My grandmother came home to her house yesterday afternoon. She currently has 24-hour hospice care to ensure that she’s safe and comfortable. Since she has a DNR order, there is no real nursing going on, just care.
It’s not clear what’s happening. After going steadily downhill both physically and mentally while in the hospital she seemed to rally late (for her) last night. She hasn’t been able to walk, stand, roll over in bed or really swallow for days, but after a bit of Ed’s amazing soup and a nap, she managed to get up and walk into her kitchen with her aide following behind. As her wonderful helper said “She didn’t walk, she stepped out”. Of course after that she slept for 12 hours straight.
Today she was a bit more alert, even getting out of bed again to sit in her wheelchair in her kitchen. However, as she doesn’t believe in western medicine, she’s not receiving any treatment for the underlying, unknown, condition(s) that caused this stroke and the previous smaller ones that she’s had.
My grandmother has come home to die. Whether that will be in the next week or so as the hospice nurse and social worker predicted remains to be seen. But even if it’s not, it’s just a matter of time until the next stroke, and until the stroke that will kill her.
I’m very glad that I came home to see her. She may not be all there, but at least last night she recognized who I was. She asked about our “farm”, Mike, my pickles and her sheep. She enjoyed her soup and even asked for more. She has been for a few moments longer my grandmother and the next time she might not be.
My heart is with you.
I am so glad you went to be with her and your family.
I hope she is not in much pain, and it is so good that you went to see her. Don’t forget to take care of yourself while you’re there, too. And when she’s strong enough, do ask her all about her life, so that she can pass on that information. It will mean a lot to both of you. Sending much love your way.
I’m keeping you in my prayers. I’m glad your visit is going well.