The last couple of days have been a bit frantic. On Monday, in preparation for our appointment with the VA I made copies of his records (many pages) and got his medications in a bag. For some reason they ask you to bring the actual bottle of everything he takes. That is 12 prescriptions, plus his aspirin, vitamins, fiber, etc. ( and by the way, they never even asked to look at them ! )
I had a social event at 1PM which was next door so went over for 30 minutes just to see some friends and get a couple of hugs, then off to the clinic. It is about 30 miles from home.
The doctor at the VA that we see if not impressive at all but the whole purpose is to get in the system that he has these new problems and find out what help is available. After talking to the doc we went to the State Veterans Commission to file for an additional percentage of disability. The purpose of this means a bit of a break on taxes but more importantly it takes a 70% or above rating to get help with nursing home expenses in our own community. The other alternatives are to use our long term care insurance and pay the difference or take him to the state home in about 40 miles away, if there is a place for him. Just checking out all the options and trying to do the best available.
Yesterday we went to the gym and the same thing happened as last time. He wants to be left to figure out the machine himself (I think it is because people are around and he doesn't want to appear that he needs anything). We did two machines at 15 min each and then he wanted to leave. It is not a bad workout but not quite what was subscribed. We will walk today and tomorrow and go back to the gym on Friday.
Yesterday afternoon, like every Tuesday afternoon my music group came over and we played for a couple of hours. They are great people and we laugh a lot as well as play so it is really good for me. Cowboy sits in his easy chair with the dog on his lap and listens. Used to go to different houses but I told them they need to come here is we are to continue.
Marsha comes today and I am going to the base to the commissary to get a bill of groceries and hit the PX. Usually go earlier so we will see if this can be accomplished in the 5 hours I have.
Got a call a while ago from the VA and they said they are setting up someone to come in a couple of times a week. Said they will call me. It will be skilled nursing care rather than respite care. Will wait until they call and find out what we do from here.
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