Kathyw

Miguel told all the senior staff what I had said and also wrote in the book the things I wanted for my Mum. ie her safety - if Mum has a fall and hurts herself she is to be taken to hospital even though she doesn't want to go - we saw one resident fall and cut her head badly, it was pouring blood but they never called an ambulance despite the woman being sick and very very pale - she ended up in hospital a week later as she never recovered from the fall and is still in hospital 3 months later! Also that I am to be told of any falls/accidents etc within an hour or so - not 12 hours later - that Mum (like 90% of the other residents) does not eat rice as a vegetable but only knows it as a pudding - Mum hates chicken -is it neccessary to write this in a book - Mum has been there 3 years they should know this stuff. One lady who is vegetarian and has been for many years still finds meat on her plate and it makes her feel sick and not want to eat! Senior staff then sorted out carers! Big big mistake because the carer who told my Mum to walk when she asked for a wheelchair went straight to my Mum and asked if she had been 'talking to Miguel about her'. Mum didn't get it and said 'yes every morning when he comes round to say hello'. Mum said that the carer seemed angry with her and Mum didn't understand why. I went bloody potty. That is, to me, akin to playground bullying. 'Have you told the teacher on me etc'. I told Miguel and said that in future I would ask Mum to point the person out to me and I would tell them that I am the one doing the snitching and if they have a problem with that then they can sort it out with me and never, ever bother my Mum again. The senior staff have been told that no matter how short staffed they are - only they give out the meds and they must always see the resident take them - they should have known that already. I find this very disturbing not just for my Mum but for all the people who live in homes that are not run as they should be and there are many, many of them. During a search for another home I came upon a website that I considered did not give the correct info and I emailed the person - she replied saying it had only been set up 3 weeks and she welcomed my input regarding my Mum. She said that there were many, many homes that were well below the standard you or I would want for our parents and yet they were give 2 stars (3 is the top score). We email regularly and hopefully some good will come of it. Also my oldest friend worked as a carer then manager for many years and said that when care was good in a home it was infectious but if it was bad then the residents led miserable lives and nothing ever changed no matter what the individual carer tried to do. I said to Ray that should the time come when I can no longer prepare my own meals, I shall get ready prepared meals from M & S and have tins of potatoes etc and just heat them in a microwave and stay in my own home and not be subject to the lack of care in some of the homes. I know there are good carers but they are few and far between in London and I need to move my Mum up/down country as I feel that is where she will get the standard of care I want for her. Anyone who knows somewhere that is a place where they would be happy to be if they were elderly and frail - let me know please?

Well Done you. I have done similar many times and got a few clumps for my trouble and also a few chaps have got clumps for sticking up for me but my mouth starts going and I have no control when an animal is in possible danger. I too start off polite but the minute they get stroppy - they get the sharp end of my tongue. I would never sleep at night if I could have intervened and didn't.

Put them all on a register and make sure the police have to say when they arrive in said area - no changes in identities and let them take gtheir chances. They are capable of running away, they can fight back if they choose to - they can ask the police for protection - they have many options. That baby had none.

The judge ruled that identities of the tormentors and killers of baby Peter Connelly should be revealed and photos are on the news and their names - this was done so that the public will have confidence in the judicial system. But they will be given new identities on realease from prison so that the public cannot recognise them and he taxpayer (who else) will foot the bill for this and it does not come cheap. I do not think they should be given new identities - they should face the world as they are and never again walk unafraid. That poor baby probably never knew a day without fear so why should they ever know peace again?

Ditto - if I have a feeling there are a 'wrongun' then it usually turns out that way. The people I dislike are anyone who hurts anyone I care about and spitful people - anyone else I can take or leave - I am not really a people liking person that much.

Manager met me at the door this morning. I gave him the whole story and he was shocked - his face went white. I told him of the 24 hrs it took to get the prescription - the leaving Mum with the pills - the making her walk to the dining hall despite doctor saying she should use wheelchair for a while. Mum asked for a wheelchair as her knee was giving way and she was frightened of falling and was told to walk! I also did something that is alien to me and the where I was brought up - I shopped someone. When it comes to my Mum I have no scruples whatsoever. I also said that my Mum is not the only person who is given meds and not supervised - just left with the meds to take or not as they desire - Miguel said that is unacceptable and those responsible will be 'called to account'. I told Miguel and suggested that he put in a camera so he sees what actually goes on when he is not around. He asked me to leave it with him and he will investigate and come back to me. He said he was feeling very bad because he had promised me my Mum would be taken care of and felt he had left me down. I feel better but only when Miguel or certain carers are on duty - when the rest of the rabble are there - I worry. I can only imagine with a sinking feeling what it must be like for those elderly folk who have no-one to watch out for their welfare.

