Notes From Mary Pat

Mary Pat's notes:
Alison was screaming so loud Mary Pat could hear her at the front desk. Every door in the place was closed in an attempt to keep the noise out.  She seems to be on a loop.  Screaming curse words and help, settling down, sometimes apologizing, and starting up again.  This went on for the entire visit.    When Mary Pat told her to say something else in place of "help me", Alison came up with the words "assist me".  The next time she started her rant she said instead "Assist me, assist me."  She and Mary Pat both laughed because those words just didn't work in that scenario.  She does not scream when she is distracted though.  There is a crossword puzzle in her drawer that Andy brought that is helpful.  She has great movement of her left leg and can move it on command.  Her physical therapy is on hold until the finances/insurance can be sorted out.  This could be months.  All visitors need to get her moving even if it's just a little stretching.


Amy's commentary: This gives me a tiny glimmer of hope though that Alison can control what she is saying/screaming to some extent.  I am concerned about the things that come out of her mouth.  Even if it is like Tourette's and she has no control over it, the staff and residents are hearing this 24/7 and I am worried about the effect it may have as far as their attitude toward Alison.  My heart breaks for Alison but it also breaks for her roommate, Ms. Johnson, who will most likely spend her last days there listening to the loud cursing and racial slurs.  I hope this will pass..and soon.

I'm going over there today and taking one of the little dogs who loves to jump on people's beds and snuggle.  I will take Stella later in the week.  I am also going to start seeing if she can play simple games on my ipad.  If anyone has ANY suggestions about any thing that might be helpful, please post it.  I have no experience with this and am just grabbing at straws.