Rough day all around. This is the brief version.
Caleb left this morning. He’s been my right-hand man, my primary helper and support since this accident. We’ve spent morning, noon and night together for nearly two weeks. Tough to see him go.
I came into a meeting with some of the rehab staff expressing my strong wish up front that we get Jennifer out as soon as possible. We see improvements and are thankful for the care—but there are serious deficiencies as well. My request and comments about dissatisfaction with the lack of therapy over the weekend and lack of continuity of care were met we defensiveness and a bit of hostility. I get it—I’ve called into question the value of the care she’s receiving, but we are at a point of advocating for Jennifer.
Then—got news from Julia that her dog ran away in Salt Lake City this morning. She spent much of the day putting up posters in the neighborhood and at some of the trailheads. A runner called having spotted the dog and she was recovered in the late afternoon. Yay.
Then—got news from Luke that their dog may have eaten some rat poison. Seems like the dose may have been quite small —but that’s stressful.
Then—despite Abby’s willingness to always help out a colleague in need by covering shifts in the hospital—she cannot find anyone to cover her shifts later in the week.
So Prayer points.
1. Pray we could extract Jennifer from rehab this week. So she could have time with the kids here at the farm before they must return to Salt Lake City.
2. Pray Abby can get someone to cover her shifts.
3. Pray Luke and Abby’s dog sees no ill effects from a possible toxic ingestion.
5 comments:
I will be praying for these specific requests and for the whole family... must have been hard for your son to have to leave as well.
We're currently needing to advocate for our mother in Long Term Care around some of those same types of issues... hard...knowing some of the limitations the staff face... having the third world perspective... and yet we have to fight for the very best care for those we love...
Lord You will accomplish that which concerns them... For Your glory.
If "the powers that be" are steadfastly unwilling to consider a full discharge, would they consider a Leave of Absence to allow Jennifer "family therapy" time at the farm while family is still around? Sometimes physical caregivers are so focused on their particular discipline that they forget that body, mind and spirit make up a single unit - the person. Time with family may be just the boost she needs to empower her next spurt of progress. (BTW, am still praying for her eye...)
Bob Carter
A lot of prayers, and advocating is such a balance! Keep at it.
Best from Mbale
It seems like rehab facilities are never pretty - they don't seem to match the description very well. And during covid? Between staffing shortages and distancing restrictions I imagine it's abysmal. Continue to speak truth and by any means - get her home! I've only met Jennifer via your blog but it seems that she responds to 'place' and 'people' deeply. Being back in your own 'shire' would surely be good.
Also, I'm sorry for the disappointments all around as your family disperses. It sounds harrowing to lose a dog get them back and then fear poisoning. Will pray for that beloved family member as well as for Abby's shifts to be covered.
Scott. When my mom
Had a stroke earlier this year and later passed I found out there is no one in the healthcare system who advocates for you or your patient Jennifer. You have to advocate for yourself. If you want to go home with her just do it. You will have to figure out how to get home care but it is possible. Just do it.
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