Common Phrases

"We need to give Craig a bath tonight." This sentence, as well worn and commonplace as the upholstery in Craig's apartment, gave me pause immediately after saying it. To think of it. Bathing Craig?

I began considering all the other phrases, questions, comments we have said throughout Mom and Craig's processes -- phrases we never envisioned becoming cornerstones in our daily dialogue. They help paint a picture of what we've experienced as caregivers.

Here are few we've all said during our time with Mom and Craig...

Craig

-We need to give Craigy a bath...

-Will you change the morphine cartridge?

-Are the food smells hitting his room?

-Boy you haven't vomited that much today.

-We need to change his dressing.

-Does somebody have his bucket?

-Bucket bucket bucket bucket (before he vomits)

-Does he get Factor today? (referring to Factor VIII to help with his blood clotting)

-Is he breathing? Can you hear him breathing? Can you tell whether he's breathing? (very casual remark)

-What's his pulse? What are his respirations?

-I think his anti-emetic bag is out; it's beeping.

-You get his legs, I'll get his back.

-Will you check on Craig?

-It's your turn to do the 6 o'clock meds.

-How's your nausea?

-Has he had his morning/nighttime meds?

Mom

-Did you heparin it? (Referring to Mom's pic line)

-I'll feed Mom.

-Mom seems different today.  She's having a hard time walking.

-Can you help me prop Mom's feet up?

-One, two, three, lift. (Lifting Mom from a chair or car).

-Can you bring the commode closer to her?

-Can you pull up her depends while I take out the commode?

-Can you get Mom up while I make the breakfast?

-Is the pad down? (For using the commode)

-Do the bird perch, Mom. Hang onto the window, now scoot your legs, we'll move your legs for you; pivot, pivot, you can do it, keep pivoting (while we physically pivot Mom and try to move her into the car)

-You get her legs, I'll get her back.

-Can you help keep Mom from leaning? (While driving, I'd brace Mom up with one arm to help keep her relatively straight).

-Will you cut her food for her?

-Mom, are you getting distracted? 

-Can you help Mom brush her teeth?

-Can you wash Mom's hands?

-We've got you Mom, you're not going to fall.

-What was your blood sugar?

-Did you go in your depends?

-How much water have you had today? Or...   Are you drinking your water?

-Are you having any headaches today?

Both

-One, two, ready, pivot. (Pivoting Mom or Craig in the bed to a sitting position at the edge of the bed)

-One, two, ready, go. (Moving Craig or Mom higher in the bed)

-Can you grab the wheelchair from the trunk?

-Move this foot, now move that foot.

-We're right here, we're not leaving.

-We need to rotate your hips.

-You get the door, I'll push the wheelchair.

-Did Mom get her chemo? Did Craig get his chemo?

-Can you use your legs to help scoot up? (Bringing Mom or Craig to the head of the bed)

-How are you feeling today.  Are you having any pain? 

-I wish there was more we could do.

 

I'm sure we'll add to the list as they come to mind, or are generated in time. ~E