Saturday, October 8, 2011

Catching Our Breath

(NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC)  Hi 74 Low 47 - Today we visited mom for a couple of hours, but otherwise we tried to chill out a little bit and catch our breath. Jim did a little more work on her finances, mostly getting rid of old documents and organizing everything. It's amazing how much paper mom saved... bills, statements, and stuff going back 10 years, some for accounts that are no longer active. I finished up the forms that have to be filled out for the assisted care facility we hope to move her to which we won't know for sure till after Monday. I also worked on our budget which turned out well for the month of September.

While visiting mom I spoke with the nursing supervisor about the hold-up in the application process for Carillon Assisted Living. They told me yesterday that they need to know the reason for the 1,500 ml water limit that mom's on. They're concerned that it involves congestive heart failure. The nurse told us that her chart doesn't mention congestive heart failure, and the water limit is due to the low salt problem she had when she was admitted to the hospital. He thinks it's a temporary situation, so that's good news. Hopefully things will be back on track Monday when Carillon hears from her doctor.

A lot of our discussions with mom concern what personal things she wants us to keep for her when we clear out her apartment. I got the idea of taking photographs of all the shelves, closets, and everything I could think of in her apartment. Today as she viewed the photos she could point out the things she wanted and I wrote everything down. It's working out great, and it's so much easier than her trying to remember where everything is. Just an idea for anyone who may go through this someday.

When we got home, I went for a long walk around the NC State Fairgrounds. They're setting up for the State Fair that starts next Friday. I had to walk around the perimeter because all the gates were guarded and they don't let anyone in who isn't  fair worker. Here's some photos I took on my walk:
















We're behind the horse barn so I watched the horses jumping over the rails.














The main road to the fair














Lights ready to distribute around the area.
 

Lots of propane tanks














Lots of cranes ready to work on Monday














Tents are being put up














Trailers with food products. The refrigerators are running today.














We're near the end. There's only two empty spots today














We heard the NC State football game going on. It's just across from where we're parked.














This evening we'll relax with TV and chat. It was nice not to have any appointments to run to today.

7 comments:

A couple of newer paintings 2019 said...

Great idea taking photos and having her ID what she wants to take with her. Will she have a room of her own or a roommate? If she has a roommate you might want to label her clothes for the laundry. Also the elderly sometimes like to steal each other's clothes. LOL

Jim and Sandie said...

Not only do the elderly steal clothes, they also stole my Mom's teeth and her glasses. We found the glasses but never did find the teeth. Thank goodness it was only a partial. But they took such good care of her. And most of the nurses loved her so much. What more could we want. Hope it all gets worked out for you on Monday.

Nancy and Bill said...

My mom had the same water restrictions when she had low sodium. Once her sodium levels stayed in the normal range, that restriction was lifted. Think it is just a temporary thing.

Hope all goes well on Monday.

Elaine said...

excellent idea using the camera....I know where your at because when we had to move Ricks mom into a home..I was so afraid to get rid of something then have her ask for it..so I pretty much stored it all here :(.....and now that she's passed I haven't the heart to go thru it all (we did get rid of all the furniture when she moved)...one day at a time my dear

Kathy said...

Looks like you'll have a lot to keep your attention at the park. Mmmm I can smell corndogs cookin!

Glad things are going smoothly with your mom's move. Great idea about photographing her things, then you'll also have pics in case anything is stolen but let's hope that doesn't happen.

KarenInTheWoods said...

You are just SO CLEVER to do the photographing thing!!! And I am sure with your upbeat attitude an bouncy demeaner you will get her all moved in and happy and comfortable!

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Margie and Roger said...

Although you sound so busy, you also seem to have everything under control. Guess it's good you have 'downsizing' experience. Hope you get your mom settled into a nice place. You sure are going to be ready for some Florida R & R soon.

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