Manager Miguel was not in on friday despite staff telling me he was. Doctor came and was a tad annoyed as he had faxed over the prescription before 2pm on wednesday and said 'there is no point talking to the staff, I will speak to the manager as this needs to be dealt with at the highest level'. Also he was very concerned that Mum was able to put tablets in her bag as all meds should be supervised and they have to see them take them or report any failure to do so. I felt better after he made his views clear but I still feel my Mum is not safe in there. I made a point of bringing up a friend of Mum's in there who died a few months after a fall that was questionable. I told her what the lady had told me and said that if that ever happened to my Mum it would be best for the person/persons concerned to leave the country. Our elderly deserve better yet the some of these so-called carers couldn't care less and have a very lazy attitude to the actual caring. Thank you to everyone for your advice and good wishes.

The doctor had taken Mum off the painkillers as they were making her sick and had prescribed anti-sickness pills yesterday lunchtime. Today lunchtime Mum said they had given her four pills and doctor had said no more pain killers so she put the pain killers in her bag. I asked if she had the tablet to put between her gum and lip and she said no. Seem the prescription was still sitting in the chemist waiting to be picked up 24 hours later! and poor Mum spent her birthday still being sick because they never had the anti sickness pills and were still giving her the pain killlers that were making her sick. This is care in England today and is is unacceptable. One of the managers came to give Mum pills tonight and I said no painkillers but she insisted that Mum took the other pills she always has. I asked her if she could leave them on the side for Mum to take later - I wanted to hear what she would say to that. She said No I cannot leave them I have to watch Daisy taken the meds. She said Mum could forget them, drop them or another resident could pick them up and take them. Tomorrow I have a meeting with the doctor and Miguel the new manager and I will want to be told this will never happen again. I am very afraid for my Mum as she is so vunerable and in the care of some people who do not care enough. I have also applied for Public Guardianship over Mum's welfare and wellbeing which means they cannot do anything without consulting me that is how scared I am. Mum was found on the floor early on monday - no doctor was called and they never considered hospital either. That came the next day after I went up there and bumped my gums loudly. Thank you for your replies - they have confirmed what I thought but was not sure of - now I have the bigs guns lined up for tomorrow.

If you are responsible for giving medications out - are you required to stand and watch the patient take them. especially when the person is elderly and sometimes gets confused or are you just required to put them on a table and trust the elderly person to take the meds? If anyone works where they have the responsibility of handing out meds - please could they tell me the answer? Thank you

I have emailed every one of my local councillors and my MP to protest the speed bumps. I am considering a petition locally as I know most drivers are against the ramps and bumps. Also the driver told me that the law requires that you do not 'impede an emergency vehicle'. he said that does not always mean you pull over as sometimes pulling over can impede them when they cannot pass you anyway. He said best to continue driving until emergency vehicle can pass you if you pull over. 20 seconds per bumps is 20 seconds to many. Doctor was called into Mum again yesterday as she had been sick twice the night before and four times yesterday morning - she looked very poorly and frail - I was a tad worried - nay - I was scared witless. She has been given tablets for the sickness and taken off the pain meds - no birthday celebration today as she is far too poorly. All she kept doing was apologising to everyone for causing bother by being sick and she has been in bed since getting back from the hospital and Mum never like to be in bed.

Mum never broke anything - badly bruised and shaken. Shgoing back to the home was sick and was asleep almost instantly, very pale and frail looking. Mum is 89 on thursday so I am hopi ng that she will be well enough to enjoy her birthday. Thank you for your good wishes. In most London sidestreets there are small bumps that could be driven around if not for the cars parked either side of the street legally. But there are many 'ramps' that go the width of the road and raise up about 10" sloping up to level for about 8' and then sloping to the ground again. Local councils decide on whether or not to use bumps and if so where to put them and have the power to take them away. Width restricts are usually but not always placed because residents have asked for them - which is fine unless you live in that street and need one of the emergency services.

My Mum was taken to hospital today in an ambulance. Mum had to stay in the wheelchair as she could bear to be moved onto the ambulance bed. No room for me so I sat in front next to the driver. He went through red lights but drove slowly because they thought Mum could have broken her hip. I mentioned the bumps in the roads and the driver told me that they (the bumps) cost lives. He said that in London 2 peoples lives are saved each year by the bumps but 200 died because of the bumps. Each bump takes 20 seconds to get over so a street with five bumps adds a minute onto the ambulance journey x two because of the journey to the patient and another for the journey to the hospital – that is two minutes per street of five bumps. He said that in an emergency seconds are vital – let alone the minutes that are lost because of the bumps. Fire engines and police also have the same extra time. They do not save lives they cost lives and the way to get them removed is by contacting your local council. Also ambulances spend time in the workshop frequently because of the damage cause to the suspension constantly going over the bumps. Barnet council in London has removed all it’s bumps. Also road width restrictions slow down emergency vehicles as they do ordinary cars – but emergency vehicles need to get somewhere fast – it may save a life. It may keep the traffic in your street from going too fast but if you need the emergency services it could delay them for vital minutes. Something to think about. The transport committees of your local councils are the people who decide if and where to put bumps and width restrictions.

