Sometimes it makes us feel better just to "talk" about it.
I agree, people sometimes feel they are not being heard,and the commeraderie here is one of its most attractive traits,nosing someone listens,likes,responds offers prayers,showing they consider your issues does help people without doubt, hope the wife’s trip works, hopefully the driver is used to helping the less infirm, and hopefully in the coming days,weeks,months she will be on the mend,does she see these messages? She might like to know that care,and that you get a little support,even though it is only mental and not the more important physical,must be nerve racking going to work,concerned she will be okay when you return,hopefully they have sent her home because she is on the mend,will they follow up with physical therapy to help her get better, I understand swimming or even exercise in a pool - for gods sake do not leave her alone - can be beneficial, my father had a lot of aids to make his life easier
1. A grab handle by toilet,bath,shower,front door, he could have done with one by his seat but we were lucky and had money to buy a rising chair that could lift him on his feet or if tired put him in a lying down position,
2. Surprisingly overlooked whilst not good on your feet,getting to the toilet is a major issue,incontenance pads cost,but puppy trainer liners are much cheap (sorry to be so basic but when your not working well on your feet it is a major consideration.
2a drink enough,people avoid drinking out of embarrassment then become dehydrated or get water infections and get hallucinations my dad did this several times
3 a plastic sheet on the bed,2 people (yes I know 2 people would be nice) can easier pull a person around on the bed to make them more comfortable avoiding bedsores,do not leave her directly on the sheet,you need a sheet preferably cotton,plastic can cause sweating and the bed sores you want to avoid!
4 an additional wide step for easier walking points,we added one into the shower and one into the main house, you can also get plastic/metal obstacle covers making it easier for a wheel chair or a person to negotiate
5.hospital crutches that you put your hand through, or 3 legged walking sticks make it easier,moving some furniture so she can use it to rest her hand and help support her,don’t hurt yourself moving heavy furniture!
6, a flask for warm not hot tea/coffee/soup so she gets drinks does not need to go make them
7 if she is not moving much, she might feel cleaner just for getting her hair washed,my dad liked a shave and his hair cut
hospital tends to take a lot out of you
8 and the most important thing, YOU need to look after yourself because worrying will make you ill too, and that is no good for anyone.
9 if she seems confused,check liquid and temperature,dark coloured pee means not enough water,try her with old photos familiar items to help her confidence,chatting about the good old times has serious positive vibes,and helps memory
and take help where you can get it,but if strange helpers are coming in put away valuables, I found some items missing,after my dad had helpers in,appeared someone was not above helping themselves.too many people in and out meant it was impossible to finger the culprit,don’t listen to sob stories how they cannot afford stuff either, I am afraid to say it is often the oldest con in the world.sorry to end on a cynical note,but you need to consider yourselves first and foremost.
take care.