TomKitten--
Mr. Noddy has a Buttonhole Talent that would put the Ancient Mariner to shame. Right now he could probably tell the difference between a live Fuller Brush Man and a stuffed Fuller Brush Man--he might even complain about poor listening qualities in one or the other.
Phoenix--
All suggestions about detaching Mr. Noddy from his car keys are welcome.
Here again, whatever his mental state, he should not be driving until his pelvis heals. I've been through Doctor's Orders and Mr. Noddy's Ignoring Doctor's Orders about driving twice before. I have no qualms about calling in the State Police to schedule an over-70 re-exam.
Meanwhile, all good things come to an end. Mr. Noddy figured that he wasn't getting out of Rehab until the PT gals were convinced that he could navigate on his own. He's been working on increasing his distance with his walker and mastering the steps.
He'll be home on Monday. He says the rehab people will deliver him. This sounds peculiar to me, but I've never dealt with a rehab ward before.
Also, I'm assured that any necessary hospital equipment will be delivered first thing Monday morning.
I'm going to have a hot bath. I've suspected that three full weeks of respite weren't in stars this month. Ah, mine prophetic soul.
Is it too early for a hot toddy after that hot bath?
Osso--
I'm planning a nightcap--please feel free to join me.
Noddy- It is good that Mr. N. is not at home now. Take his car keys, and don't let him get to them. Speak with his doctor. Ask him to write, on a prescription pad, that he does not want Mr. N. to drive anymore. If there is anything that can be done in your state with the police, do it. (A doctor's prescription will go a long way).
This will probably be a good time, 'cause as you have said, he probably won't want to drive anyhow while he recuperates. You might use this time to make remarks about how great it is to have a "chauffeur" (YOU).
What I have found, is that there are some men who may become upset and aggressive about their independence being taken away, and there may be tantrums. I don't know Mr. N., or observed his personality, so I can't predict what he will do. In the cases that I have dealt with, if the women are adamant, the men WILL back off after awhile.
I have heard stories about men who have threatened all sorts of mayhem when they realize that they are no longer self mobile, but that stage usually does pass. Often, after a tantrum, the guy forgets what he got so mad about.
If he still has the capacity to reason, you might discuss how the doctor (not you) thinks that it would not be safe for him to drive, and does not want him to drive. Focus on reflexes, reaction time, and other things that he would not perceive as demeaning.
Noddy, this IS a rough one, and you may be in for some fights. But it is a battle worth fighting!
Oh, BTW, a lot of men feel insecure when their license expires, and they can't get another. I don't know how it is in your state, but in Florida, a person can get a state ID card that looks very much like a driver's license.
A number of the people in my group have helped their husbands get one of those, and it DOES make the men feel better. Besides, you do need an ID for many things nowadays.
Phoenix--
I hid the car keys two weeks ago as Mr. Noddy rode down the driveway in the ambulance.
We don't have bucket seats in the front--just contoured seats--but fitting a pot gut and a broken pelvis in the driver's seat would probably be painful.
Cross your fingers.
I am Woman, Hear Me Roar.
When I drove to my native town this afternoon, looking at the house and visiting mother/aunt - I followed "my sixth sense" and passed my sister's MIL's house: BIL's car was parked there.
Not that I'm really that much a coward, but I didn't want to spoil my weekend: I'm going to visit mother at another time.
And will know, if "someone" entered the house ... ... :wink:
(I could imagine, my BIL took a day off at work, and they'll go to the court on Monday.)
Walter--
You are devious enough to out think a devious family. Good for you.
Yesterday I was coping with the Wamblies.
All the same, I collected tax forms, twin sheets for the hospital bed which will be delivered tomorrow, and made arrangements with one of my stepsons to cope with the branch on the roof on Wednesday rather than this soggy, soggy weekend.
Called Mr. Noddy and was hollered at for being "rude" to stepson. Mr. Noddy had forgotten arrangements had been made.
Mr. Noddy bragged about leaving the ward and going down to the hospital cafeteria thereby annoying the nursing staff.
Then he started accusing the nursing staff of withholding his pain pills. and arguing with the nurse on duty.
I hung up on him.
O that you always had such an option...
For the next 3-5 weeks, I'll be able to outrun a man chained to a walker.
Mental decline
Well, you still have time to think out a foolproof - hopefully, anyway - for presenting Mr Noddy with the driving problem. At least I didn't have to face that, because when Bob was told by his retina specialist that he was legally blind, the doctor had, by law, to notify the Motor Vehicle people.
In fact, the first I knew was when he got a notice from the Motor Vehicle people telling him to turn in his license. (This was long before his mental decline had set in.) For whatever reason, he hadn't told me, and I was not in the room when she told him. Normally I would have been right there with him, but this was after a laser procedure where only medical personnel are allowed in the room. But he had pretty much given up driving by then, anyway.
I have just had a really good bit of news: I was finally driven to get hearing aids - what put my decision front and center was that I was so damn tired of saying "What?" all the time. Today I attended my second Hebrew class, and it was like night and day. I had no idea of the difference they would make. They are a very new model, and I absolutely don't know I'm wearing them except for the ability to hear so well. O joy joy joy!
Tomkitten--
Three cheers for you and your ears and technological advances! Didn't you also have some piece of electronic equipment that made noises beyond your ken?
Mental decline
Yes, my piano - a very important part of my life.
The hearing aids give a slightly metallic sound to things (especially the highest notes on the piano), but I expect that a few technological generations down the line, Widex will get rid of that. And I'm happy to put up with it, for the sake of hearing whatever sound I'm listening to. I can always adjust it in my head. And it's just so good to know what people are saying!
Hey ((Noddy))
Just checking in to see how you are doing.... and Mr. Noddy.
Hope you are coping. Wishing you well. Update us if you are able and let us know that you're OK.
Izzie x
Izzie--
Thanks for the concern. I thought I'd updated this morning, but I must have clicked the next thread too quickly for the update to register.
Yesterday the Visiting Nurse intake worker came to the house. Mr. Noddy made a great effort to be sophisticated and witty and came across as senile and whiny. In terms of practical assistance, this is all to the good.
In the past the Visiting Nurses have emphasised the Medicare restrictions on in-home aid. Yesterday nothing was said. I have a feeling that "senile" changes a lot of rules. After all, in home care is much cheaper than a nursing home.
For starters, a Home Health Aid will come to the house tomorrow to help Mr. Noddy shower. Since over the last few years we've had several acrimonious discussions about body odor, this is very helpful.
One day at a time. Sometimes, one hour at a time.
