re your chillies going? ❤️
I’m so sorry; this is such a hard thing to go through. Further to what Thornbury witch suggested, it can be helpful to visit around mealtimes or when things need to be done. One time my mum was in hospital, I tried to visit regularly to help with her meals, etc., as the staff were run off their feet. It also means you can keep on top of what treatment is happening and help provide medical info to the staff, too
Hugs to you all
I am so sad for you. Like TW said, it’s gentle supportive steps right now. Rest and time will help all of you.