Waste not, want not

I had a distressed message from my Dad last night.
My stepmum had a hip replacement 10 days ago and following her dressing change yesterday, the wound hasn’t stopped leaking fluid.
Dad has been going round in circles. The clinic didn’t have any dressings for him to take home; they didn’t even have the right sized ones for the job. When he tried to call them today, the line is out of service due to a fault. He rang the GP who said they couldn’t help and to ring the clinic. Absolute madness.

Luckily, I had some leftover dressings so I went over to see what help I could offer.
I suggested ringing the district nurse team, which she did, but again was passed from pillar to post. For an almost 81 year old (well, any age really), it’s just not good enough to be left without care or support following such a big operation.

The situation is further compromised due to her absolute refusal to be wrong. She won’t stop messing with the dressings; she’s been dabbing at it with tissues, which I’ve said is the worst thing to do. I told her when my wounds were still oozing, I was to not to remove the dressings and instead, apply more over the top.

My poor Dad isn’t getting any sleep due to her being restless but feels he can’t sleep in the spare room as she wanders if left, which is the other problem…she won’t sit still.

I’ve tried to reinforce what Dad is telling her; that yes, she needs to be mobile but she has to remember she’s had surgery. The clothes in the washer are fine, Dad will sort them. If she wants a drink, ask for one.
She attempted to carry 2 cups of tea up the stairs this morning, but again refused to accept how dangerous that could be.

In truth, I’ve suspected for possibly the last 12 months that she’s starting with dementia. Just little things here and there (classic signs) have led me to wonder. That said, it could just be her age and I really hope that is the case :-(

DQ x