Received an article this morning which had me thinking, are the people who conduct these studies real? Seems to me they're missing the point, I certainly hope they did not spend thousands of our tax dollars in order to conduct this study.
Perhaps it would have been a novel approach to speak with people who have MS to find out the causes of depression.
You would think losing one's ability to walk, the constant numbing and tingling of extremities, the spasms, optic neuritis, incontinence could possibly contribute to cause depression?
I would think depression would be very likely to occur given these conditions. For some it is quite possible depression begins the day they receive their diagnosis.
Come on folks, and this is for you scientists, please focus on the actual issue here the cause of MS and not some research which in my opinion provides little value.
You certainly don't require a PhD to understand that if your brain atrophies a host of cognitive issues may arise yet suggesting the atrophy causes depression in MS patients is akin tol putting the carriage in front of the horse don't you think?
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Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
I survived my week in respite care!
Respite care,
I survived my first experience in a respite care facility, all in all it wasn't a bad experience yet nothing comes close to the conveniences of home.
If you're curious here is a link to the facility I stayed at.
http://www.allseniorscare.com/node/4
A total of four buildings make up this care facility the other buildings are almost identical in construction and layout consisting of six floors. I was on the fourth floor West Wing which is normally reserved for people suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's, normally they would've provided me with a room in the East wing reserved for people with mobility impairments however it was filled to capacity I was in no position to argue quite satisfied just to have a place to stay.
The room was adequate yet very sparse there is no luxury here, one single bed, a dresser a small nightstand that is it there is no television or telephone. If a resident would like a television it's bring your own and contact the cable company to hook you up before your arrival. Same goes with the phone it's bring your own yet they will supply and activate the phone line for $35. I was fortunate in that the phone line in my room was activated yet connecting to the Internet using dial-up is archaic and certainly not dependable yet it was better than nothing. Had it not been for my computer I would have gone senile for certain then they could have kept me for good reason.
This respite facility is meant for temporary stays with a maximum duration of 21 days. This rule does not appear to be cast in stone as several people have been there for many months waiting for an opening in a permanent residence.
The food was not bad considering it is not "a la carte." You have no choice with the meals except for breakfast where they have a selection of cereals, toast jams and fruits. Lunch and dinner are fixed pre-planned and for the most part I was quite satisfied with the portion size and quality. There is only one meal that I really didn't enjoy which consisted of a salmon baked pie.
Things they should tell you prior to your arrival are things like the television and telephone requirements mentioned above, they provide free washing service for your clothes but you have to provide your own soap which is considered part of your toiletries. I found the employees receptive and ready to please and meet your needs, the day shift employees were outstanding yet come the evening shift the attitude of the entire floor patients including staff changed quite noticeably. It seemed as if their primary goal after serving dinner was to quickly tend to everyone's needs in order to put the patient's to bed. Later in the evening I could usually hear them laugh as they gathered in the kitchen just opposite my room. It wasn't the same as the day shift who truly enjoyed their work and that was quite apparent.
On the second evening it was very warm so I decided to go downstairs and exit the building for a bit just to get some fresh air. The elevator wouldn't respond to my pushing the button and no matter how many times I tried nothing happened until finally an attendant walked by and I asked her how to get downstairs.
My name and condition had obviously not made its way through the maze of paperwork and I was politely informed that it was not permitted for me to exit the building, when we checked the list to verify those people with this permission my name wasn't there. I smiled returned to my room thinking how is it possible for me to get upset with someone who is actually doing their job? The problem was fixed the next morning I was able to come and go as I please.
The highlight of my week had to be the visit I received from our friends who not only spent a few hours with me but also came in with a Tim Horton's in hand. Unfortunately I did not see that many visitors during my stay as a matter of fact other than my friends I do not believe anyone else received a visit which is truly heartbreaking.
