Since the end of October, I have spent most of my time caring for Mr. Mickey. After follow-up biopsies for bladder cancer, he developed an infection that continued until we visited the ER five times, and he was admitted to the hospital twice. I’m happy to report that he is recovering, so I can relax and share some tips. Below is today’s start-to-finish look as I head out into the snow to sit with Mr. M. for the day.
I’ve talked to many nurses lately, and they all leave their work shoes in the garage and make sure their pants are shorter so they never touch the floor. I wore these jeans a few times with flat loafers and socks since the length is shorter than those I usually wear. The booties are a stand-in for the loafers in the garage right now. (I clean the soles with alcohol when I get home.)
I like to be prepared to throw on clothes and rush out the door. With three loved ones who are ninety or nearly, I always have a ready-to-go outfit hanging on my rolling rack or an over-the-door hook. All the items can be thrown in the wash when I get home. My go-to look is comfortable jeans, a long-sleeve tee or forever sweater, a cardigan, and warm socks with flat loafers. The colors are neutral, and the layers can be added or removed for comfort. Outerwear for your weather is also imperative for the long walks to and from the parking lot.
Emergency Room visits are always traumatic, but one way I deal with the stress is to have a large handbag or tote ready to pack with things I and the patient may need, such as insurance cards, ID, a charge card, a list of medications, and extra underwear. Cough drops, tissues, hand cream, a bottle of water, and lip balm can make a big difference when sitting by your loved one for many hours. Don’t forget a hair brush, toothbrush and paste. Phones and chargers, as well as eyeglasses and cases, are must-haves. A book is also a great comfort while the patient is sleeping.
I recently purchased a pair of Bomba compression socks here. They are great for support and comfort. The day I wore them, my varicose veins were much less noticeable, and my legs didn’t ache, so I ordered three more pairs as soon as I got home.
Thank you for the update on Mr. Mickey. I was wondering if something was amiss in your home. Mr. Mickey will be on my prayer list for a swift and complete recovery. It goes without saying that you will take care of yourself, the caregiver.
Thank you, Donna.
This is a tough journey, and one I went through myself, one foot in front of the other. It’s very important to keep in touch with friends, as you are doing. Best wishes to you, Susan.
Sending you both lots of good thoughts as you navigate these challenges.
Get well soon to Mr. Mickey. I am glad to hear he’s on the mend. My oldest child was born with severe disabilities and I we lived in the ER/ hospital for the first year of her life. You’re to go bag is an excellent idea.
So sad to hear the lovely Mr Mickey is in hospital. My very best wishes for a speedy recovery. Also Susan you must take care of yourself too.. stay strong.
I hope Mr Mickey will recover soon. My thoughts are with you at this time and ask that you make sure you take time to care for yourself as well
My heart goes out to you Susan as my husband had three bouts of urosepsis this year plus am operation to remove a bladder diverticulum. It’s very stressful and emotionally draining. I wish Mr Micky a speedy recovery and please make sure you care for yourself through this process. All the best.
Sorry to hear Mr Mickey is unwell. Wishing him a very speedy recovery.
alcohol based hand gel is another hospital essential and anti bacterial wipes for bedside surfaces.
Thank you for your post during this trying time. Love to Mr Micky
Dear Susan, thank you for the update on mr. Micky’s health. I am so glad he is recovering and I hope that he soon can regain his health. I will pray for you both for strength and happiness, Sincerely, Jolanda
Hi Susan- sending good vibes your way for you and Mr. M. Such great recommendations for those who are managing hospital visits etc. Wishing him a speedy recovery!
Cheers,
Marianne
I am praying for a complete and speedy recovery for Mr Mickey and love and good wishes for you. All of your tips are very good. As we get older, a quick trip to the hospital could be required at anytime. Good idea to be prepared.
You are and angel Susan!
I’m sorry to hear you have been spending a lot of time at the hospital. At least it sounds like Mr. Mickey is improving. I never thought about having a bag prepared and ready to go. I had to take my husband to the emergency room a few years ago but he didn’t stay long. The big problem was I couldn’t visit him for the few days he was there. The hospital wasn’t letting visitors in because of the Covid rules at the time.
I hope he gets well very soon. Again thanks for the ideas and I love the color of that sweater.
I came on your website because I was worried because you haven’t posted in a while – sigh ..
I am so very very sorry. Please take care of yourself because if you don’t you won’t be able to take care of the ones you love
Hi Susan, I am so sorry to hear that Mr Mickey has been ill. What a blessing it is for him to have you to take care of him. I wish him a speedy recovery. Your post is great on what to have in a bag when going on a hospital visit often we don’t think or realize what one might need.
Take care of yourself too.
God Bless
Elizabeth SA
Hoping for a full recovery for all.
Hope Mickey has a speedy recovery. You look like Annie Hall revisited. Stunning in baby blue.
I also included Power of medical/Attorney, pictures of us and family. If the hospital allows; essential oils were a lovely treat for the senses. A small Bluetooth speaker played soothing music from my phone or iPad. If the stay turned into a long one I would bring a quilt from home that was washable. This was a large trauma 1 hospital but I became friendly with ICU and ER staff over the years. One nurse still pet sits my dog!
And yes, I wore sneakers I could wash, always the same ones and wiped down all surfaces I touched including my phone etc.
Sending positive vibes your way.
