PrintOur Journey Through The Valley (87)
25 May, 2014
[The following is an edited E-mail which was received this past week from the Centre For Aged Care here at Aminya where Bev is now in high care. I thought that this could be a good way to let you know how Bev is going but through the eyes of the Senior Staff.]
It’s been two months since Bev decided to make Aminya her home. She settled in quickly and started to get into routine day by day. We are very fortunate to have her as a member of our big family. Bev is such a bright and intelligent woman. I would like to use this opportunity to update a few issues that we have discussed yesterday:
1. Family involvement: Mike, you have expressed the wish to work with staff and to be involved in Bev’s care in any possible ways. It is our mutual goal to provide the best possible care for Bev. We do encourage family member’ involvement in resident’s care as long as it is appropriate and agreed between manager and family. You mentioned that you could help with feeding when Bev is unable to do so for herself, or doing massage for her. We have no problem with that providing you communicate with our senior staff. Bev is very lucky to have such a loving and caring husband.
2. Continuity of Care: Unfortunately, Bev is suffering Motor Neuron Disease which is a progressive, terminal neurological disease. Your main concern is that one day, Bev will lose her ability to speak, to eat, and to move, and staff are not sure how to communicate and understand her needs. You and Bev would like to have a small group of staff who could be allocated to care for her regularly in order to have a sound understanding of Bev’s condition and care needs. I fully understand your concerns because MND is such a unique disease. I am afraid that I can’t guarantee for this arrangement to happen at present because we have different staff working each day, some are permanent, some are casual and some are new. We will certainly try our best to accommodate your request. However, one thing I can assure you is that our staff are and will be well equipped with knowledge and skills of looking after resident with MND. We looked after residents with MND before. Our educator is in the process of finalising another education session regarding MND.
6. Advanced Care Planning: Bev has expressed her wish not to prolong her life when her time comes which we will respect, no doubt. Please take your time to discuss with Bev and other family members regarding questions on the advanced care planning form. Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions because we would like you to make an informed decision. Could you please return the form once it is completed?
Once again, thanks for trusting us to look after Bev. Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible care for Bev.
Best Regards.
Here is yet another reality check. This is really happening! There are a few comments re the latter stages of MND that make us shudder at the prospect. We welcome your prayers as we move further into the valley.
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