Daughter says staff at her home doesn't listen. I decided to take her for pizza tonight with Sister Best Friend and her husband. Not because Daughter deserved it, but because I wanted to be with her some extra time this weekend in honor of her birthday. When I stopped by the house to get her, I said I needed her supper an 7:00 pills. They tried to hand me the big washtub of pills. I informed them we were going to a restaurant, and I wasn't taking that with me. I just wanted the pills for supper and 7:00. So they offered me a rubber band to wrap around the cards of pills. I said I wasn't going to carry all her pills into a restaurant and began to punch the needed pills out and onto the table. I said I wanted a little baggie to put them in. They offered me a grocery bag. I asked whether one of her pills was given at 7:00 or 8:00. She said 8:00, but they usually gave the 7:00 and 8:00 pills together. I said that was fine, I'd take the 8:00 pills and give them to her.
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I dropped Daughter off back at the house at about 7:15. She called shortly after I left, asking if I remembered whether I'd given her one of the pills she takes at 8:00. I named the pill, and she said that was the one. I assured her I'd given it to her. A little later staff calls, wondering if I'd taken the 8:00 pills and given them to her. I think Daughter may have a point about their listening abilities.
Showing posts with label psychiatric medication. Show all posts
Showing posts with label psychiatric medication. Show all posts
Friday, March 23, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Joy and Drama
First, the joy. When I came here, I kept hearing about Beloved Founding Pastor. BFP still cast a long shadow, and his shadow was part of the reason my predecessor failed. I spent some time trying to figure out how we could celebrate his ministry and move beyond it, but hadn't come up with anything. Then I got busy with other things and forgot about it. Yesterday one of the leaders was in my study. We were discussing another leader who had gone from opposing any change to asking for more. As we were talking, I realized I hadn't heard BFP mentioned in months. I said as much to this leader, who didn't even know who I was talking about at first. I'm not worried about figuring out how to celebrate his ministry so we can move beyond it anymore.
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Some months back a member had informed me he was making a new lectern for me in memory of his mother-in-law. A week or so later another member mentioned he was making one. When we told him of the first member's plans, he was disappointed. I suggested we could use his downstairs. Last week Administrative Assistant and I were talking about how it would be nice to have a stand for the guest book at memorial services. Then the man who had been disappointed mentioned his project. I suggested it could become a guest book register. He was delighted. Last night I sat in a meeting and we were discussing how to better track visitors. Someone suggested we get a guest book. I said we had a stand for guest books being made.
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I have had several conversations with Disgruntled Member who was quite concerned about the direction of the church and its health. DM was telling me we needed a new vision. I agreed, but suggested that it would take some time to build a relationship of trust that would enable me to lead an effective visioning process, especially since the congregation had two recent failed attempts to develop one. I explained that we were setting priorities for the year until we could write a vision statement. He was not satisfied. Yesterday DM had coffee with Treasurer. Today Treasurer reported that DM was very pleased with the annual meeting Sunday. He thought it was very informative. Treasurer was delighted to report, "and there weren't any buts."
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I'm grateful for all the joy, because it diverts me from the drama. Daughter is very manic according to Program Manager. I told PM it was her turn to complain about the med issues, so she did. Yesterday Daughter "forgot" her meter, and the house staff had to bring her back to her program to get it. I told PM I thought that since staff was inconveniencing Daughter by forgetting her meds, Daughter is inconveniencing them by forgetting things. I get the reports, but I'm not engaging. I'm encouraging and reassuring Daughter, but not rescuing her. I'm grateful the drama is taking place away from me. Very grateful.
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Some months back a member had informed me he was making a new lectern for me in memory of his mother-in-law. A week or so later another member mentioned he was making one. When we told him of the first member's plans, he was disappointed. I suggested we could use his downstairs. Last week Administrative Assistant and I were talking about how it would be nice to have a stand for the guest book at memorial services. Then the man who had been disappointed mentioned his project. I suggested it could become a guest book register. He was delighted. Last night I sat in a meeting and we were discussing how to better track visitors. Someone suggested we get a guest book. I said we had a stand for guest books being made.
.
I have had several conversations with Disgruntled Member who was quite concerned about the direction of the church and its health. DM was telling me we needed a new vision. I agreed, but suggested that it would take some time to build a relationship of trust that would enable me to lead an effective visioning process, especially since the congregation had two recent failed attempts to develop one. I explained that we were setting priorities for the year until we could write a vision statement. He was not satisfied. Yesterday DM had coffee with Treasurer. Today Treasurer reported that DM was very pleased with the annual meeting Sunday. He thought it was very informative. Treasurer was delighted to report, "and there weren't any buts."
