Hospice

I was called to come join the family at the hospital yesterday afternoon.

The DNR was signed yesterday, and the fluids were withdrawn.  But nothing changed.

The seizures,which had continued constantly for days, continued.  The therapies tried by the doctors at the hospital seemed completely ineffective.

They told us she is unaware, that there is no brain activity.... but there's always an element of doubt, and one should  be able to die with dignity as well.

We had two meetings with representatives from hospice facilities, and then Dave took Dad, Aunt Betty, and Larry (Dave's brother) to tour the one closest to Dad's house.

Mom was transferred to hospice care around 10:30 last night.

One benefit of hospice care is that the hospice does not have to comply with the same laws as the hospital regarding narcotic drug administration.

They can actually give mom enough medication to make the constant seizures stop.

So we went this morning to "visit."  More to check on her state, since we believe that she is already gone.

Dave went into her room, and signaled me that it was ok for me to come in (he had previously forbidden me to see her because of the seizing).

She just looked like she was asleep, he said.  Her right hand kept moving, but that was the only evidence of seizing.

For about 10 minutes.

Then she had a seizure.

I basically panicked, and left the room because I couldn't handle it.

Dave spoke to the nurse and told her that they were happening again, and she confirmed that she would increase the medication.

Hopefully that did the trick.

It's been 24 hours since fluid support was removed, and Mom was already very emaciated.  Hopefully, it won't be long now before the body lets go of her.