Page 25 of Broken Warrior
Tate deserves the world and I deserve to sit back and watch someone else give it to her.
CHAPTERFIVE
TATE
“Mrs. MacAllister, Ms. Covington?”
I straighten up as Dr. Mannish enters the room, then takes hold of Nadine’s hand as her geriatric neurologist looks over her chart.
“Based on the tests we were able to run”—his eyes flick to mine before they pass over Nadine—“it appears Mrs. MacAllister is experiencing middle-stage Alzheimer’s. Since Nadine hasn’t been seen in a few years, I’ve had to piece together a proper diagnosis from the history provided by her son, and my best guess is the early onset began just after she turned fifty and progressed rather quickly due to the loss of her husband as well as her deteriorating physical health.”
Nadine squeezes my hand and giggles, which would be wildly inappropriate if she weren’t wearing headphones while listening to an audiobook on my iPhone right now.
It was the only way to get her to come to the appointment at all, and the promise of finishing the raunchiest book I could find as soon as her tests were complete is the only reason Nadine has been relatively docile through the entire thing.
She had a rough morning, complete with an attempt to call the police on Spider when he went in to wake her up, and that pretty much squashed the idea that he would be coming to the doctor with us. The audiobook was my idea though, and when Nadine calmed down enough to put the headphones on, Spider sat down with me and went over her complete medical history and wrote it all out for the doctor in detail. Then he packed up James in his Yukon and decided to have aguys day outwhile I took Nadine for testing.
“So what does that mean in terms of her care?” I’m taking notes for Spider to accompany the doctor's summary since those usually aren’t too specific. “If she’s reached middle-stage Alzheimer’s in a matter of six and a half years, what can we expect moving forward?”
Dr. Mannish sighs as he leans against the table. “To be honest, Ms. Covington, I think it would be best to speak with Mr. MacAllister about finding Nadine an assisted living facility.”
I was afraid of that.
I mean, I knew it was coming, knew it was probably the best solution, but hearing a doctor actually say the words is something else entirely.
And Spider is not going to like it.
So I nod and tell him that. “Mr. MacAllister is pretty insistent on caring for his mother on his own. Is it possible that Nadine could remain at home with an aide or nurse looking after her?”
“It is, however I don’t believe that is a solution. Being that she almost jumped directly into mid-stage, it is very likely that the disease will continue to progress rapidly, and while I’d like to say she’ll remain as she is for another twenty years, I struggle believing it.” Dr. Mannish gives me a sympathetic smile. “I understand Mr. MacAllister’s desire to care for his mother but if the things he detailed in her history are true, Nadine could slip into late-stage very quickly and that would require round-the-clock care that is more extensive than what you’ve already been providing.
“It could be dangerous for her to remain at home solely based on the way her mind works. There are more risks involved, more potential for accidental harm, wandering off, property damage, and countless other threats that may present. An assisted living facility that specializes in Alzheimer’s and dementia would be far more beneficial, not just for Nadine but her son as well. There she can be monitored closely twenty-four hours a day, would have certain freedoms, and maintain the level of independence she still possesses under supervision in a safe environment. Nadine would have the opportunity to socialize with others in her age bracket without defying social norms with her outbursts or memory lapses. A specialty facility would be equipped to handle those things calmly, and care for her in a way neither of you have been trained to do; and when the disease progresses, because it will, Nadine will be afforded all of the creature comforts possible without the added pressure or stress to her family.”
I sigh as I write. “So your recommendation based on the results of Nadine’s tests is to find a facility for her?”
“Yes, that is my recommendation.” He meets my eyes as I look up. “And it is a very strong recommendation, Ms. Covington. It surprises me that Mr. MacAllister hasn’t considered this already but I can understand the responsibility an adult child may feel toward their aging parent. I commend him for it but I believe it’s time he starts exploring other options.”
“I understand.” But damn, I really hate being the one to have to tell him all of this.
Things have been going well between Spider and I this last week. Maybe not great, but good enough, and slightly more normal. This could throw that all out of whack.
He’s still hot and cold, very sweet to me at times then icy out of nowhere. I’m actually worried about him—the way he seems to be all over the map and how unpredictable he’s become—but overall things have been ok between us, and having to tell him about Dr. Mannish’sstrong recommendationis probably going to change that.
Not to mention I’m supposed to start working at The Dollhouse tonight and I still haven’t found the courage to tell him.
Spider is going to be pissed when I get home and I need to start preparing for it now.
“Thank you, doctor,” I say as I tuck the pen and paper back into my purse. “I know Mr. MacAllister appreciates everything you’ve done.”
He nods. “I’ll have my receptionist include a few pamphlets on some skilled facilities in the area with your checkout summary. If you or Nadine’s son have any questions, please feel free to call. I’d be more than happy to assist in any way I can.”
I watch him leave, my stomach in knots, my head a mess.
Spider is going to be livid.
He’s not going to bother looking at the pamphlets and then he’ll just stomp around barking about doing things himself or finding a nurse. But it’s time, past time really, and hopefully our new civility will at least get Spider to listen to me.
Here’s hoping, anyway.