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I'm grateful for all the joy, because it diverts me from the drama. Daughter is very manic according to Program Manager. I told PM it was her turn to complain about the med issues, so she did. Yesterday Daughter "forgot" her meter, and the house staff had to bring her back to her program to get it. I told PM I thought that since staff was inconveniencing Daughter by forgetting her meds, Daughter is inconveniencing them by forgetting things. I get the reports, but I'm not engaging. I'm encouraging and reassuring Daughter, but not rescuing her. I'm grateful the drama is taking place away from me. Very grateful.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Still
They're still making mistakes with Daughter's meds. We had a pleasant evening yesterday, but today she blew out at her program. I'm beginning to think I may have to bring her home. This is just so frustrating. She has so much potential, but without her meds on board, she can barely function, let alone reach for her goals. I'm not sure what the next steps are, but I'm going to have to figure it out soon.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Unsurpassed Incompetence
On February 17, I pointed out Daughter had only been getting half of one of her meds since they started the new cards on the 16th. We pulled the second card out and put it in her pill box.
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On February 24, I pointed out that she still wasn't getting the second pill every evening, and documented the nights she had missed pills.
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On February 26, Daughter told me one of the staff members had "fixed" a problem with her meds and pulled out some pills that didn't belong in her box. My heart sank. When I took her back this afternoon, I inspected her meds. Sure enough, staff had pulled the second card of medication out of her box, and she was back to just getting one of them.
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I would think that the administration would have made sure that all the staff knew about the issue and were administering Daughter's meds properly. I guess I was mistaken. We put the second card back in Daughter's box and highlighted the instructions. I wish I was optimistic that this would solve the problem.
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On February 24, I pointed out that she still wasn't getting the second pill every evening, and documented the nights she had missed pills.
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On February 26, Daughter told me one of the staff members had "fixed" a problem with her meds and pulled out some pills that didn't belong in her box. My heart sank. When I took her back this afternoon, I inspected her meds. Sure enough, staff had pulled the second card of medication out of her box, and she was back to just getting one of them.
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I would think that the administration would have made sure that all the staff knew about the issue and were administering Daughter's meds properly. I guess I was mistaken. We put the second card back in Daughter's box and highlighted the instructions. I wish I was optimistic that this would solve the problem.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Deep Sigh
Last night Daughter informed me she was out of lithium, but it was okay because staff was taking care of it. She called and woke me up sometime after 11:00 p.m. to ask some minor question that I don't even remember. She said she couldn't sleep. She called again this morning, still very much up and perky.
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I suddenly realized that she is manic. Then I realized that she would be coming to spend the night with me tonight without her lithium. Then I realized we are expecting between 6 and 10 inches of snow tonight and she could get snowed in here with me with no lithium.
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I emailed, then texted, and the home delivered her lithium to the church. I'm done being nice and accomodating them. They said I could come pick up the lithium, and I informed them I didn't have time to do that today. So they delivered it. When I got home I looked through her med box. Last week I had pointed out they were only giving her half of one of her seizure medications (which also apparently serves as a mood stabalizer for her). We put the second card in her box, and supposedly they were going to make sure she got both of them. So I examined the cards tonight. Three nights this past week she only received one of the pills instead of two of them. I am getting very frustrated with this. Very frustrated. Daughter complained that she'd been irritated all day, and she didn't know why. I suspect it might have something to do with the fact she's not getting the medication she needs. In the email I sent this evening, I wondered what mistakes were being made iwith the meds of the women who don't have family members checking on them. It will be interesting to see what response I receive tomorrow.
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I suddenly realized that she is manic. Then I realized that she would be coming to spend the night with me tonight without her lithium. Then I realized we are expecting between 6 and 10 inches of snow tonight and she could get snowed in here with me with no lithium.
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I emailed, then texted, and the home delivered her lithium to the church. I'm done being nice and accomodating them. They said I could come pick up the lithium, and I informed them I didn't have time to do that today. So they delivered it. When I got home I looked through her med box. Last week I had pointed out they were only giving her half of one of her seizure medications (which also apparently serves as a mood stabalizer for her). We put the second card in her box, and supposedly they were going to make sure she got both of them. So I examined the cards tonight. Three nights this past week she only received one of the pills instead of two of them. I am getting very frustrated with this. Very frustrated. Daughter complained that she'd been irritated all day, and she didn't know why. I suspect it might have something to do with the fact she's not getting the medication she needs. In the email I sent this evening, I wondered what mistakes were being made iwith the meds of the women who don't have family members checking on them. It will be interesting to see what response I receive tomorrow.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Parties and Peace
Daughter's program (and a number of other programs for the developmentally disabled) had a Valentine party at the church today. They had a band, a popcorn machine, and all sorts of fun. Daughter was doing a little rapid cycling there. She'd texted me that it was a terrible party, but when I got to the church and went downstairs to see give her a couple of books, she was dancing and happy. She came to find me, crying within 20 minutes. I told her she'd be fine, and suggested she take a break in a quiet room. She did, and that was the end of the complaining.