Thank you so much Noob - I will email you now. I am a tad in love with Bishop. The worldwide piccys part 1 had me in tears - so very moving.

It will not be long before the London parks are out of bounds for letting dogs offlead. Walkers get told often that 'parks are for people'. If this happens the only time the parks will be used fully is when the sun is shining and it's hot as these people only use the parks then but expect to have them all to themselves and then leave more mess lying around than 5o dogs would.

Wonderful idea - if only. Could we also ban the irresponsible parents of bratty children who leave dirty nappies lying around and the remains of whatever said brats have eaten? Perhaps the percentage of council tax paid for upkeep of parks, beaches etc could be withheld as dogowners cannot use them so why should they pay for them?

The honour was mine Allie.

We went to the vigil last night and on the way home I kept thinking of something I have read that had a profound effect on me - I ahve taken a liberty in changing it but I think it fits. When they came for the Bull breeds, I did not stand up, because I did not have a Bull breed. When they came for the Rottweilers, I did not stand up because I did not have a Rottweiler. When they came for the Wolfhounds I did not stand up because I did not have a wolfhound. When they came for the Sighthounds, I did not stand up because I did not have a Sighthound. When they came for the German Shepherds, I did not stand up, because I did not have a German Shepherd. When they came for the Labradors I did not stand up because I did not have a Labrador. When they came for the Collies I did not stand up because I did not have a Collie. When they came for the Spaniels I did not stand up because I did not have a Spaniel. When they came for the Terriers, I did not stand up because I did not have Terrier. When they came for the Chihuahuas my dog was taken as there was no-one left to stand up for me.

This is Sue's new boy - Bobby Barratt - sounds like the boy who chased and kissed the girls in primary school. http://onfinite.com/libraries/1506556/album/540/405/501.jpg And another of the handsome boy - he really is a good looking doglet. http://onfinite.com/libraries/1506557/album/540/405/501.jpg And this last one is of Bobby and Billy (my ickle boy) and I want you to take a good look at it. If you see these two together and I am not there, then please contact me as Sue says that my Billy sends her telepathic messages saying he wants to live with her and Bobby and I worry that she may try to kidnap my boy. http://onfinite.com/libraries/1506558/album/540/405/501.jpg

Compared to Cher in this clip - you are beautiful my dear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzW_7ANnHZI or just get a bath towel and hand towel and go as ........ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI6KTW0Z-4Y

Tiny Tim - you hav the shoulder length dark hair - just get a banjo and away you go. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skU-jBFzXl0

WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY THIRTY SEVENTH BIRTHDAY, HAVE A GREAT DAY.

Emergency Essence is Bach Flower Remedy - like rescue but stronger for shock etc. It's in a spray bottle and you just spray around the animal (or person). I keep one in my dogwalking bag, one in the car and one at home. I also got some disposable bootees in 3 sizes - keep wound clean in emergency.

I have just posted some of Ray's 'paintings' on RDR's auction. When you have got over and saying 'a three year old could do better' (I agree) please have a lookie and maybe consider bidding. I will pay p&p and it's a good cause. If he plops his clogs they could be worth a fortune.

