IT’S been a tough couple of weeks – as mentioned in the paper a few weeks ago my wife died. We thought she had longer to live, but she died peacefully at Ipswich Hospice Care.
Palliative care is not about dying – it’s also about living – it’s about making the last days and weeks as good as possible.
It gives an opportunity for those who are closest to spend some time with their loved ones or friend.
Time to shed a tear or two, tell wild tales of past years and have a laugh about the good old times.
Yes, it’s sad, but we all will have to go through it, someday. No one is immune.
At Ipswich Hospice they were very attentive to my wife’s needs for the very brief time she was there. The nurses and staff did a great job in looking after her.
We were allowed to see her just after she died – there she was lying in bed, as if asleep.
Without pain at last.
It’s an image I’ll never forget. She was calm, serene and looked peaceful.
There is life and breathing, and then the breathing stops and the person is gone. All that is left is a body.
Waiting to die is one of the hardest things for the person themselves and for their loved ones to manage.
Health professionals like those connected to Ipswich Hospice Care continually support those in their care and everyone else involved, and their value should not be underestimated.
They advise of the many options available to both the patient and the family.
Dying is not a medical failure, it’s a part of living.
Cost of care at the Hospice is partly borne by the Government, but it is the money raised by private donations, fairs and through generous donations from companies, other parties and estates that then allow them to operate this facility for residents in need.
If you are able to assist in any way, I’m sure your gift to the Hospice would be greatly appreciated.
Most people prefer to die at home, but as things progress, it’s not always possible to allow that situation to happen.
Writing up an Advanced Health Directive (AHD) or a ‘care plan’ can at least tell people what you want to happen.
If you don’t want to be put on life support, and you want to be kept comfortable and allowed to die, then your wishes are followed.
