I haven't written before because Ellouise has not plugged in her computer since my last post. "Its too private to write about." she told her daughter Robin.
But I can tell you a few things about working with Hospice because I watch everything that happens here that has to do with Jim.
When a patient comes under the care of Montgomery Hospice they are assigned to a team: a chaplin, a social worker and the RN - their nurse. All fine and caring people!
In Jim's case he as also assigned a health care aide - the marvelous Elizabeth - who now comes five days a week to take care of him. He trusts her completely and she is a blessing in their lives.
In what I see Ellouise is the main caregiver- meaning she handles all the medicines, the food and general care etc. It is a big job and some nights she is really tired out. She finally went out to get her hair cut the other day and Jim said, "good" when she came home. I heard the nurse telling her "you have to take care of yourself. I tell that to all my families." She says, "its hard to leave - - "
The family has stepped in - and someone is here all the time - to be with Jim, to help with the care and to support Ellouise. They are a wonderful bunch who love their dad quite a lot. I heard Ellouise tell Jim, "We are so blessed."
The long and the short of it is that finally she called an agency and hired a CNA - that's a certified nursing aide and a strong, gentle and compassionate Ethiopian man entered their lives. Ellouise still manages Jim's care and medicines but now they have back-up and support from someone who is capable and well-trained. I heard Ellouise tell Jim's RN, "look I am a nursing school drop-out -- what do I know?"
"Ellouise, TLC is your medicine! Your job is to love him".
"Well that's not a problem for me. I have been loving him for 57 years."
6 comments:
Glad you have some help Ellouise. You are doing such a good job of loving Jim and being there for him. I'll keep you both in my prayers.
Smiling, wiping tears, and praying at the same time as I read this wonderful, loving tribute to what being a loving couple means.
You and Jim are riding around in our hearts up here in PA. Sometimes it feels like an ache, sometimes it feels like a hug. Standing by is a high calling, and it's hard work. For both of you.
Much love, my dears.
Smart to get some more help, Ellouise, you can save all your energy for the important stuff. Give my best to Jim. Let me know if I can be any help. Love--Jane
I know it's hard, but you need to take care of yourself. Loving Jim is the easy part.
I love you both, Dena.
Many, many blessings. I am thinking of you both. You are handling this with such grace, humility & strength.
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