One minute Merv in his care facility is going along as expected. Staff are coming and going and Merv is doing as well as expected considering his HD. Life is not what we had hoped but it is what it is.
Merv had his fall over three weeks ago, his foot still hurts, the gash on his head has healed and left a small scar. I was feed up and emailed the deputy manager asking him to address some crucial questions concerning Merv's care.
Nothing much happened until a week later when a hive of activity began. Staff wanted to know absolutely everything Merv was eating and drinking. Records were being kept. Merv has lost over 8 kilos since March. Suddenly they appeared to be concerned. This is not completely true, staff have been concerned adding a sustenance powder to his mealtime potato. There has also been the occasional pudding supplement.
The Allied Health Team was contacted. I thought of closing Merv's door (pity there is no lock) just to keep the hordes out.
Today's incident keeps replaying in my mind. An unexpected incident; after filling up my coffee mug I returned to Merv's room to find the nurse chatting quietly to him. She sat next to him saying he had lost a lot of weight and would he consider eating a banana later on for supper. He had yet to have his lunch. He mumbled he would.
The nurse came back with a large yellow banana and placed it on his tray in front of him. She must have seen the expression on my face and asked if he could peel it and eat it like it was.
I didn't even bother to tell her Merv has dysphasia, surely she would know? I suggested the banana should be mashed and mixed with either custard or yoghurt. "Oh," she said as she retrieved the banana exiting the room. We didn't see the banana again (or the nurse).
I have a meeting with the deputy manager on Thursday along with the Allied Health Team. It promises to be interesting.