As for the facilities specifically the washrooms in each room they are not I repeat they are not accessible for handicapped individuals. As you will see in the pictures provided the first morning when I sat in my chair in front of the mirror getting ready to shave the only thing I could see was the top of my head. The mirror is mounted very high and not even at an angle. There is a shower in each room however the sill is quite high there is no bench and finally the toilet is a standard toilet with a plastic booster seat and one grab bar mounted on the wall. This applies to all rooms on this floor which in my opinion is totally unacceptable. The only reason I can see the government giving this location accreditation is for the simple reason that they have one large room with a huge bathtub and a separate room with a totally accessible shower. This allows them to provide patients with a weekly bath or shower and this appears to meet the standards set forth by the government. A picture is worth 1000 words I'll let you decide.
My wife spent an enjoyable week with my daughter, son-in-law and our grandson which made it all worthwhile.
I survived my first experience in a respite care facility, all in all it wasn't a bad experience yet nothing comes close to the conveniences of home.
If you're curious here is a link to the facility I stayed at.
http://www.allseniorscare.com/node/4
A total of four buildings make up this care facility the other buildings are almost identical in construction and layout consisting of six floors. I was on the fourth floor West Wing which is normally reserved for people suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's, normally they would've provided me with a room in the East wing reserved for people with mobility impairments however it was filled to capacity I was in no position to argue quite satisfied just to have a place to stay.
The room was adequate yet very sparse there is no luxury here, one single bed, a dresser a small nightstand that is it there is no television or telephone. If a resident would like a television it's bring your own and contact the cable company to hook you up before your arrival. Same goes with the phone it's bring your own yet they will supply and activate the phone line for $35. I was fortunate in that the phone line in my room was activated yet connecting to the Internet using dial-up is archaic and certainly not dependable yet it was better than nothing. Had it not been for my computer I would have gone senile for certain then they could have kept me for good reason.
This respite facility is meant for temporary stays with a maximum duration of 21 days. This rule does not appear to be cast in stone as several people have been there for many months waiting for an opening in a permanent residence.
The food was not bad considering it is not "a la carte." You have no choice with the meals except for breakfast where they have a selection of cereals, toast jams and fruits. Lunch and dinner are fixed pre-planned and for the most part I was quite satisfied with the portion size and quality. There is only one meal that I really didn't enjoy which consisted of a salmon baked pie.
Things they should tell you prior to your arrival are things like the television and telephone requirements mentioned above, they provide free washing service for your clothes but you have to provide your own soap which is considered part of your toiletries. I found the employees receptive and ready to please and meet your needs, the day shift employees were outstanding yet come the evening shift the attitude of the entire floor patients including staff changed quite noticeably. It seemed as if their primary goal after serving dinner was to quickly tend to everyone's needs in order to put the patient's to bed. Later in the evening I could usually hear them laugh as they gathered in the kitchen just opposite my room. It wasn't the same as the day shift who truly enjoyed their work and that was quite apparent.
On the second evening it was very warm so I decided to go downstairs and exit the building for a bit just to get some fresh air. The elevator wouldn't respond to my pushing the button and no matter how many times I tried nothing happened until finally an attendant walked by and I asked her how to get downstairs.
My name and condition had obviously not made its way through the maze of paperwork and I was politely informed that it was not permitted for me to exit the building, when we checked the list to verify those people with this permission my name wasn't there. I smiled returned to my room thinking how is it possible for me to get upset with someone who is actually doing their job? The problem was fixed the next morning I was able to come and go as I please.
The highlight of my week had to be the visit I received from our friends who not only spent a few hours with me but also came in with a Tim Horton's in hand. Unfortunately I did not see that many visitors during my stay as a matter of fact other than my friends I do not believe anyone else received a visit which is truly heartbreaking.
