We are at the hospital again. George's dad developed pnemonia, so they admitted him to the hospital on Wednesday. It looks like he could be here through next week. I came down last night after George said that they asked him to define "what measures to go to save him" if something should happen. They said there was little likilhood that there would be any issues, but just in case.
His dad has been suffering memory loss and has been incoherant lately. He thought it was 1997 on Wednesday. We arrived here this morning just before 9 a.m. His dad called at 7 a.m. to ask George to come and get him because he wanted to go home. He asked George if he knew where he was. It was heartbreaking to hear George's side of the conversation.
I feel bad saying it, but if feels like we are on the death floor. I went to the refreshment room to get some tea and I overheard a doctor telling a Family there was nothing more they could do, but keep their relative comfortable.
I wonder if these walls could talk, how many of those conversations it could tell of. I wonder how many miles these floors have seen as Family members pace back and forth with worry as medical personnel scurry by deep in though or scrambling notes. I wonder how many doctors have stood in the rising elevators preparing to have "that talk" with Families or how many heavy hearts have rode down wondering how many more weeks, days, hours they will have with their loved one. I wonder how many tears have washed these floors.
They are optimist that his dad will pull through but we now must weigh the decisions of caring for him ourselves, home health care, or a residents service. Is there a book to tell you what the right decision is? How do you know waht to do or say?
Until our next cup of tea ...
October 24, 2008
Someone got bad news today ...
Posted by The Teacup Cottage at 10/24/2008
Labels: A Family Affair
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8 Tea Party Guest:
when you consider what those walls have heard is it any wonder some people hate the hospital so much. glad the prognosis for george's dad is good though. wishing you wisdom as you have to make decisions about his care when he comes home.
Somehow you know what to do when the time comes.. sorry about the setback...Trust God!
When the time comes you will know what you have to do. My 82 year old dad has dementia, and is in a nursing home. As much as we wanted him at home, it is a 24/7 job, with a lot of responsibility. Now he is cared for and looked after, and we visit as often as we can, and the staff are loving and caring to dad as well. I know not everyone thinks it is the way to go, but it was a last resort for us, after trying to care for hiim at home. It's sad to think of all those 'talks' Dr's have to have with families of patients. How hard it must be for them and the Dr's.
I'm sorry for all of this, and for everyone involved.
But I suggest against doing the care yourself, having been through the issue of decisions. You have a full plate, as is. Sorry if that sounds hard...
Thank you for your comment.
Miss Mari-Nanci
Smilnsigh
In The Mind Of A Grandmother
Michelle,
A week or so ago I commented about my late mil who had terminal cancer. She came here to live the day after Laurie left for basic. It filled my time but it was also extremely healing for mom and I. Only you will know what to do - but it WILL be a clear decision. You will know. Indirectly, we CAN help you with the decision, but only because God answers prayers - and there will be plenty of those from all of us.
May He bless you and George and your father in law.
Sue
Wishing you and your husband clear minds to make good decisions at this time that will be best for you and for your husband's father. It's never easy. Thinking of you...
I'm so sorry, what tough decisions will have to be made soon. No matter the outcome it will be difficult. {{hugs}}
Sue
What difficult times for the family. I had a 30+ year career in health care, much of it in Cardiac Intensive Care so I can tell you those times are hard on the staff too.
((( HUGS)))
Darla
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