The Latest On Annie

@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
May 17, 2011 7:16am CST
Remember Annie from last year? Mum's 90-odd year old friend? Well, she had fallen at home and went into a rehabilitation unit for about 6 weeks as she fractured her wrist and damaged the base of her spine. Eventually, her home was modified so she could go back there. This is what Annie wanted as she loves her house. There was no way she could go upstairs so her bed was her new settee, in effect. Now, she had a Care Plan that she paid for. Annie is extremely independent so doesn't like "strangers" in her house. Indeed, not even her nearest and dearest are allowed to wash her. She said she would do this herself, hence the infrequent visits of her Carers. Jill (her grand-daughter and my cousin) has been seeing to her shopping needs and keeping her company the last few days and noticed that Annie's legs are in a bad way. In fact, her legs are very poorly. Jill insisted she call an ambulance. At first Annie said "no" but Jill stood firm and told her she didn't have a choice in the matter as she was concerned for her well-being. It turns out Annie has Scabies. Mum is mortified as Annie is very proud of the way she looks and cleanliness (both her body and her home) are extremely important to her. All we can think of is that she told the Care Planners that she could wash herself and it was unnecessary for them to come round...and she hasn't been able to, despite telling them she had no problems doing so. We find it so sad that a lady who did all her cleaning, washing..everything herself (she only needed assistance regarding lifts to the supermarket) has gone into the one place she DIDN'T want to go to...hospital. No doubt Mum will give me the latest news when I ring her tonight. Is Scabies a serious condition? Can it be treated successfully? By the way, if I'd been Jill I would've rang the hospital too..would you?
1 person likes this
5 responses
MagicalBubbles
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
17 May 11
I read what everybody said and Ive learned a lot. I didnt know about scabies. I too thought it would thrive in dirty places. I sure hope she'll get better with the treatment and will be able to get some help so she can stay in her home.
Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 May 11
I've learned a lot as well as I thought the same as you did, initially. Let's hope Annie doesn't have to stay in hospital for too long as she's not a big fan of them at all..then again, who is? Personally, I hate them.
1 person likes this
Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
24 May 11
Haha! I know, they're horrible places. On first impressions they look pristine but they're not lol.
MagicalBubbles
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
23 May 11
I wont go to them hospitals. Lost of sick people there you know!!
hardworkinggurl
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
18 May 11
Awwh this is sad that she fell and was hurt, I do more are available to help her during her recovery and also that perhaps she needs some guided assistance here forth. I am sure she is not happy because no one wants to be dependent on anyone. As for the scabbies, I remember someone saying it was due some bites and it becomes a bit of a bad skin condition. I hope they give her something for it because it might driving her a bit mad if she is itchy. Poor lady that with the fall and scabbies has to be so uncomfortable.
Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
18 May 11
I know, she hasn't had the best couple of years but she extremely strong-willed. An amazing woman in many ways. I haven't received an update on her condition yet but will let everyone know as soon as I hear anything.
carolscash
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
17 May 11
That is sad and it happens to so many elderly people these days. Maybe someone will need to be sure that she is able to care for herself when she returns home. I really do not know much about scabies.
Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 May 11
Let's hope she gets the care she deserves in hospital. I spoke to Mum earlier but she has had no word off Jill yet.
Patsie Hatley
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
18 May 11
hi janey scabies is caused be mites that burrow under the skin and can be trearted, at least that is what mylot search engines articles said. I had always thought it was caused be lack of vitamin c and I su re cannot find anything that says its caused by uncleanliness as it the diease makes the skin bumpy.Anyway it says it can be treated successfully I still think its causedd by lack of vitamin c and am gong to do a bit more research.i am sure that sweet lady was not at all dirty as that I know is not what causes scabies. willbe back. hugs from hatley
Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
18 May 11
Hiya Hatley, what you (and others) have said certainly ties in with how Annie IS, in that she is a very clean lady and wouldn't let herself go in that department. Many thanks for researching it for me.
GreenMoo
@GreenMoo (11834)
•
17 May 11
Scabies is not normally serious, although it's extremely unpleasant. Older people or those with weak immune systems are at risk of crusted scabies though, which is potentially worse. Treatment is normally a topical cream. I hope she recovers soon.
Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 May 11
I would think her immune system is rather weak at the moment from what Mum told me the other day. Jill reckons Annie could be depressed, which is understandable as she is frustrated at not being able to do things anymore. Her mind is bright but this latest setback may depress her further. She got a bit neglected by staff at the rehabilitation centre last year so I'm hoping the staff on the hospital ward treat her with the dignity and respect she deserves. No-one likes being in hospital, no matter how old they are. Poor Annie. I hope she doesn't give up.