Thursday, August 28th

So we have officially moved to our new temporary home! My mom was moved this morning to a skilled nursing facility called The Villages at Southern Hills. It is located at 57th and Lewis and even though it is a little bit of a commute for my dad and sister, we think it is going to be a good fit for Mom. Along with being able to accommodate a more aggressive rehabilitation process, it has several more amenities than the last place. The therapists will come by in the morning to give Mom an assessment for therapy and hopefully be able to give us a timeline for getting her back in shape and home for good!

We continue to appreciate meals that are provided and as I said, most of the time, it is just my dad and sister eating so no need to supply food for a group. You have all been so supportive and really essential to my dad's well being and energy levels! And Mom continues to enjoy all of the fun letters and photos you are sending her through my email address. jclapp1@yahoo.com

As my friend Katrina always said, "Just keep it movin, girl!"

So, no matter the situation, whether good or bad, always keep it movin!

Jennifer & Family

Sunday, August 24th

Not much to report this week. We are continuing to work with the staff and Mom to prepare her for the next step, which we are hoping will be rehab care. My brother came in on Thursday to spend the weekend and give our dad a break. My mom has definitely been keeping him on his toes but he has been able to get her in the wheelchair quite often and outside for walks, which is good for everyone. We are working closely with the case manager to get Mom to the next step. We should hear something by this week.

Since August is coming to a close, I wanted to let people know, if they are still interested in providing meals, we are changing it up a little. For the most part, it is now only my dad eating and sometimes one other person, so not as much food is required. I would also like to switch it up to have meals delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Again, if you have questions or would like to sign up, please email me at jclapp1@yahoo.com

Thank you so much for your support and help throughout this process. As always, my family appreciates everything. And my mother is REALLY enjoying the photos and letters you are sending to her through my email. It helps keep her connected to everyone. As soon as she is recovered, I am certain she will respond to all of your emails!!!

Jennifer & Family

Wednesday, August 20th

Sorry the posts have been less frequent as of late but there has not been much to report on. Mom is still residing at the LTAC facility at City of Faith but we are really hoping we can get her moved into either a rehab facility or something of that nature. Although Mom is getting physically stronger every day, it has been a very slow and rough healing process. She still is unable to swallow solid foods because of the slowness of the trach opening to heal. Spending more time sitting up in a wheelchair means she has finally been able to take some strolls outside and get some fresh air. My sisters and my dad have been reading the letters you have sent to my email address (jclapp1@yahoo.com) and showing her the pictures you have sent as well and she is REALLY enjoying hearing from all of you!

Hopefully, by the end of this week or the beginning of next we will have some news about the next step and where we will be headed. Until then, keep the stories coming!


Jennifer & Family

Thursday, August 14th

We have had a minor setback only because Mom did not pass her swallow test yesterday. Although this is not terrible news, it is pretty disappointing to her as it means she is not allowed to move on to solid foods yet. But she is spending some more time in a wheelchair which means she can go on walks when she feels ready. I was thinking, it may be nice for my mom to hear from all of you. So if I could ask people who are far away and have not had a chance to communicate, that you send me little bits about your life and what's going on and we will print out the emails and read them to her. You all are very aware that my mom likes to be in the know so anything would be welcomed. You can even send pictures if you like! Please email me at jclapp1@yahoo.com. All stories appreciated and funny ones encouraged!

Thank you!
Jennifer & Family

Wednesday, August 13th

We seem to be staying the course with Mom's recovery. We have had an increase in interest from the staff ever since we had "the talk" with them so the level of care has definitely increased and been welcomed by us. She has been enduring some more aggressive physical therapy which makes her tired at the end of the day. Along with sitting in the neuro chair several times a day, they have also started getting her into a regular wheel chair in order to practice holding her own head up. Once they are confident she can manage, they will start taking her on walks in the wheelchair.

She is also undergoing another swallow test accompanied by scans so that they can make sure all the healing has taken place at which point she can move on from pudding and applesauce into more substantial foods.

We are still asking that people hold off on visits as mom is sure that her hair is nowhere near presentable.

More when we have it!
Jennifer & Family

Saturday, August 9th

Well, it has been a week since we arrived at the new Long Term Acute Care facility. I must admit, the first 5 days were pretty bumpy as we were not really satisfied with the level of care that was being given, but after several conferences by phone and in person with everyone on the staff from nurses all the way up to the CEO, we finally feel like Mom is getting the attention she needs and a solid plan for recovery! We have met with the head of Physical Therapy and he has given us a course of action for exercises we can perform with Mom all weekend and she is getting some extra time every day in the neuro chair which we are excited about (although she would staunchly disagree, I think). Even though, as the days progress, our successes seem minor because we are always by her side, I think seen as a whole, they are quite impressive. I have been told that the trach is almost healed which means she should be able to move on to some pureed foods by early or mid week this week. We are also very thankful that she seems to have not lost her ability to talk and give us her FULL opinion on everything.

I know I sound like a broken record but I cannot stress the gratitude we feel for the people who have provided our family with meals throughout this time. As I am sure some of you know, this is more than a full time job and can be extremely stressful and exhausting. So these meals provide something to look forward to at the end of the long days and not only mean good food but good love from our friends who provide them. Thank you!

Jennifer & Family

Wednesday, August 6th

I have to apologize for not posting anything in the last few days. I was traveling for work and things were quiet at the hospital. There have been several improvements to her situation but I think we still have a long way to go. She has a smaller trach in and has been practicing sitting up a bit and getting ice chips and even a little applesauce last night to check her swallowing, which seemed to go well. The therapist said if the week goes smoothly, she will be able to have pureed food by the end of the week. The doctor who visited last night said there is a possibility for the trach to come out either today or tomorrow.

We continue to appreciate the food people have been providing. Again, remember if you are on the schedule coming up, we are no longer at St. Francis so please contact my sister Susie or me to find out where to deliver the food.

Thank you,
Jennifer & Family

Friday, August 1st

Well, it took a while but I think we are finally on the move! Mom had a good week and made a lot of progress with both the physical therapy AND the speech therapy. She was able to have a smaller trach tube put in a couple of days ago and then a cap yesterday on the trach so she is finally able to speak with her voice and has a LOT to say. Mostly that she wants ice cream, she wants those boots off, and mostly, she wants OUT! So she is being transferred at 5pm today to an LTAC (Long Term Acute Care) facility at City of Faith. We are hoping that once she is settled in there, they will be able to help her start weaning off the trach all together and learn how to eat again.

So anyone who is already signed up to bring food, please be aware that we are no longer keeping camp at St. Francis. You are still able to contact my sister Susie to make arrangements. If you need her phone number again, please email me directly at jclapp1@yahoo.com.

I have to tell everyone who has brought dinner thus far that your generosity has been such a blessing. My dad definitely looks forward to them when they are scheduled! My sister, Nancy, arrived this morning to stay for the week and help out. We will let people know when it is ok to visit my mom.

Thank you again,

Jennifer & Family