Yesterday at work, a gentleman returned to the home after a long stint in hospital with suspected pneumonia. The doctors had sent him home to receive palliative care, which basically means making him as comfortable as possible towards the end of his life. He isn't yet on the Care Pathway but the nurse says that it is quite likely that he will be in the next week or so unless he improves.
This man, let's say Gregory (not his real name), has had a very full life and turned 83 on 12th December, the day he returned to his home. He has a large family and wide circle of friends who have rarely left his bedside. Although these are lovely things it doesn't prevent me from feeling sad that his life may be coming to an end. This is where the job gets very difficult indeed, but it gives you an opportunity to do the very best you can for someone in a very vulnerable position. I think the only thing you can do in this situation is to think about the comfort and care you are providing and the wonderful, full life they have had.
I do hope that there is some sort of birthday/Christmas miracle for him and he pulls through and proves the nurse wrong. Come on Gregory!
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