Bunn’s Prairie

I’ve spoken to a lot of people over the past few months about their visits with Kaley. A common theme of confusion among these visitors is how to interact with Kaley. I thought it might be useful to post some tips of do’s and do not’s for visiting with Kaley.

Do make the effort of going and seeing Kaley.

Do not be surprised if she does not say anything to you.

Do talk to her about what is new in your life. Speak to her as if nothing were abnormal.

Do not give her anything to eat or drink. Who knows she may transform from a cute little mogwai into an evil gremlin depending on what time of day it is.

Do try to wake her gently by speaking in a normal volume level or gently shaking her shoulder.

Do not try to wake her by shaking her violently or yelling at her.

Do listen to her and try to understand what she is saying to you if you are lucky enough to have her speak to you.

Do not get angry or frustrated with her if she does not speak or speaks too fast or sloppily such that you cannot understand her.

Do come to visit Kaley with no expectations. That way you will not be disappointed.

Do not avoid certain topics because you think they will upset her (i.e. that she is in a nursing home). Nor should you go out of your way to reminder her of her predicament.

Do make the effort of going and seeing Kaley.

I found out a couple of days ago, that since the new room had a much nicer view, they had to charge $30 a day above and beyond what Kaley’s insurance would pay.  Since this came out to be like $900 per month extra, we decided the extra space was not worth it.  Since they removed the oxygen tank from her room the space hasn’t been a huge issue. We’ll revisit moving again in June after Kaley is switched from short- to long-term stay.

A larger room is freeing up at the nursing home.   I guess Kaley was the only person in a private room requesting a larger room, so she got first crack at it.  We ended up turning it down as it would been further away from the nurses station and off the beaten track for employees (i.e. social workers or therapeutic recreation) who might stop by to visit Kaley.  Fortunatly a second room opened  up right across the hall from where she  is now.  So we have accepted that and will be moving her over next week.

Other news, the oximeter  is now up and running well. Speech has been working with Kaley on her swallowing using some foods and beverages that Kaley likes.  Haven’t had too much success with this as yet, but we’re still working on it.

Kaley has made tremendous improvements in her walking ability.  She still lacks the strength to support her weight during the walking process, but she is getting good at putting one foot in front off the other without any cues.  She has walked (with assistance) 40 feet multiple times now!

I haven’t forgotten to update the blog, it’s just that these sorts of injuries are very slow to progress.  My last couple of posts have been exceptional.  Kaley’s improvement has been amazing to watch.  I won’t go so far as to say that she has regressed during the past week or so.  That would be too strong and unfair.  But let’s just say that I adjusted to her improved state very quickly and expected continued improvement too much, so I have been a little down the past few days.

As for positive progress, they got a chair for Kaley that works fairly well for her.  Although they don’t have it permanently.  When they did have it, it was just for a trail.  I’m not sure what the status is now.  Also, I got the oximeter last week.  It works, but I have the wrong finger sensor, so when Kaley is awake and moving (which is most of the time now), she can easily affect the sensor so it doesn’t read properly.  This is not as good.  Since I tried to order this part in the first place, and the middle-man sales person didn’t realize I was ordering something that was incomplete, I’m having them overnight it (to arrive on Tuesday) free of charge.  Seemed fair to me.  Especially after I offered to pick it up from the manufacturer who is based of our Plymouth Minnesota and was told that wasn’t an option.  They middle-man is trying to earn his cut, and I appreciate that.