She's called twice since she got home. Both calls were happy and she didn't complain. She'll get back on the full dose of her seizure medication tonight, and that should help. She's on two meds for seizures, and since she moved we've discovered that both help with leveling out her moods. She also on two meds for the bipolar plus the anti psychotic. We've found that she needs everyone of them. I was pondering today what it would have been like to try to live with her before there were all these options for medication. I've decided I'm grateful for meds and don't want to know what life would be like with her unmedicated.
I'm meeting Sister Best Friend for breakfast tomorrow morning. I'm looking forward to it. Now it's time for bed. The last few days have exhausted me.
She's called twice since she got home. Both calls were happy and she didn't complain. She'll get back on the full dose of her seizure medication tonight, and that should help. She's on two meds for seizures, and since she moved we've discovered that both help with leveling out her moods. She also on two meds for the bipolar plus the anti psychotic. We've found that she needs everyone of them. I was pondering today what it would have been like to try to live with her before there were all these options for medication. I've decided I'm grateful for meds and don't want to know what life would be like with her unmedicated.
I'm meeting Sister Best Friend for breakfast tomorrow morning. I'm looking forward to it. Now it's time for bed. The last few days have exhausted me.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Part of the Problem
So yesterday the Regional Manager went over to Daughter's house to look at the records and develop a plan to fix things. She clarified the orders and developed a chart that is to be filled out that records the time the medication is given and what time supper is served. She informed staff that those times had better match. Case Manager was not satisfied, and said a formal complaint will be filed the next time there is a medication issue.
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So this morning I get an email from House Manager informing us that the medication is to be given at bedtime with a snack. So HM doesn't know what RM has done. I think that is a problem. There's also the small issue that she doesn't even know what the orders state about the timing of the medication (supper, not bedtime).
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Daughter was happy when I spoke to her last night, so there is some good news in all of this.
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So this morning I get an email from House Manager informing us that the medication is to be given at bedtime with a snack. So HM doesn't know what RM has done. I think that is a problem. There's also the small issue that she doesn't even know what the orders state about the timing of the medication (supper, not bedtime).
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Daughter was happy when I spoke to her last night, so there is some good news in all of this.
Monday, January 23, 2012
A Bull Dog
Last night I received a sobbing phone call from Daughter. They had given her her anti psychotic without food again. She was afraid she'd have meltdowns at program today. She told me she didn't feel safe there, that she wanted to, but didn't trust them to handle her meds.
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I sent off a second email to the team (the first had gone out yesterday morning after I picked her up and she was such a mess). I indicated I knew Daughter could be manipulative. I mentioned the coping methods I had suggested to Daughter, and said I hadn't let her off the hook for her behavior. I also asked that the medication issues be addressed ASAP, as I knew it was hard for her to function well and control her temper without the medication on board.
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I just received a copy of an email that Daughter's new Case Manager sent to the main office of Daughter's group home. She informed them that she was getting too many emails about them messing up meds and diet. She said Daughter's issues were not beyond their ability to cope, and that she wanted a plan to address the situation immediately. She threatened them with a formal complaint. Her email brought tears to my eyes. She heard our concerns. She's going to go to bat for Daughter. She will get action. It feels good to be heard and have my concerns taken seriously.
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This Case Manager is new to Daughter. I had been warned she wasn't touchy-feely, and could be a bull dog. I like her.
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I sent off a second email to the team (the first had gone out yesterday morning after I picked her up and she was such a mess). I indicated I knew Daughter could be manipulative. I mentioned the coping methods I had suggested to Daughter, and said I hadn't let her off the hook for her behavior. I also asked that the medication issues be addressed ASAP, as I knew it was hard for her to function well and control her temper without the medication on board.
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I just received a copy of an email that Daughter's new Case Manager sent to the main office of Daughter's group home. She informed them that she was getting too many emails about them messing up meds and diet. She said Daughter's issues were not beyond their ability to cope, and that she wanted a plan to address the situation immediately. She threatened them with a formal complaint. Her email brought tears to my eyes. She heard our concerns. She's going to go to bat for Daughter. She will get action. It feels good to be heard and have my concerns taken seriously.
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This Case Manager is new to Daughter. I had been warned she wasn't touchy-feely, and could be a bull dog. I like her.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Melt Downs
Daughter called last night, sobbing. She insisted I needed to come get her, she couldn't live there anymore. I figured she was manipulating because I had refused to let her spend Saturday night here because she'd been into food.
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When I went to pick her up this morning, she was a mess. She had gone off on one of the staff members. I tried to calm her down on the drive to church, but she just wasn't willing/able to calm.
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Then I remembered something. She had called at supper yesterday to complain. They had given her her anti psychotic before they even began to cook supper. This particular drug needs to be taken with at least 400 calories in order for it to be absorbed. I called the home and checked with staff, who looked it up. She was given her pill at least 90 minutes before supper. Sigh. I have sent an email to the team asking that this be clarified and that her anti psychotic be given with her supper.
