Tuesday, July 27

We had our second meeting with staff today. Prior to the meeting, we learned that Norma's brace goes on her foot before the shoe, the don't go on as a unit!
Norma is progressing in all areas, Yea!!
She needs to go for walks (strolls in the wheel chair) and be encouraged to view things on her right side as it will help her to center herself. There is lots of great art work through out the hospital that I am sure she would enjoy viewing.

We are encouraged to assist her with verbal skills. Imitation (repeating what you said) and oral reading is good. Enunciate clearly so that she can watch your lips as you pronounce words.
Picture/word association is another area to assist with as well as giving her choices..Is this an apple or banana...This is a water bottle, this is a book, what is this----- I hope you get the idea. The more practice she gets at these skills, the quicker her progress. Her speech therapist is wonderful...

If it is a nice day, take her out to the patio by the cafeteria. A nurse will help you get her into the wheel chair.

Kim & Brett, welcome to Ann Arbor.

K-

Sunday, July 26

Norma continues to talk and communicate, asking many questions. When Kevin was there, they practiced spelling the names of the family with her alphabet tiles from Martha.
I brought her a box of words on 3x5 cards. She was very interested in reading the words. I thought maybe she could use them for communicating. We made a new card while Kev & I were there- Tigers! She was trying so hard to ask what time the game was on tv, we thought the card would help her with future games!!
The bathroom door is metal, so I got some magnets to put up pictures and other things that she wants to see from her chair. When you visit, check out the classic photo of the kids taken about 20 years ago.
Enjoy your visit with Norma!
K-

Saturday, July 25

I tried to take a good picture of Norma without the feeding tube, but the lighting was very harsh. Will try to get one tomorrow, outside.
Norma has a new 4cd set of children's tunes, try to play some of the music while you visit.
Just fyi, Norma uses the word where to preface her questions. I was getting hung up on the word where, before realizing that was her start to a question, duh. So, if that helps you on a visit, great.

Susie, I read the most recent comments to Norma. She was thrilled to hear from you, she had me write out your message and we taped it to the wall...

Tuesday we have another family meeting (was originally scheduled for Monday). I/we will post any pertinent info after that meeting.

Hopefully we will get Norma outside tomorrow for some sunshine(?) and fresh air.

Again, please make sure to sign Norma's guest book when you visit. It helps her remember who came to visit. And, she does enjoy and appreciate her visits.

Kim & Brett, look forward to seeing you next (this) week.
K-

Thursday, July 23

This is a short one. Norma has had the feeding tube removed (will take a picture next time I am I visit), so eating is much easier.
Kim and Brett will be here next week, how exciting for Norma (and the rest of us)

Vocabulary continues to improve...

Go see for yourself
K-

Tuesday, July 21

Well. I am back from the Rez (Pine Ridge, S. Dak) I had a very good time, not sure what went on with Norma, no blog entries (Hey Kev, what's up??)
Anyways, was so excited to see Norma. She can talk so much better than when I saw her on the 9th. Lots of new words and good communication.

She can make some deliberate movement in her right leg. For her physical therapy, she has a brace in her right shoe to help with the movement.

Jim said she can sing, as that function is on the right side of the brain, not the left. So, if you have any nursery rhymes on tape or cd she can use them to sing along.

I took my camera this evening to take a picture of her new hair cut, but the feeding tube is still connected. They are no longer feeding her with it and it should be removed in the next day or two. I will take a picture as soon as the tube is removed. (Janet you did a great job on her hair).

Karen & Richard(?) the flowers you brought are gorgeous.
Keep the cards and visits coming. Please make sure to sign her guest book.

I forgot to mention that I took my laptop so that Norma could read the comments on the Blog. She enjoyed them very much. :)
K-

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Go Norma! It has been a week now since physical, occupational and speech therapy were started. Norma has made progress in all of those areas. She even has home work in speech, to practice words like Okay, Uh Huh. She has a piece of paper with her list to work on. Actually, you can talk to her on the phone now. She can respond with words/sounds rather than just the head shaking, too cool!
So, this evening was kind of like a girl's pajama party (sorry Paul).There was laughing and giggling. Janet, Susan, myself and Paul were there. Janet gave Norma a hair cut, it is short, maybe an inch in length. It looks so cute on her. It should be easy to take care of as well. I repainted and clipped her nails (she even let me paint her right hand).It was a fun hour or so.

Chris is in town, he got here on Tuesday. I am sure Norma is thrilled to have both of the boys here, at least from the looks on her face she appears to be.
The family met with all of the therapists and doctor today. We were encouraged to attend her therapy sessions and give her as much stimulation as we can. She will most likely be on the 4th floor rehab for 4-6 weeks.

Kevin & Chris I am going away for a week, so get some info on this blog while I am gone.

Paul, Janet & Susan it was soooooo good to see all of you this evening.
K-

Thursday 7/2

Elvis has entered the building. Room 430 is now complete.

Just as a note, with my Mom having therapy in the morning through the afternoon, the best visiting hours for her are 5pm to 8pm.

My mom has now had nearly a full week of physical therapy, and she is doing very well. It has been quite tiring on her, but she is fighting through. Her appetite has been getting better, and she has been able to eat some food from home. Me and my dad have been visiting her at night and listening to music with her (We brought a boom box in a few days ago). Wednesday night was Steve Earle and Thursday night was Bruce Springsteen. The music seems to provide her with a way to relax and get away for at least a short period of time.

Wednesday 7/1

Here is the complete address for Norma
Norma Wolford
c/o St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
room 430
5301 E Huron River Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48106

734-712-4631.