Gransnet forums

Health

Someone's come for my dad.

(160 Posts)
rubylady Tue 22-Mar-16 03:16:16

My dad's in hospital, cancer now spread to lungs and spine, he has fractures on his spine, broken collerbone from a fall and urine and chest infection. I hadn't seen him since he wanted me to back off a bit but he has got in a state since even though he was being looked after by carers. He looks skin and bone, probably not even 6 stone now, he was a nice size all his life but his legs are like pins. It has been a shock because it has happened all at once.

I have had to try to get him a place in a nursing home for end of life care although it doesn't seem like he will be here long now although he is still eating small amounts of like custard and rice pudding. I have provisionally managed to get him a place, it's up to the ward staff now to sort out his discharge and finances.

I had gone to bed but it all keeps going round in my head and I started to get upset so I got back up.

My mum was on the same ward too last week. She was determined to go and see my dad (they divorced 14 years ago), even though he had vomiting and diarrhoea and was being barrier nursed, she still got to see him. Then when she was leaving for home, she kissed him and said goodbye. Very sad but someone lovely. They were married for over 40 years.

Some might know that he has dementia too, so one thing is that the dementia hasn't got that bad that he didn't recognise me or be too forgetful, if you know what I mean. Both terrible diseases. Poor guy couldn't win.

What are nursing homes like? Are they good on end of life care? Saying that, I used to work in one and that one was nice.

A lot of tears, work, mixed emotions, wondering what to do for the best telling people etc., organizing a funeral. Is it ok to inject a little humour into a funeral or should I keep it straight laced? He was always up for a laugh but I wouldn't like to be seen as disrespectful although he would get it.

Gosh, it sucks. No matter what age you are, you still want your parents to be shouting you in for tea and giving you a clip round the ear for being late. X

rubylady Tue 22-Mar-16 03:18:50

By the way, the heading it because he keeps stretching his arms out as though he can see something, staring ahead beyond the wall. His dad said his own mum had come back for him, stood at the end of the bed, he was in good health and within weeks he died. So I do think someone his calling for him. Hopefully it's his mate from his childhood who I found out only a few weeks ago had also died.

absent Tue 22-Mar-16 04:38:43

rubylady It sounds as if goodbye isn't far away – and it's always hard. It is hardly surprising that you are upset and finding it difficult to sleep. I shouldn't yet start worrying about funeral arrangements – and humour – but it does seem likely that the time is not far off. When someone you love dies, the funeral or other farewell is for those who loved him or her left behind. As a daughter and, maybe your divorced mum – you are allowed to choose what seems the right way to say how you feel.

mumofmadboys Tue 22-Mar-16 05:53:57

I'm sorry it's such a hard time for you. Maybe a hospice bed would be more appropriate?

rubylady Tue 22-Mar-16 06:21:32

Maybe, but I have to take in travelling and cost of that. The bed I've got for him is only a few streets away and if need be, I can be there quicker than the hospice which is on the other side of town.

Synonymous Tue 22-Mar-16 06:43:15

rubylady it is very hard saying goodbye, will be thinking of you. flowers

Anya Tue 22-Mar-16 06:45:48

It will be hard for you over the next few days or weeks. I'm sure you'll do what you think is best for your dad. That was very touching - your mum going in to see you dad like that.

Marelli Tue 22-Mar-16 06:56:48

Your dad will be comforted just knowing that you're there for him, rubylady. He'll know he can trust you to do the right thing for him. If you feel happy with the place you've found nearby, then go for it.
Things will fall into place when the time comes. x

Pippa000 Tue 22-Mar-16 06:58:01

I think we are all with you at this time. There are no words that can really comfort you. Those of us who have been through similar experiences who are with you in thought.

cornergran Tue 22-Mar-16 07:19:22

Preparing for end of life of a parent brings up so much Ruby. You are doing the very best you can. My Mum saw people and things towards the end of her life, we knew it was a side effect of morphine for pain. Could it be something similar with your Dad? Whatever it is don't worry if he isn't distressed by it. Be kind to yourself, as others have so rightly said things will fall into place. Say goodbye in your own way. Will be thinking of you flowers

whitewave Tue 22-Mar-16 07:23:56

ruby flowers

kittylester Tue 22-Mar-16 07:26:52

Just a quick (((hugs))) ruby. My mum has been on end of life care for the last six weeks and her nursing home are being fantastic. Mum is seeing people too. It's quite disconcerting but she isn't distressed by it and one of the carers said that she is probably seeing people she loves and who love her and feels surrounded by love.

We are here if you need us! flowers

Nana3 Tue 22-Mar-16 08:01:28

A difficult time for you ruby I hope you have someone to help you, another family member or friend flowers. My thoughts are with you, I hope GN is helping, it does for me.

Pittcity Tue 22-Mar-16 08:09:15

Lots of virtual hugs ruby flowers

PRINTMISS Tue 22-Mar-16 08:09:39

flowers for you ruby

Indinana Tue 22-Mar-16 08:18:30

rubylady flowers

merlotgran Tue 22-Mar-16 08:22:57

A tough time for you, ruby. Stay strong flowers

kittylester Tue 22-Mar-16 08:27:13

I'd like to add ruby, that you must take care of yourself at this time too. When we were first told that mum only had a couple of days to live (6 weeks ago)my brothers and I, between us, spent all day with her. It was exhausting and I certainly not functioning properly. Make sure you don't expect too much of yourself and that no-one else does either. brew

Lona Tue 22-Mar-16 08:27:45

My dad was like that too ruby flowers
It's a very sad, upsetting time so please let it out by talking to us on here if you need to. ((((Hugs))))

LullyDully Tue 22-Mar-16 08:40:13

What a sad time for you. So confusing with old memories and being brave for him.. I know,everyone's thoughts go out to you as many of us have had to say goodbye to our parents in similar circumstances. flowers

thatbags Tue 22-Mar-16 08:44:13

Sad story, ruby. I hope he can be made comfortable in body and mind. Flowers for you both, and your mum flowers.

NfkDumpling Tue 22-Mar-16 08:45:31

It's good that your dad can 'see' someone waiting for him, it'll give him comfort. My dad said his mother was waiting for him. So real in the end I could feel her too!

flowers. Look after yourself Ruby.

Badenkate Tue 22-Mar-16 08:47:03

I'm so sorry ruby. My thoughts are with you and your family flowers

annsixty Tue 22-Mar-16 08:58:46

Ruby, resist the hospital urging you to move him. If the end is near they should just be making him comfortable. Anything else is cruel to you both.

mollie Tue 22-Mar-16 09:06:30

Ruby flowers