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I said this didn't excuse her behavior, and I did talk to her about it, but that I was concerned that she's not getting her medication as she should be. When I dropped her off, I told her that if she felt like she was going to blow, she needed to go to her room. She wasn't to go off on staff. Apparently they have some new staff members,and they aren't doing the meds properly. With the turnover, this is going to be an ongoing challenge, I'm sure.
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When I went to pick her up this morning, she was a mess. She had gone off on one of the staff members. I tried to calm her down on the drive to church, but she just wasn't willing/able to calm.
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Then I remembered something. She had called at supper yesterday to complain. They had given her her anti psychotic before they even began to cook supper. This particular drug needs to be taken with at least 400 calories in order for it to be absorbed. I called the home and checked with staff, who looked it up. She was given her pill at least 90 minutes before supper. Sigh. I have sent an email to the team asking that this be clarified and that her anti psychotic be given with her supper.
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I said this didn't excuse her behavior, and I did talk to her about it, but that I was concerned that she's not getting her medication as she should be. When I dropped her off, I told her that if she felt like she was going to blow, she needed to go to her room. She wasn't to go off on staff. Apparently they have some new staff members,and they aren't doing the meds properly. With the turnover, this is going to be an ongoing challenge, I'm sure.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Success!
I took Daughter back this morning. She was here two nights and it went well. I will pick her up Wednesday morning for the family Christmas. I offered her the option of spending Wednesday night here and going to church with me on Thursday. I told her when I was done with the memorial service, I was willing to take her shopping to spend her gift card. She thought that was a great idea. She wants to help with the dinner after the memorial service. She'll also help fold bulletins. It was so nice to have a pleasant visit with her. Even better, she didn't object to going back today. She may be going to a movie this afternoon with a friend, but we aren't sure.
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I spoke with one of the staff members at the facility. They still don't have a med coordinator, but she's stepped up and is making sure prescriptions are kept filled. All of Daughter's meds are not on the cards, which makes it so much easier. They are arranged around her box by time of day. I'm going to be domestic today and tomorrow, doing some cleaning and baking. I think Kitten may need another flea bath. Then I think I'll put the expensive flea treatment on her. I think it's been long enough since I put the cheap, ineffective ones on her. We'll see. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and that all of your traumatized children were able to enjoy it without trauma issues interfering.
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I spoke with one of the staff members at the facility. They still don't have a med coordinator, but she's stepped up and is making sure prescriptions are kept filled. All of Daughter's meds are not on the cards, which makes it so much easier. They are arranged around her box by time of day. I'm going to be domestic today and tomorrow, doing some cleaning and baking. I think Kitten may need another flea bath. Then I think I'll put the expensive flea treatment on her. I think it's been long enough since I put the cheap, ineffective ones on her. We'll see. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and that all of your traumatized children were able to enjoy it without trauma issues interfering.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
After the Meeting
Daughter's new antipsychotic has to be taken with food. The recommendation is that it be taken with a full meal. If it's not, it's not absorbed properly. Yesterday Daughter called me around supper time. She wanted clarification on when she was supposed to take her pill. She had just heard us talk about it with Psychiatrist, and knew she was supposed to have it with supper. They weren't going to give it to her until bedtime. I spoke with staff who said the orders said 8:00, so they couldn't give it until 8:00. So I called the nurse with the cell phone number she had given me. It took her several phone calls, but she finally convinced them to give it at supper. Today she will correct the order. I hope that the system will continue to be as responsive.
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Daughter called again during my meeting. The board started laughing, because they have seen the routine before. They decided it was a good time to pass around the tray of leftover goodies from the open house. (I had told them they had to eat them all. The tray was passed around several times.) Daughter claimed that another resident told her that a staff member had complained to her and said Daughter needed to move out because Daughter had reported seeing a staff member hit a resident. I reminded Daughter that the resident was notoriously unreliable and loved to stir up trouble. She is the one they've been trying to move out since before Daughter moved in. I will be glad when she is gone. What has pleased me is the way Daughter handled both situations. She called, and she was calm and matter of fact, reporting, not manipulating.
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Yesterday ended well.
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Daughter called again during my meeting. The board started laughing, because they have seen the routine before. They decided it was a good time to pass around the tray of leftover goodies from the open house. (I had told them they had to eat them all. The tray was passed around several times.) Daughter claimed that another resident told her that a staff member had complained to her and said Daughter needed to move out because Daughter had reported seeing a staff member hit a resident. I reminded Daughter that the resident was notoriously unreliable and loved to stir up trouble. She is the one they've been trying to move out since before Daughter moved in. I will be glad when she is gone. What has pleased me is the way Daughter handled both situations. She called, and she was calm and matter of fact, reporting, not manipulating.