This is one of the funniest emails I have ever read, I am still laughing 30 mins after reading it. Tears rolling down my face and very nearly peed myself. Colonoscopy I called my friend Andy Sable, a gastroenterologist, to make an appointment for a colonoscopy. A few days later, in his office, Andy showed me a colour diagram of the colon, a lengthy organ that appears to go all over the place, at one point passing briefly through Minneapolis . Then Andy explained the colonoscopy procedure to me in a thorough, reassuring and patient manner. I nodded thoughtfully, but I didn't really hear anything he said, because my brain was shrieking, quote, 'HE'S GOING TO STICK A TUBE 17,000 FEET UP YOUR BACKSIDE!' I left Andy' s office with some written instructions, and a prescription for a product called 'MoviPrep,' which comes in a box large enough to hold a microwave oven. I will discuss MoviPrep in detail later; for now suffice it to say that we must never allow it to fall into the hands of America 's enemies. I spent the next several days productively sitting around being nervous. Then, on the day before my colonoscopy, I began my preparation. In accordance with my instructions, I didn't eat any solid food that day; all I had was chicken broth, which is basically water, only with less flavour. Then, in the evening, I took the MoviPrep. You mix two packets of powder together in a one-litre plastic jug, then you fill it with lukewarm water. (For those unfamiliar with the metric system, a litre is about 32 gallons). Then you have to drink the whole jug. This takes about an hour, because MoviPrep tastes - and here I am being kind - like a mixture of goat spit and urinal cleanser, with just a hint of lemon. The instructions for MoviPrep, clearly written by somebody with a great sense of humour, state that after you drink it, 'a loose, watery bowel movement may result.' This is kind of like saying that after you jump off your roof, you may experience contact with the ground. MoviPrep is a nuclear laxative. I don't want to be too graphic, here, but have you ever seen a space-shuttle launch? This is pretty much the MoviPrep experience, with you as the shuttle. There are times when you wish the commode had a seat belt. You spend several hours pretty much confined to the bathroom, spurting violently. You eliminate everything. And then, when you figure you must be totally empty, you have to drink another litre of MoviPrep, at which point, as far as I can tell, your bowels travel into the future and start eliminating food that you have not even eaten yet. After an action-packed evening, I finally got to sleep. The next morning my wife drove me to the clinic. I was very nervous. Not only was I worried about the procedure, but I had been experiencing occasional return bouts of MoviPrep spurtage. I was thinking, 'What if I spurt on Andy?' How do you apologise to a friend for something like that? Flowers would not be enough. At the clinic I had to sign many forms acknowledging that I understood and totally agreed with whatever the heck the forms said. Then they led me to a room full of other colonoscopy people, where I went inside a little curtained space and took off my clothes and put on one of those hospital garments designed by sadist perverts, the kind that, when you put it on, makes you feel even more naked than when you are actually naked. Then a nurse named Eddie put a little needle in a vein in my left hand. Ordinarily I would have fainted, but Eddie was very good, and I was already lying down. Eddie also told me that some people put vodka in their MoviPrep. At first I was hacked off that I hadn't thought of this is, but then I pondered what would happen if you got yourself too tipsy to make it to the bathroom, so you were staggering around in full Fire Hose Mode. You would have no choice but to burn your house. When everything was ready, Eddie wheeled me into the procedure room, where Andy was waiting with a nurse and an anaesthetist. I did not see the 17,000-foot tube, but I knew Andy had it hidden around there somewhere. I was seriously nervous at this point.. Andy had me roll over on my left side, and the anaesthetist began hooking something up to the needle in my hand. There was music playing in the room, and I realised that the song was 'Dancing Queen' by ABBA. I remarked to Andy that, of all the songs that could be playing during this particular procedure, 'Dancing Queen' had to be the least appropriate. 'You want me to turn it up?' said Andy, from somewhere behind me. 'Ha ha,' I said. And then it was time, the moment I had been dreading for more than a decade. If you are squeamish, prepare yourself, because I am going to tell you, in explicit detail, exactly what it was like. I have no idea. Really. I slept through it. One moment, ABBA was yelling 'Dancing Queen, feel the beat of the tambourine,' and the next moment, I was back in the other room, waking up in a very mellow mood. Andy was looking down at me and asking me how I felt. I felt excellent. I felt even more excellent when Andy told me that it was all over, and that my colon had passed with flying colours. I have never been prouder of an internal organ. ABOUT THE WRITER Dave Barry is a Pulitzer Prize-winning humour columnist for the Miami Herald. On the subject of Colonoscopies... Colonoscopies are no joke, but these comments during the exam were quite humorous...... A physician claimed that the following are actual comments made by his patients (predominately male) while he was performing their colonoscopies: 1. 'Take it easy, Doc. You're boldly going where no man has gone before! 2. 'Find Amelia Earhart yet?' 3. 'Can you hear me NOW?' 4. 'Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?' 5. 'You know, in Arkansas , we're now legally married.' 6. 'Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?' 7. 'You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out...' 8. 'Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!' 9. 'If your hand doesn't fit, you must quit! 10. 'Hey Doc, let me know if you find my dignity.' 11. 'You used to be an executive at Enron, didn't you?' 12. 'God, now I know why I am not gay.' And the best one of all. 13. 'Could you write a note for my wife saying that my head is not up there?' --

I just heard from Billy and am crying typing this because even though I never had the priviledge to meet Malc or Billy in person, the love the two of them shared was tangiable. Billy and Malc went through some very rough times and Billy fought like a tiger for her golden boy. I do not envy her pain as I remember it well but Malc is up on the Bridge and watching over his Mum and shouting out Thank You for loving me so very much because no dog has ever been loved more. Thank you Billy for sharing Malc with us.