Monday, September 22, 2008

Back In the Groove

Hey, Y'all,
Today started off just fine, and no problems. After breakfast, Gramps and I tackled the bath. I had already put together the bath chair for the shower. If you knew how small our bathroom is, you would realize what a challenge it is to use the bath chair. Once we have the chair in place, there is not a lot of room to stand in front of the commode. When we are not using the bath chair, it will sit inside the bathtub. The bath chair is made of heavy plastic, and is quite heavy to pick up.

At first, Gramps did not want to use the bath chair, and got into the tub without it. I said, "Why don't we just put it in here and you don't have to use it, but if you need it, it will be here." About 1/4 into the shower, he decided it really was going to be useful.
I put down a couple of towels on the floor to soak up any water that would escape the shower area, because we couldn't close the shower curtain all the way. I had put the portable support bar inside the bathtub on the left of the shower, so it was handy for Gramps to hold onto.

After he had finished his shower and had gotten dressed, I had to move the shower chair, so that I could shower. Man, that chair is heavy! Then I had to move it back inside the tub completely so that we can use the commode. Whew!

We have been having visits from home health care professionals. We had another today who was evaluating Gramps' needs. Tomorrow the speech therapist will visit us.

I had to bag up the garbage today and carry it off to the local dumpster. We have no garbage pickup in our area. We live too far out in the boonies. After lunch I bagged it all up and left Gramps watching TV, where he is always happy and content.

Gramps is continuing to improve each day. He can get out of bed without any help from me, and he showered with very little help. He can get around in the house without any assistance from me. They did a really fantastic job working with him at the rehab place in Ohio. We are so grateful to them for all they did to help us. I would like to add that we are most grateful to the way that God has been with us through all the trials that have come our way and how He has provided helps for us along the way. May He be glorified in all things. We know that He is there to comfort and bring joy in the time of troubles. We can feel Him nearby and in our hearts.

Well, that is about all for today. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Love to you all. Bye for now.

4 comments:

Judy said...

I am so glad that things are better for gramps and you, too. I know it is good to be back in your own home. Be careful lifting that chair and don't hurt yourself. I am so happy for you both.

Grammy said...

Dear Judy,
Thank you and Clara for all your encouragement for someone you have never met. I feel llike we really know each other.
Love,
Ruby

Mom B said...

Hey, I agree with Judy...be careful lifting that chair! Daryl's mom had one that was lightweight and sturdy...you might want to do some more shopping. No reason to kill yourself, especially with your back!!!

Clara....in TN said...

Hi Grammy, I know what you are going through. I have to move Bill's bath chair into our bed room after he gets through using it. The biggest problem I have is getting it loose from the bath tub. Mine has the rubber suction cups on the two legs that go in the bath tub. Man, those things do not want to turn loose. Do you have a hand held shower? If not, you need to get one. That would help you a lot. Bill would NEVER take a shower if we didn't have one of those. Some days I think I'm going to have to start using it myself LOL. Take Care, Grammy. You and Gramps are in my thoughts and prayers.