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Yesterday ended well.
Monday, December 19, 2011
I Don't Think So
Case Manager just called. She has a medical appointment to deal with an important issue that came up over the weekend, and wondered about rescheduling today's meeting. I told her absolutely not. If she's not there, we'll just have to do it without her. I told her that wasn't fair to Daughter, and Daughter wasn't stable enough to handle having this meeting we've been anticipating rescheduled (probably for some time in January or February). CM had not read the email yet, so was unaware of the med issues.
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The meeting is going forward today to deal with the med issues, and we may need to meet again next month to finish her plan for the year. Got a response this morning from Home Manager. They're "trying" to find a new med coordinator. It should be an interesting meeting, to say the least. Program Manager will be transporting Daughter to the meeting. She just responded to the team pointing out that the old pharmacy automatically refilled prescriptions on a monthly basis. There are so many new, inexperienced players in this equation that is a real mess. My goal for today's meeting is simple: Make sure there is a proactive plan with safeguards to make sure Daughter is getting the medication she needs when she needs it. One of my main concerns about this move was making sure her medical needs were met.
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I am not going to bring her home, and the situation has to improve immediately.
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The meeting is going forward today to deal with the med issues, and we may need to meet again next month to finish her plan for the year. Got a response this morning from Home Manager. They're "trying" to find a new med coordinator. It should be an interesting meeting, to say the least. Program Manager will be transporting Daughter to the meeting. She just responded to the team pointing out that the old pharmacy automatically refilled prescriptions on a monthly basis. There are so many new, inexperienced players in this equation that is a real mess. My goal for today's meeting is simple: Make sure there is a proactive plan with safeguards to make sure Daughter is getting the medication she needs when she needs it. One of my main concerns about this move was making sure her medical needs were met.
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I am not going to bring her home, and the situation has to improve immediately.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Action
I'm amazed-- but somehow they supposedly managed to get the antipsychotic filled on Sunday. In Daughter's last call staff told her to tell me the pharmacy would be delivering it. The only thing I can think is they contacted the pharmacy on the psych unit, because I know the retail unit in the mental health building isn't open weekends.
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Daughter was sobbing the last time she called, begging me to come get her so she could be at the open house. She promised she'd be good. It broke my heart. I told her I knew she would want to be good, but I didn't think she would be able to handle the chaos. Besides, I didn't have time to go get her. I promised her I'd see her at the meeting tomorrow.
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The open house went very well. Kitten charmed everyone, moving from lap to lap to snooze. I hope she didn't share any fleas with anyone. I don't know how many people came, but it was well attended. One of the men was wearing a ridiculous Christmas tree hat. Another man had a Santa hat with Goofy ears with flashing lights. It was a fun evening. Apparently Daughter had a number of interesting conversations this morning at church. I was hearing reports. One woman heard about her anger and frustration with the med issues. She told another woman to stop whining.
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I'm tired. I'm going to do a little more clean up and then head to bed. I have a doctor's appointment at 10:00 tomorrow morning, and then Daughter's meeting and such beginning at 1:00. A woman who was over 100 years old died yesterday evening. I saw her on Thursday, and knew death was close. I told her daughter Administrative Assistant and I would be available when they needed us, even if it is the week we're off between Christmas and New Year's. I got an email from her this evening, and they're thinking about a memorial service on December 29. A lot of family will be visiting for the holidays, making it easier. Of course I told her I'd be available, but my heart sank. I need some time off. I'm tired. I don't know when I'll get it, but I need it. I now have 4 sermons to write between now and January 1. It's going to be another busy week. I think I need to head to bed....
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Daughter was sobbing the last time she called, begging me to come get her so she could be at the open house. She promised she'd be good. It broke my heart. I told her I knew she would want to be good, but I didn't think she would be able to handle the chaos. Besides, I didn't have time to go get her. I promised her I'd see her at the meeting tomorrow.
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The open house went very well. Kitten charmed everyone, moving from lap to lap to snooze. I hope she didn't share any fleas with anyone. I don't know how many people came, but it was well attended. One of the men was wearing a ridiculous Christmas tree hat. Another man had a Santa hat with Goofy ears with flashing lights. It was a fun evening. Apparently Daughter had a number of interesting conversations this morning at church. I was hearing reports. One woman heard about her anger and frustration with the med issues. She told another woman to stop whining.
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I'm tired. I'm going to do a little more clean up and then head to bed. I have a doctor's appointment at 10:00 tomorrow morning, and then Daughter's meeting and such beginning at 1:00. A woman who was over 100 years old died yesterday evening. I saw her on Thursday, and knew death was close. I told her daughter Administrative Assistant and I would be available when they needed us, even if it is the week we're off between Christmas and New Year's. I got an email from her this evening, and they're thinking about a memorial service on December 29. A lot of family will be visiting for the holidays, making it easier. Of course I told her I'd be available, but my heart sank. I need some time off. I'm tired. I don't know when I'll get it, but I need it. I now have 4 sermons to write between now and January 1. It's going to be another busy week. I think I need to head to bed....
