Often old men and women will seek human contact, particularly when feeling isolated – and when I reciprocate with my gloved hand (that they don’t appear to notice as being anomalously purple or blue) we are able to make contact, to connect.
Relative: Doctor, I believe my mum is dying, I want us to stop the antibiotics/fluids/oxygen/etc.
Doctor: No, I feel we should continue, there might be some improvement (aka other blandishment/platitude).
The message however is usually quite consistent; if you can’t cure me, give me care, comfort, attention, involve my family and those I love, listen to them, consider their wishes.
I was involved in an interesting conversation this afternoon, during which, I was surprised to learn of the lack of understanding of dying – amongst colleagues who work in healthcare. […]
