best laid plans
Scribbled down on September 21st, 2006 by she
Posted in Friends & Family
Apparently, the Dr. was wrong when she spoke to us on Tuesday. We can’t bring dad home as quickly as she had suggested. It’s a distinct possibility that we’ll never be allowed to bring him home. The NB Medicare system was amazing when dad was diagnosed and then treated in Winnipeg (we were on vacation there at the time), but doesn’t appear to have much set up in the way of “end of life” care. Unless you hire a nurse yourself, there is no overnight nursing care available. While mom’s a retired nurse and I’m here, the two of us likely won’t be able to manage 24 hour care by ourselves.
We do want to try though – dad wants to come home.
However, at this point all the planning is just that – planning. Dad can’t leave the hospital until the pneumonia is cleared, the pain is under control, and he’s off as much of the medications as possible.
Instead of taking him home today, we’re trying to get him a bed in palliative care. They tell us he can be released from palliative care and go home once he’s better, but I suspect that may never happen.
It is not easy to die with dignity in this province.
Technorati Tags: end of life care, cancer, dying, NB Medicare
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September 21st, 2006 at 3:41 pm
The ability to die with in peace and with dignity seems to escape us. My mother died of cancer at 49. My father at 73. Both of them would have preferred to be let go peacefully. The cost of terminal care is outrageous. Sometimes I feel we take better care (or are allowed to) of our pets. We can at least let them go peacefully. Hopefully, some day, the system will get better.
September 21st, 2006 at 11:52 pm
Hi, just got your link from your Married to the Canadian Forces profile and wanted to pop in. I’m so sorry to hear what you are facing with your Dad ~ it’s heartbreaking. I sure hope matters improve and you are able to get him home where he wants to be.
I’ve only read the latest two posts but I’ve really enjoyed both. I’m so glad I was able to find you via our site.
Reba (aka TenderParting at MCF)
September 22nd, 2006 at 9:14 am
My family recently went though a painful few months, and then the eventual passing of my Mother-in-law. My advice is to make the time you have count. As well, make every effort to make your loved ones comfortable and respect their wishes. Good luck with your navigation through the sometimes rough waters of Canadian healthcare.
jason