2:00
I had to take Daughter back. She was going to walk back. She'd first asked to go back at 12:35. That one blew over. I was intentionally not engaging her. I was letting her choose what, if anything, she wanted to do to help with the final preparations. By 2:00 it was obvious she couldn't handle this, and would end up embarrassing herself at the open house if I didn't take her back. As she said as we were headed back, "I'm not in my right mind." I told her I knew that, and we'd get the meds straight and she'd be fine. "No I won't. They're never going to get the meds right."
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Turns out the med coordinator is no longer with them. Daughter made quite an entrance, and when a staff member got on her, I informed her she couldn't help it-- she is off her antipsychotic. Daughter certainly got their attention. They were tracking down the house manager for the men who is supposed to be filling in as med coordinator. They are also out of her birth control pills.
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This is so unfair to Daughter. I was crying by the time I left her. She was curled up on the floor of the office, sobbing. Now I have to pull it together and finish the open house preparations so I can be a charming hostess. At least that gives me something to focus on other than Daughter's pain.
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Turns out the med coordinator is no longer with them. Daughter made quite an entrance, and when a staff member got on her, I informed her she couldn't help it-- she is off her antipsychotic. Daughter certainly got their attention. They were tracking down the house manager for the men who is supposed to be filling in as med coordinator. They are also out of her birth control pills.
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This is so unfair to Daughter. I was crying by the time I left her. She was curled up on the floor of the office, sobbing. Now I have to pull it together and finish the open house preparations so I can be a charming hostess. At least that gives me something to focus on other than Daughter's pain.
Not Off to a Promising Start
When I got to the group home to pick up Daughter, she hadn't had breakfast. Daughter wanted to know if she had time for breakfast. I told her not unless she could take it to go, as I had a lot to do and we needed to get going. The staff member on meds had been late getting in, and is new and very slow. Daughter claims she tried to give her the wrong pills, giving her night pills instead of morning pills. Daughter hadn't packed for spending the night-- she said she didn't know, but I'm sure I told her.
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By the time we got out of the house, Daughter was crying (and hungry). I explained to staff that the plan is for her to spend the night, but if she is too volatile, I may bring her back this afternoon. I suspect she'll be going back this afternoon. I realized halfway here that staff hadn't given me her night time insulin from the refrigerator. I have a feeling it's going to be a very long day....
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I still have quite a bit to do in preparation for the open house. My workload and Daughter's lack of the antipsychotic could make for an explosive combination. I hope I'm wrong, and she's able to pull it together. It will be an interesting team meeting tomorrow as I express my concerns over some of these issues. A very interesting meeting.
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By the time we got out of the house, Daughter was crying (and hungry). I explained to staff that the plan is for her to spend the night, but if she is too volatile, I may bring her back this afternoon. I suspect she'll be going back this afternoon. I realized halfway here that staff hadn't given me her night time insulin from the refrigerator. I have a feeling it's going to be a very long day....
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I still have quite a bit to do in preparation for the open house. My workload and Daughter's lack of the antipsychotic could make for an explosive combination. I hope I'm wrong, and she's able to pull it together. It will be an interesting team meeting tomorrow as I express my concerns over some of these issues. A very interesting meeting.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Growing Frustration
Daughter called a little while ago, in tears. She doesn't know what's wrong. There aren't any activities planned for today. She can't handle the noise there. She doesn't think they gave her all the medications they are supposed to give her this morning-- she thinks they shorted one of her mood stabilizers. So she's now without her antipsychotic and short on her mood stabilizer. I noticed when I did her meds this week that they had changed the strength of the pill, and that I had to punch out a pill from each of two different cards (all her meds are now blister packed). I was concerned, as she's always had the proper strength of the pill so she only had to take one. All the other meds that she had to take two of them had the two of them together in one blister. I thought it was confusing.
.
I sent an email out this morning to the entire team, expressing my concern over what had happened. I ache for Daughter. This is so unfair to her. We have her 30 day meeting Monday and then she sees Psychiatrist. That should be interesting. Daughter said that the medical coordinator wasn't there any more. She didn't know if that was because she doesn't work there, or she's just been off or not working when Daughter is there. I find myself wondering if she was fired. I know she was struggling in the new position.
.
It looks like we're going to have an interesting weekend.
.
I sent an email out this morning to the entire team, expressing my concern over what had happened. I ache for Daughter. This is so unfair to her. We have her 30 day meeting Monday and then she sees Psychiatrist. That should be interesting. Daughter said that the medical coordinator wasn't there any more. She didn't know if that was because she doesn't work there, or she's just been off or not working when Daughter is there. I find myself wondering if she was fired. I know she was struggling in the new position.
