Tuesday, September 11

Mr. kenju's In-home Evaluation

At 1:35 pm today, mr. kenju was brought home by two physical therapists, so they could do an evaluation of his home surroundings and also teach me how to help him when he's going up and down the stairs. It went well - better than I expected. They showed him how to negotiate the three steps into the house from the garage with the walker, watched him walk through the house to the den and his favorite chair, and watched him go into the guest room and lie down on the bed by himself. To get from there to the bathroom, he has to turn the walker sideways while going through the door, but he did well, and proved he could do it by himself as long as he doesn't get into too much of a hurry.

They let him rest a bit, and then he went up the 17 steps to the master bedroom, and down the hallway to my office, where the computer is. Then they showed me how to assist him when he is going down the stairs, and it is as much for me to remember as it is for him. They did tell not to try the stairs when I am not at home! I hope he remembers that!

I spent the morning moving the guest room furniture a little bit; the bed is on wheels so it was easier than I remembered. I thought he needed a bit more room between the bed and the dresser, and I was able to give him 8" of floor space.It is a Victorian with a 7 1/2 foot tall headboard and a lower footboard. It would be better for mr. kenju if we had a bed without a footboard in there, but I can't move it out of that room unless it is absolutely necessary. Tomorrow my son is coming to move another of our mattress sets to that bed; one that will be better for his back. He comes home on Thursday, and his out-patient therapy classes will start the following week.

We are lucky that I don't have to work this coming weekend. It will allow us to have time to get used to the routine, and also to make a few changes that the therapists suggested. I need to have these installed: stair railings from the garage into the house, a hand-held shower set, and possibly hand rails in the bathroom shower. I need to remove the throw rug in the bathroom, the bi-fold doors from the kitchen to the den and put a chair at the top of the stairs for him to rest on when he goes up. We are also going to move the deck table and chairs from the lower deck to the upper one close to the house, since there are no hand railings from one deck to another. I am so grateful that the therapists offered to come to our home for this look-see, since I wouldn't have thought of everything on my own. We also have to buy a shower chair and a thing that goes over the toilet so he will have handles to push off when he needs to get up. There are soooo many things to think about. Wish us luck on Thursday - and after!



32 comments:

Diane Mandy said...

I am just now getting caught up on your blog. Wow. I can't believe Mr. K had such troubles while I was gone. I am very happy to hear his is doing better. Hng in there! You blog is always so uplifting even when there are chllenges.

Beverly said...

I send good wishes to you and Mr.kenju. I am home sick today and catching up on my blog reading.
Love the gas stations, or as I used to call them, filling stations.

Tony Gasbarro said...

Having dealt with a Parkinson's patient (Mrs. Farrago's father) living in our home for four years, I know to some degree what you are about to undertake. I suggest you right now set up an escape, some way to vent your frustration away from Mr. kenju's eyes and ears, because it will build up and you will feel the stress of caring for him.

Arrange for someone who can come to relieve you for a few hours up to a whole day when you feel the pressure, someone who understands Mr. kenju's needs, someone who is available to come to your aid sometimes with little advance notice.

Mrs. Farrago and I didn't realize this aspect of caring for her father, and the stress on him as well as us was at times unbearable. So, work into your system a temporary relief valve, and when you feel the stress, use it.

The Turmanators said...

Isn't it amazing the way the therapists can come in and restructure your home to make things so much safer and convenient? After my g'mother broke her leg and needed a walker we did the same kind of things.

So glad Mr. K. is coming home and hope you get your rest; the next part is going to be hardest on you, I think!

tiff said...

I volunteer to be a respite for you. I will come and hang with Mr K while you go somewhere and just be yourself.

Seriously. I have a feeling you'd do it for me.

Best o luck in the coming days as you make yet another big change in your life. We're thinking of you and pulling for the best!

OldHorsetailSnake said...

The most beautiful thing, Judy, is that he's "well," and "getting along." All that fixing and amending is worrisome, but not all that big a deal. You're doing wonderfully, and I love you both.

Shephard said...

Wow, that's a lot of change all at once. You're such a trooper! He is so lucky to have you. But then again, we'd all do that for our loved ones.
~S

BreadBox said...

Most definitely I wish you good luck on Thursday and after -- it is so amazing to read what you are going through: I hope so much that the fact that you are still going "My goodness, how lucky we are" is keeping you from muttering too much about how much of a pain it is to do all this!
Seriously, good luck and virtual hugs whenever you need one to keep you sane:-)

N.

Paul Nichols said...

Mr. K is at home and that is the biggest healer of all. Best wishes to him--and you.

Will pray and remember you on Thursday.

Anonymous said...

Judy,

When my husband came home from the hospital after having his right leg amputated I thought it would take months for us to get used to all the changes we had to make in the house. It was not half as bad as we expected. We had a Physical Therapist who helped us,too and thank God for him.
Keep your chin up, Judy, and you and Mr K will look back on this time as just a little bump in the road.
Whatever you do, do not give up your flower work. You will need that as the perfect excuse to have to LEAVE the house every once in a while. You will need that respite and when you come home again he will be delighted to see you and you him!!!

Bernie said...

Judy,
I hope that Mr Kenju did listen to the order of NOT to try those stairs when you are not there... He will be in trouble if he does try to do it!

I am glad that he is recovering, but how often does he have to negioate the stairs? Can he stay upstairs all the time, or is there room for a bed downstairs thus reducing the possibility of a further injury, whilst building strength and confidence within himself?

All the very best, my thoughts are with you all for a safe home coming on Thursday!

kenju said...

