H. Feb. 13 - 2023

 Feb. 13 -2023  Journal Re: H - written by E.

H. was briefly warm and friendly, even enjoyed a hug upon arrival. Her mood quickly changed. She became antagonistic and irritable. She was puttering in the house in her pajamas and stated that she did not know I was coming and this annoyed her. She immediately said her feet were hurting and she had no interest in going out, despite the sunny morning. 

I purposely sat in the kitchen so that she could busy herself moving things around and tidying up. My intent was to stay out of her way as she continued to make comments and suggestions that I leave. I made her a Valentine's Day hand-drawn card which she appreciated for a brief moment. She then continued to ask me to leave and stated that she didn't need a babysitter. She was mad at her son for arranging help and mad at me. She even fictionalized some history (that does not exist) about me and her  and went on to say something like " I didn't think you'd be that way". A lot of her expressions were fabricated but injected with venomous anger. As the anger escalated (by 1:30 ish) I suggested to her that I leave for a 20-minute break. She encouraged me not to come back!

I went to IGA to get her some lunch as she was not willing to go out for a walk and a meal. I drove to IGA and picked up a Turkey, Brie, Cranberry sandwich (which she likes). She did eat lunch but refused to drink stating she had already been drinking a lot ( untrue ). She settled down briefly but then revved up again and began speaking in an abusive tone, including swear words. I told her I would have to leave again and went home for 20 minutes. 

I was communicating with D. so he was aware that H.'s behaviour was difficult. He showed up at about 3 pm and questioned H. She denied that she had been speaking in an abusive tone, and became surprisingly obedient in D.'s presence. He uses an authoritarian tone that she responds well to as clearly she does not want to alienate the one family member that has been looking after her. 

Together we talked her into coming out for a walk but it was getting cold and windy. She was having pain

in her feet and seemed to be limping a bit so walking was not ideal. She was more cooperative and sort of remorseful. She fussed about not wanting to wear a coat but D. was firm and she obeyed. We went for a drive but she suddenly realized it was almost 4 pm and was worried that her guests and family would be arriving at her house and we had to go back. I talked her into a quick stop at Tim Hortons where she had some decaf and I had tea. We returned to her place and as always she was disappointed that no one was waiting for her.

I gave her the second Olanzipine at about 3 pm. I am not convinced that this medication is effective. She actually seems more agitated since starting this med than when I first met her.

I brought supper up from the car, barbecue chicken, caesar salad, and a noodle dish. She ate well today and was in much better humour by the late afternoon. She promised D. that she would be cooperative so he could spend 3 days in Whistler without worries. Although she may not remember this.

D. appeared again at 6:15 and J.  had arrived. He could see that things were better and J. planned to help H. by making a foot bath. This would help her aching feet heal. She liked this idea. The TV was on when I completed my shift and H. seemed much calmer.

It was a challenging day for me. We are hoping to get a white-erase board and start journaling each day so that we can do some detective work and figure out if this med is working. We need to have some strategies so she does not rev up her anger as the results are not good for her or anyone assisting. I suggest when she speaks abusively (and begins swearing) that any worker leave immediately letting her know they will return in 20 minutes. She then has no audience so she would have to de-escalate. I had to leave twice today and it did seem to be effective. I think it is a good plan for all involved to keep safety a priority.

Feb. 14 - Valentine's Day w H.

H. was in good humour, the opposite to the day before. We had some difficulty finding her winter coat and gloves/ sunglasses. A lock box for these items would reduce stress as all these items could go directly into it when she returns. I had to lend her gloves and sunglasses.

She was upbeat and good-humored almost the entire day. We went for a walk in Sechelt and she enjoyed people-watching and looking at shops.  I now have Spotify on my phone and a speaker so we we're able to listen to country and western music while driving to Sechelt. I picked up a whiteboard at Protech that screws onto the wall. I think this will be very useful if she doesn't erase things but they can be written again. The calendar already disappeared but something fixed won't.

H. is having more trouble walking and had less desire to do as much walking as she did last week. She did enjoy the sunshine and was delighted with the little Vietnamese Restaurant on Dolphin St. It has a great lunch menu for $12.95 per person and offers large quantities of food. She ate with enthusiasm and took several cards so she can tell others about this place. She also ate a large supper and was more interested in food, and activity today than yesterday. I have no idea why she was so difficult yesterday.

I spoke with my friend who is a nurse at Christensen. She suggested we wait 3 weeks as it may take that long before the Olanzapine is effective. She also said it is important for a doctor to assess if this med is the best one. The more sedating meds are not ideal for a walker. My nurse friend stated that everyone is different and it could take a few tries before finding the best choice. It's best to work with a doctor that takes an interest and listens.

Strangely the Caesar Salad from yesterday which we placed in a container in the fridge disappeared. The disappearing act (especially a salad) boggles the mind. It was not in the freezer and nowhere to be seen. It is unlikely that she ate it. We had lots of other choices for supper, including chicken, potato salad, noodle salad, and quiche. She ate a large supper with enthusiasm. 

J. arrived and brought some great desserts. Her husband is a baker so she often brings lovely deserts or muffins.  J. told me things went well the night before and she seemed confident that the evening would be fine.. 

I have no idea why H. was so difficult yesterday. It was like two different people. I posted a note that Sue is arriving at 10:30 am tomorrow. She looked at it taped next to the phone but before I left the note was gone. She might remember or find this note. It is also possible to phone her before leaving home.

All in all it was a much much better day than Monday. Her coat might be on the chair. I tried to have her leave her winter wear so you can find it easily Sue. But between now and tomorrow anything can disappear! Good luck!