.
It looks like we're going to have an interesting weekend.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Frustrated Mom
Daughter and I had a good evening yesterday. She talked about some of her feelings. I can help when she's willing to talk about her feelings. I talked about the things she needs to do to get and keep a job. I reminded her that no place is perfect, and she needs to learn how to deal with frustrating situations, because she will always face them.
.
When she left this morning, there were some genuine tears-- she misses living at home. I was pleased with the way this visit went, and hoped maybe we'd turned a corner. Then she called this evening. They are out of her antipsychotic. The pharmacy is closed until Monday. The Christmas Open House is Sunday, and I was planning on having her with me all day and taking her to her program on Monday. I am dreading what being off her antipsychotic will do to her. I'm a frustrated mom. I just want to cry. I told Daughter to have whoever is on meds call me. That was 3 hours ago. I think they may be avoiding me. That may be a smart thing to do....
.
When she left this morning, there were some genuine tears-- she misses living at home. I was pleased with the way this visit went, and hoped maybe we'd turned a corner. Then she called this evening. They are out of her antipsychotic. The pharmacy is closed until Monday. The Christmas Open House is Sunday, and I was planning on having her with me all day and taking her to her program on Monday. I am dreading what being off her antipsychotic will do to her. I'm a frustrated mom. I just want to cry. I told Daughter to have whoever is on meds call me. That was 3 hours ago. I think they may be avoiding me. That may be a smart thing to do....
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Action
Daughter was supposed to have an appointment with Psychiatrist tomorrow, but it was cancelled. Case Manager sent an email to the entire team, which prompted a series of emails. Daughter complained to Program Manager about how the home was out of one of her mood stabilizers and they have had problems getting her prescriptions in a timely manner. Home Manager complained about the new pharmacy. I chimed in and said I'd gone to the local pharmacy to get a prescription filled over the weekend since the agency pharmacy said my insurance wouldn't cover one of her meds. I said the medication issues were damaging Daughter's sense of safety at her placement.
.
Nurse was in on the emails, and was outraged. She marched down the hall to the pharmacy, and informed them of how things would be. When a house orders a medication, it is to be filled and delivered that day. She is going to further investigate, and has promised to get to the bottom of it and see that it doesn't happen again. I believe her.
.
On the health front, I had a rough night and morning. Beginning to eat yesterday started up the intestinal misery again. I went into the office today, but I cancelled appointments away from the church, and didn't move around much. Administrative Assistant came to me, I didn't go to her.
.
Things are going well at the church. It looks like the results of the stewardship drive will be good. We aren't going to meet the challenge budget, but given the current state of the economy, we are delighted to see a healthy increase in giving, including a number of new pledges. The new board members were at last night's board meeting. They are a good group of people, and I'm looking forward to working with them. Almost all of them are serving on the board for the first time, which is good.
.
We were looking for the large manger the church has to put it in the spiritual house we built this fall. A couple of the board members knew exactly where it was this fall, but it has mysteriously vanished. One of them came back and looked some more today, and when he couldn't locate it, he went home and built a new one.
.
We have ordered a new phone system. We have one that was used when it was installed a number of years ago. It is not digital, and we can't change the programming on it. It takes forever to get to voice mail on it. The new one will enable us to use caller ID and will have many nice features, including a cordless phone for when we're out of the office doing things elsewhere in the building.
.
We will also be adding some insulation before the end of the year, which should solve a problem we've been having with ice dams. This summer we're going to host a traveling day camp run by the church camp Daughter attended last summer. We're very excited about this opportunity to reach out to the children in our community. We have a number of members who mentor children in the elementary school, so we will invite those children and offer them scholarships to attend.
.
I came home this afternoon and brought the Christmas tree upstairs. It is up and ready for ornaments. I may add those later this evening, or I may wait until tomorrow. I did the outside decorations on Saturday. Sunday and Monday were lost, but my goal is to do something every day. I'm doing a Christmas open house on December 18th, so I need to begin getting ready for it.
.
Nurse was in on the emails, and was outraged. She marched down the hall to the pharmacy, and informed them of how things would be. When a house orders a medication, it is to be filled and delivered that day. She is going to further investigate, and has promised to get to the bottom of it and see that it doesn't happen again. I believe her.
.
On the health front, I had a rough night and morning. Beginning to eat yesterday started up the intestinal misery again. I went into the office today, but I cancelled appointments away from the church, and didn't move around much. Administrative Assistant came to me, I didn't go to her.
.
Things are going well at the church. It looks like the results of the stewardship drive will be good. We aren't going to meet the challenge budget, but given the current state of the economy, we are delighted to see a healthy increase in giving, including a number of new pledges. The new board members were at last night's board meeting. They are a good group of people, and I'm looking forward to working with them. Almost all of them are serving on the board for the first time, which is good.