Dottie
Prayers for Mr. Mickey’s return to better health. You’re blessed to have one another.
So sorry Mr.Mickey is ill. Prayers for a speedy recovery.
I’m so glad Mr. Mickey is recovering well. It’s so hard when our friends and relatives have serious health issues.
You are prepared as can be. Having spent months in the hospital, your advice is invaluable. I hope Mr. Mickey recovers well and goes home soon. You are a wonderful caregiver to so many. Take care of yourself too.
Thank you for continuing to think of us and do your blog even though you are so busy with caretaking. I love seeing the everyday outfits – going to the hospital, library, grocery store or out to eat for lunch. So very relatable and easy to emulate. Transition times are always a challenge. Best wishes for your strength while Mr. Mickey heals.
Great advice for items to have on hand for emergencies. So thankful Mr. Mickey is doing better!
You are busy right now. But you’ll never regret the time you spend with them. And they get to see your smile and beautiful outfits.
After spending time in ICU when my husband had a stroke I would also suggest a portable power charger for your phone. Sometimes there just is no outlet for the regular charger that isn’t being used by medical staff. It’s a good idea to wipe off your shoe soles with alcohol when you get home. I never thought of that.
Wishing Mr. Mickey a complete recovery. Be sure to do something nice for yourself during this stressful time.
Sending prayers and hugs for you and Mr Mickey
Dear Susan, I’m at once so sorry to hear of Mr. M’s cancer biopsies and infection and I’m so glad to hear he is on the mend. Thank you for taking the time to put together this email full of good tips.
When we lived in Hong Kong we got into the habit of leaving all shoes at the door, a practice we still follow in the US. The locals would provide cheap, washable slippers for quests to wear. If one takes a good look at what they are walking on no one would want that in their homes.
I hope you and Mr M can both get good rest and deep sleep going forward.
Merry Christmas,
Tara
Here is to heathy happy days ahead.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loved ones. This time of life is concerning to so many of us. Thank you for sharing some practical preparations to make hospital stays a bit easier. Your readers also had good ideas. I never thought about cleaning the bottoms of my shoes, but of course! You always look lovely and competent. I’m sure that is reassuring to Mr. Mickey and your parents. Best wishes to Mr. Mickey as he recovers. Thank you for taking time out of your very busy life to write.
Oh Susan, I am so sorry about Mr. Mickey’s health issues and hope he continues his recovery. It is always difficult to navigate the health care systems, to decide is it time to go to ER, and all the issues that comes with being the caregiver.
These are excellent tips that I will put into place myself as I care for my loved one.
Best wishes to you during these difficult days. I just love your posts as they are always informative and not geared to what to order on Amazon. (Ha)
God Bless you as you care for loved ones. Stay warm and safe!
I’m praying for Mr. Mickey’s quick recovery and for you as a caregiver to him and your parents.
Thank you, Susan, as always your suggestions are practical and easy to apply in our lives. You are appreciated!
Blessings to you and Mr. Mickey
Dear Susan, very sorry to hear all Mr Mickey and you are enduring. As always, you offer practical tips for dealing with this situation. I think the expression “grace under fire” applies to you. How blessed your loved ones are to have your loving thoughtful presence! Prayers for strength and healing for Mr Mickey and you
Thank you for this very helpful information, Susan. I hope you have a good holiday season.
As always, you meet a challenge with dignity and common sense. Prayers for the loved ones and caregivers in your life. Hope Mr. Mickey is on the mend and will soon enjoy being home. I think your routine of cleaning your shoes is a great one. I have found myself using bleach wipes (kept by the door to the garage) to clean shoes when I return home.
Caregiving has been a part of my life for quite a while. I couldn’t imagine leaving a loved one without a trusted relative or friend.
Everything you do, you do with grace,
Thankful that you can give a good progress report, indicating that Mr Mickey is finally moving forward on a better path toward restored health! Praying for a full recovery and that you both will be able to delight in being home for CHRISTmas! May your celebration be all the sweeter as you praise God for the gift of His Son!
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 ESV
Prayers for you and Mr. Mickey as well as your parents. You have been a wonderful source of inspiration over the years I’ve followed your blog. Not just for fashion tips, but the way you approach life. Many thanks.
Dear Susan, Praying for Mr Mickey’s speedy recovery and for you as a caregiver. Sending hugs.
Susan, it is so good to hear from you! You not only have wonderful advice on fashion and beauty, but health and daily living activities as well. Thank you for taking the time for this post during your very hectic schedule!
I’m curious about your comment about the nurses. I’ve worked as a Home Care nurse for years. Only twice have I been asked to remove my shoes/boots. And that’s because there was heavy snow. I’ve never been asked to wear short length scrubs or roll them up. Do you just not like these nurses in your house? You can refuse Home Care visits. No one can force a patient to have them.
No, these were just informal chats with nurses in the hospital. I am his home health care nurse.
I am sorry to hear about Mr Mickey’s illness and wish him the best! This was a great, practical post!
So many of us are caretakers and your advice is greatly appreciated.
Hello Susan,
Those are excellent tips to prepare for emergency visits! I’ve had a number of them, too, as the daughter of an elderly mom. And although I always wash my clothes and remove my shoes after hospital visits, I’ve never thought to disinfect the shoes. Great tip! Thank you for these ideas!!
I’ll include Mr. Mickey in my prayers, asking for complete healing so he can return home very soon.