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Again, this is mostly written by my aunt Kate, cut-and-pasted somewhat. But I wanted to get something up for those of you who keep asking (you know who you are!), and I am so bad at writing stuff down lately.
Kate was on the scene all weekend in Pennsylvania. Gramma was in the hospital for 2 1/2 days and then moved to a rehab facility associated with the hospital. The orthopaedic doctor said that Gramma was a feisty lady and in great shape. The break was a very typical one for her age, a bone deep in the groin. Feels like she'll be walking independently in about 2 months (with walker?) She fell on the evening of the 21st and the PT guys had her walking (along bars attached to the wall, I guess) on the 23rd. Kate's report for today (27th) is that Gramma's doing remarkably well with her walker (ie, Zimmer frame, you brits)--it's slow and not far, but pretty amazing that she's even up. She is generally feeling optimistic and in good spirits. Everyone is focused on her going home, no talk about assisted living. What is most painful and not do-able at this point is bending down (ie putting on shoes) and turning on her side (ie getting out of a flat bed by herself). Kate asked about stairs and they said it was really a matter of pain and safety and that the PT at home would assess that. No talk of driving. OT is helping her figure out dressing and bathing and said they could come with family to the house to give suggestions regarding the set-up, which Kate thought was a great idea. Gramma has always resisted things like keeping pots and pans out instead of in the cupboard, and taking up the rugs, but the mantra is "if you want to be in Gretna....."
We still don't know what she'll be able to do in a couple weeks. The social worker at the rehab center told her the average stay there was 7-10 days, so that is now her focus.
Kate's final note to me: "All in all, I think we should feel pretty lucky and, once again, know what an incredible woman she is. She's planning to go to Chicago and Va. in April."
Kate was on the scene all weekend in Pennsylvania. Gramma was in the hospital for 2 1/2 days and then moved to a rehab facility associated with the hospital. The orthopaedic doctor said that Gramma was a feisty lady and in great shape. The break was a very typical one for her age, a bone deep in the groin. Feels like she'll be walking independently in about 2 months (with walker?) She fell on the evening of the 21st and the PT guys had her walking (along bars attached to the wall, I guess) on the 23rd. Kate's report for today (27th) is that Gramma's doing remarkably well with her walker (ie, Zimmer frame, you brits)--it's slow and not far, but pretty amazing that she's even up. She is generally feeling optimistic and in good spirits. Everyone is focused on her going home, no talk about assisted living. What is most painful and not do-able at this point is bending down (ie putting on shoes) and turning on her side (ie getting out of a flat bed by herself). Kate asked about stairs and they said it was really a matter of pain and safety and that the PT at home would assess that. No talk of driving. OT is helping her figure out dressing and bathing and said they could come with family to the house to give suggestions regarding the set-up, which Kate thought was a great idea. Gramma has always resisted things like keeping pots and pans out instead of in the cupboard, and taking up the rugs, but the mantra is "if you want to be in Gretna....."
We still don't know what she'll be able to do in a couple weeks. The social worker at the rehab center told her the average stay there was 7-10 days, so that is now her focus.
Kate's final note to me: "All in all, I think we should feel pretty lucky and, once again, know what an incredible woman she is. She's planning to go to Chicago and Va. in April."