.
We were looking for the large manger the church has to put it in the spiritual house we built this fall. A couple of the board members knew exactly where it was this fall, but it has mysteriously vanished. One of them came back and looked some more today, and when he couldn't locate it, he went home and built a new one.
.
We have ordered a new phone system. We have one that was used when it was installed a number of years ago. It is not digital, and we can't change the programming on it. It takes forever to get to voice mail on it. The new one will enable us to use caller ID and will have many nice features, including a cordless phone for when we're out of the office doing things elsewhere in the building.
.
We will also be adding some insulation before the end of the year, which should solve a problem we've been having with ice dams. This summer we're going to host a traveling day camp run by the church camp Daughter attended last summer. We're very excited about this opportunity to reach out to the children in our community. We have a number of members who mentor children in the elementary school, so we will invite those children and offer them scholarships to attend.
.
I came home this afternoon and brought the Christmas tree upstairs. It is up and ready for ornaments. I may add those later this evening, or I may wait until tomorrow. I did the outside decorations on Saturday. Sunday and Monday were lost, but my goal is to do something every day. I'm doing a Christmas open house on December 18th, so I need to begin getting ready for it.
Reports
So yesterday afternoon I got teary call from Daughter. She wasn't doing any of the activities at her program. She wanted out of it. She was going to tell her house to pull her out.
.
A few minutes later I got a text from Program Manager: "Your daughter is in excellent spirits."
.
Last night I was in a board meeting and she called on my cell phone. I answered, because sometimes it is staff calling, and I need to be available to them. When I heard Daughter, who was quite distressed, I said, "I'm in a meeting and can't talk. Call me after 8:30. I love you." And I hung up.
.
A woman on the board commented, "She was very happy when I saw her at the mall this morning."
.
A man chimed in, "She was happy when I saw her this afternoon at the bowling alley."
.
When I called her back after my meeting, she was asleep. She called this morning. They have run out of another one of her mood stabilizers. I did manage to get her laughing before we hung ended our conversation. I am grateful for all the reports I receive that she is doing well. It makes it easier for me to ignore her drama.
.
A few minutes later I got a text from Program Manager: "Your daughter is in excellent spirits."
.
Last night I was in a board meeting and she called on my cell phone. I answered, because sometimes it is staff calling, and I need to be available to them. When I heard Daughter, who was quite distressed, I said, "I'm in a meeting and can't talk. Call me after 8:30. I love you." And I hung up.
.
A woman on the board commented, "She was very happy when I saw her at the mall this morning."
.
A man chimed in, "She was happy when I saw her this afternoon at the bowling alley."
.
When I called her back after my meeting, she was asleep. She called this morning. They have run out of another one of her mood stabilizers. I did manage to get her laughing before we hung ended our conversation. I am grateful for all the reports I receive that she is doing well. It makes it easier for me to ignore her drama.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Medication
At my first word this morning, Daughter exploded. In one of her rational moments today, she said, "I can't even control myself."
.
She has been out of one of her medications for almost a week. It's med that shouldn't be stopped suddenly. She is taking it for seizures, but it is also an add on treatment for bipolar. I looked it up.
.
The pharmacy that her home uses says my insurance won't cover it. They've been covering it at the pharmacy at the corner for over a year. I just sent a refill request to the local pharmacy. I'll pick it up in a couple of hours. Daughter was demanding to go back to the home, "where they really care about her." I'm going to honor her request. Of course, now that I'm going to take her back, she doesn't want to go back. I'm taking her back anyway. I have rights, including the right to feel safe in my own home.
.
I have a cake in the oven. When it comes out and I think the pharmacy has had enough time to fill the prescription, I'll take her back. She is currently crying quite noisily and dramatically because she doesn't want to go back. I'm not crying yet, but my heart is breaking, and it will be very hard to take her there and leave her without shedding a few tears.
.
She has been out of one of her medications for almost a week. It's med that shouldn't be stopped suddenly. She is taking it for seizures, but it is also an add on treatment for bipolar. I looked it up.
.
The pharmacy that her home uses says my insurance won't cover it. They've been covering it at the pharmacy at the corner for over a year. I just sent a refill request to the local pharmacy. I'll pick it up in a couple of hours. Daughter was demanding to go back to the home, "where they really care about her." I'm going to honor her request. Of course, now that I'm going to take her back, she doesn't want to go back. I'm taking her back anyway. I have rights, including the right to feel safe in my own home.
.
I have a cake in the oven. When it comes out and I think the pharmacy has had enough time to fill the prescription, I'll take her back. She is currently crying quite noisily and dramatically because she doesn't want to go back. I'm not crying yet, but my heart is breaking, and it will be very hard to take her there and leave her without shedding a few tears.
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