Family thanks team on 2South

With this letter, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for the care provided for our father and husband during the few weeks he was admitted on 2South

The medical part of the story is that he was admitted last summer through the ED with a pneumonia. While he initially responded to antibiotics, it gradually became clear that his pneumonia was on the basis of aspiration due to his poor swallowing, probably due to a worsening of an old stroke. He,  supported by his family, chose comfort Care. He died peacefully of old age a few months later.

Please know how much we appreciated you kind care of our father and husband during the month. We especially appreciated the balance that you struck, as a team, in appreciating the way being 97 years old changes decision-making, while at the same time affording him the support and dignity his failing health required.

• He was always bathed, clean and presentable- this was so important as we brought all of the grandchildren, cousins, friends and family to visit him to say their good-byes. These visits can be awkward, but were so important, especially to the younger members of our family. The fact that the visits were incorporated into your daily routines was very much appreciated as was your willingness to let us in on off hours. We all work such crazy hours and are very geographically displaced these days. Your flexibility was so helpful.
• The continuity of care provided by the hospitalists and their inter-play with our Family Doctor was exemplary. We felt listened-to and the communication with the family was wonderful. It took into account Kathy’s prefered style of interaction and managed the medical concerns of a doctor-son completely appropriately.
• You cannot know how important the positive disposition of the nurses was important to us, complementing their professionalism. A “can-do” attitude in the face of a “can’t do” situation is so reassuring to a family that is struggling with what they’re seeing. We appreciated being able to do little things in his care while being certain that it didn’t depend on us.
• Discharge planning is always a difficult conversation in such situations. Even though it didn’t come to it, we appreciated the sensitive and thoughtful way our discussions of how Ivan could be placed in the system were carried out, specifically taking into account what would be sustainable for his wife.

Again, many thanks for your kind, dignified care for our husband, father and grandfather, and indeed, for his entire family. We have gratefully made a donation to the Foundation in your honour.