Today's Win: Bahay Kubo
Dear friend,
This is a test blog post, but it is actually what happened today. I am playing with the idea of creatively sharing my caregiving story in a way to document my wins along with some of the challenges I face. I'm not sure how this will change in the future but it's best to just start!
What I'm trying to accomplish by this post:
- Better understand what's worth sharing
- Create a streamlined template for me to go off of
- Write it in a way that is not dehumanizing to my Loved One but is real to my experience; with a cleaner flow + a short read
- Find a way to highlight the good things
P.S. I have no idea what I'm doing. I don't even play video games. I'm just trying to have some fun during my downtime.
P.P.S. I am hoping that someone who is in my situation finds this, sees the lightheartedness within it and can relate — finding some hope in their own caregiver journey.
— MAIN DETAILS —
Outfit(s):
- Hot pink scrubs (+2) for first changing
- House clothes (-2 for not having time to change) for second changing
Energy Levels:
- Sleep: 6 hours (+6)
- Food: 1 meal eaten by 2pm (-2) + thrown up (-5)
Self-Care:
- None (-10)
— CHALLENGES + SOLUTIONS —
Challenge 1: New Medicine
Doctor prescribed new medicine to replace a previous one that _GG has be on for 5 years now in hopes that it will change some questionable behaviors
SOLUTION: Observe for the next two weeks
Challenge 2: Sleep pattern is broken
Sleeping is always a challenge — with the addition of new medicine, a routine cannot be practiced until we know how his body takes to it
SOLUTION: Observe, try melatonin on tough nights
Challenge 3: Incontinence has increased
Incontinence + combativeness during changing remains but with new meds, _GG no longer goes to the bathroom on his own
SOLUTION: Be alert to smells and behaviors! Gentle coaxing, white lies, keep _TiL at arms length during changings to avoid getting hit, wear long sleeves to avoid getting scratched
— BONUS(ES) —
- Played 'Bahay Kubo' (Filipino folk song) randomly on speaker and _GG was responsive, even mouthing the words and clapping when it was over
- When given fruit at dinner, _GG counted off blueberries and mandarin slices, then paired them up in the shape of a rectangle, waiting to be prompted to 'start' to which he said, "Okay! Go!" (as if he was playing a game — which is ironic)
— SIDE QUESTS —
_GG's Laundry: Didn't get to it (-5)
Clean _GG's bathroom: Picked up shit (+2)
Positive interactions with _GG logged (+50)