As for the facilities specifically the washrooms in each room they are not I repeat they are not accessible for handicapped individuals. As you will see in the pictures provided the first morning when I sat in my chair in front of the mirror getting ready to shave the only thing I could see was the top of my head. The mirror is mounted very high and not even at an angle. There is a shower in each room however the sill is quite high there is no bench and finally the toilet is a standard toilet with a plastic booster seat and one grab bar mounted on the wall. This applies to all rooms on this floor which in my opinion is totally unacceptable. The only reason I can see the government giving this location accreditation is for the simple reason that they have one large room with a huge bathtub and a separate room with a totally accessible shower. This allows them to provide patients with a weekly bath or shower and this appears to meet the standards set forth by the government. A picture is worth 1000 words I'll let you decide.
My wife spent an enjoyable week with my daughter, son-in-law and our grandson which made it all worthwhile.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Respite care
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
This morning I have started making a list of things I will require next week, not even certain if they have such a thing as an Internet connection certainly no WiFi yet perhaps some way for me to access my mail. Normally I wouldn't worry about it since the majority of hotels today provide Internet access one way or another except in this case for the first time I will be going to a respite care facility.
Certainly didn't plan things this way, my idea of respite care is for individuals in their late to mid 80s not when you're 53 however life has taught me that one's age has little to do with the necessity to rely on others for so many things we take for granted. On one hand I'm looking forward to the experience after all I am going of my own free will. My spouse will be a visiting our new grandchild, my oldest daughter and son-in-law for one week. In an ideal world I would certainly accompany her yet who lives in an ideal world?
For me to stay at home alone for an entire week would prove virtually impossible, I believe they refer to it as someone unable to accomplish the activities of daily living. Now doesn't that make you feel just all warm and fuzzy inside.
To stay at home would've required daily visits from nursing attendants to get up and out of bed in the morning, get dressed or take a shower then get dressed only to return early evening to put me to bed. Add to thIs the reality that most days would be spent alone not that there not now yet in the evenings after work I get to spend some time with my spouse. Besides it is without doubt this will provide her with the opportunity to enjoy her trip not having to worry about me every single day, a break from having to deal with this MS crap she never signed up for.
I've never been and I'm not certain what to expect I certainly hope Miss Ratchet has found another employer! So I'm making a list before I go however what do you bring? My only link to the outside world is the Internet the various sites I visit and the news which comes out on the net before the ink has time to dry on the printed versions.
If I have access I will definitely update my blog to share my experience and if not it will be a condensed version of what went on during my week away.
This morning I have started making a list of things I will require next week, not even certain if they have such a thing as an Internet connection certainly no WiFi yet perhaps some way for me to access my mail. Normally I wouldn't worry about it since the majority of hotels today provide Internet access one way or another except in this case for the first time I will be going to a respite care facility.
Certainly didn't plan things this way, my idea of respite care is for individuals in their late to mid 80s not when you're 53 however life has taught me that one's age has little to do with the necessity to rely on others for so many things we take for granted. On one hand I'm looking forward to the experience after all I am going of my own free will. My spouse will be a visiting our new grandchild, my oldest daughter and son-in-law for one week. In an ideal world I would certainly accompany her yet who lives in an ideal world?
For me to stay at home alone for an entire week would prove virtually impossible, I believe they refer to it as someone unable to accomplish the activities of daily living. Now doesn't that make you feel just all warm and fuzzy inside.
To stay at home would've required daily visits from nursing attendants to get up and out of bed in the morning, get dressed or take a shower then get dressed only to return early evening to put me to bed. Add to thIs the reality that most days would be spent alone not that there not now yet in the evenings after work I get to spend some time with my spouse. Besides it is without doubt this will provide her with the opportunity to enjoy her trip not having to worry about me every single day, a break from having to deal with this MS crap she never signed up for.
I've never been and I'm not certain what to expect I certainly hope Miss Ratchet has found another employer! So I'm making a list before I go however what do you bring? My only link to the outside world is the Internet the various sites I visit and the news which comes out on the net before the ink has time to dry on the printed versions.
If I have access I will definitely update my blog to share my experience and if not it will be a condensed version of what went on during my week away.
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