Mom has been asleep since dinner. She stayed in her nightgown all day, with her dressing gown over top.

She is awakened by me asking if she wants to put her dentures on to soak. She says yes and gives them to me. She takes her last pill of the evening.

When I let her know I am taking the dogs out for their last walk, she said, "That will be fine. I will be in bed for the night when you get back."

I have finished writing for the evening. Hoping to build connections to other caregivers.

I check in on Mom and she is deep asleep. I decide to wake her to do our bedtime tasks before I take the dogs out for a walk. I put her dentures on to soak and give her last pill for the day. I top up her water glass for the night.

I will empty the commode one last time when I get back from walking the dogs, after Mom has done her own bedtime routine.

9:14 pm Mom got up and took off her dressing gown.

She used the commode beside her bed.

Mom climbs back into bed and pulls the covers part way up.

She comments on what a good day it has been, that she has had a good rest and tomorrow she is going to, "Get up and get dressed and kick oil!"

I hung up Mom's dressing gown to save her the extra steps and effort getting to and from the closet.

I emptied the commode. My commode routine is to empty the contents into the toilet and give the bucket a rinse. Then I squirt in a bit of Sunlight dish detergent before putting an inch of water in the bottom of the commode. I find this combination significantly reduces the smell of urine in Mom's room.

I pull up the railing on the side of the bed, adjust the bedside table, pull the covers up around Mom's shoulders.

I remind Mom of all the events of the day, who was here, who we talked to, what we got done. We agree it has been a successful day on the 'farm'. I kiss her on the forehead and wish her good night.

Now I will go and walk the dogs before turning in myself.