Serious ailments require constant medical care
We've spent the past week going back and forth to the hospital to visit my 93 year old father-in-law. He is not like most elderly people. He went to the hospital with all his documentation in hand. During the admitting interview, they ask who managed his health records. His children told the interviewer that he did. He knows every medication that is prescribed for him, the purpose and most interactions with them. Every time he speaks bluntly, telling them which ones he can forego and which ones he must have. They have their rules to guide their care. Their rules often clash with his common sense and the debate ensues. I witnessed one example last evening. They give evening pills at 9:00, he felt he needed a certain one earlier. He was getting agitated so we asked and they said they would comply. We bought a Sprite for him, which seemed to calm him somewhat, but it was still 9:00 before he got the pill he had requested. As I mentioned, he is 93. Who wants to agitate a 93 year old man who does not feel well?
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93 and knows what he wants-That is special and you certainly want the hospital staff to appreciate your father-in-law's wishes.
ReplyDeleteYes, that’s right. Maybe the family caters a bit too much!
DeleteFrustrating to say the least. Just think what might be happening if no one was there. Hope things are better today.
ReplyDeleteBy noon he was better and actually eating solid food! Thank you!
DeleteIn today's world we are often told that we must be our own advocates for our medical care, and that concerns me somewhat, because my knowledge of medicine is limited. But this is an example of someone well-informed who is doing just that. Good for him! And good for you, as is sometimes uncertain and frustrated caretakers. Glad he is better!
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