Nancy (and everyone else), thanks for the good words. I know you are right. I have no idea of quitting the flowers, mainly because I have to work, especially now that the hospital bills will be coming. Thankfully, they have not started yet, but as soon as he comes home, they will.

We are both lucky in that we have hordes of friends who have asked how they can help, and while I am always reticent to accept help at times like this, I know I should avail myself of the help while I can. It will be important to keep up both our spirits and the companionship of good people is the best way to do it.

My neighbors have always rallied around others here who have had illnesses and troubles, and I am sure that once they all know, they will do it for us as well. Mr. kenju's men friends have offered to take him to therapy sessions, which will be a big help sometimes. My attitude is that life is, whatever else it may be, an adventure. There is always something to learn and discover - and this path we walk now is no exception.

Anonymous said...

I think you are going to cope. I wish you both luck. He can only get better now that he is home.

Michele sent me here to give you a hug!

Bobkat said...

I wanted to pop by and see how you were doing though I'm not really doing my blog rounds at the moment. I am very gald to hear that Mr Kenju is doing so well and will be home soon. I am sure you will both soon get the hang of the new routines and will be fine.

Thank you for your kind comments on my blog. It meant a lot as I know you have your own challenes and worries.

WordWhiz said...

Judy, your life is so difficult right now and you are dealing with your troubles with such an amazing attitude. I admire you more than I can say. Mr. Kenju is so lucky to have you!!

Best of luck as you settle into a new routine. I'll continue to pray for you.

awareness said...

It is definately a lot to deal with and to prepare.....I'm sure it was difficult for both of you to see this as well. I wish your whole family my best wishes and will be thinking of you over the next few days as you all settle into a new routine.

May Mr. Kenju continue to heal and improve his mobility.

Star said...

Judy, you have your work cut out for you, but I know you are up to it. As many others before me have said, remember to take some time for yourself when you can.

MaR said...

Glad to hear mr. kenju is home. I am remembering when mr mar was 3 weeks in strict bed rest at home because of his injured back. The ones telling you you will need time for yourself are absolutely right: that will give you the necessary strength. Don't forget to take good care of yourself too.
Wishing you two lots of luck on Thursday - and always!

Kristi said...

Yay! I'm so glad Mr. Kenju is coming home tomorrow. It sounds like he got quite the workout yesterday. Good luck with the adjustments. I know with you by his side, he's going to do wonderfully.

Beverly said...

I stopped by and read your post lat night, but it was late, so I didn't take time to comment. You do have your challenges before you, don't you. I'm so glad that he's coming home. He'll probably feel so much better.

Patience with the patient. That's a hard one.

carmilevy said...

You amaze me with your ability to stay so on top of everything. I'd be lost. Indeed, that's how I feel now. I sometimes wish life came with an owner's manual.

Dropped by from Michele's special m&g today. Thinking of you both.

fakies said...

Man, that's a lot to remember. It's amazing how much something like this can change your life and routine. Hope things get easier for both of you.

utenzi said...

I'm sure it'll be a challenge for both of you that first couple of weeks, Judy. It's great that he's coming along so quickly and about to be discharged. I hope his recovery continues to go so well.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Sorry I didn't get here till today, dear Judy. You have your work cut out for you....! I know it is a lot to take in and how wonderful that they do these "in home" visits so that you know what needs to happen...I bet Mr. Kenju is happy he will be coming home...!
I hope ALL goes wonderfully Judy...and that you settle in to a routine that serves you both.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a very positive evaluation and trial run. Amazing how our perception of our surrounding change when someone in our sphere has difficulty. Hope thing continue on such a positive note.

Cris said...

I am glad he's home and can be with you, I was impressed by the way the therapists care and help settling the patient down. My best wishes to Mr. Kenju, my heart and prayers are with you. Love the filling stations below.

Evil Twin's Wife said...

Wow... that was cool of them to come to your house and make suggestions. It's hard to know what is needed when you've never dealt with a situation like this before.

Having cared for my mom (not full time) after my dad died, I know how difficult being the caregiver is. Remember to take time for yourself - even if you have to stay up a little later than him or even have one of the kids come by to hang out for a day while you get your own things taken care of (you know, pedicures, lunch out and all... LOL). I look forward to hearing about his continued progress and I wish you both the best!!! <3

Karen said...

Judy, I'm so glad that Mr. Kenju is finally home. I'm sure it's great to have him back. I'm also sure it'll be a little stressful until you get it all worked out - which I'm sure you will. Hang in there!

Wishing you the best and visiting from Michele's!

Unique Designs from Zazzle said...

looks like Mr. K may have to take up blogging

glad to see he's home

he probably didn't know he had such a big fan club

Anonymous said...

Just found out on Kay's blog, that Mr. Kenju did in fact have a stroke. I'm so very sorry but hopefully he'll continue to improve each day.
Having been a home health RN for 18 years, I know what you're going through! It IS a lot...to absorb, and learn and deal with.
So wishing a good recovery for your husband, but don't forget to take of YOU too. All the best....

Unknown said...

I'm another one just checking in after an absence, Judy. I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Kenju but when I read back in your archives, I can see that he is a lucky man, all in all. I'm glad he is home and doing well.

And here you have been working and making absolutely incredible flowers for weddings. Your work is truly masterful. I wish you lived near me as we order a lot of event flowers for our school--for fund-raisers, benefits, memorials, etc.

Tell your boss I think his entry was so beautiful. I was also impressed with the photo where the floor was decorated as well.

Thinking of you.

Buffy said...

*Big Hugs*