SLEEP

We opened, "Jim" to our hospice program this morning. Jim was diagnosed with cancer that has spread to his brain. Because of this, he is confused, restless and agitated. Jim lives with his wife, "Julie". They have a lot of extended family living nearby. Multiple family members kept coming and going during our admission visit.

The entire time the hospice nurse and I were there, Jim slept peacefully. Julie said that Jim usually will sleep only thirty minutes and then be up and restless. Julie says she has not slept for three days or nights since this all began. Jim is very wobbly on his feet and has had some recent falls. He is not aware of his limitations.

During the course of the admission visit, I spoke with Julie about caregiver self care and encouraged her to hire attendant care overnight so that she could get some sleep. She liked that idea and was able to hire someone she knew who would start tomorrow night.

A few hours after the nurse and I left, Julie called hospice saying that Jim is restless, agitated and lashing out at her. She knows he is not aware of what he is doing, but she felt she could no longer manage him this way.

Another hospice nurse was nearby and agreed to go over to assist with the medications in order for Jim to get some much needed sleep. I was able to get there within the hour as well. I offered to try to hire an attendant for this evening, which she agreed would be a great idea. It was late in the day and I was not sure if I could successfully be able to do this.

The second agency I called was able to get someone out in two hours for an overnight shift. It all seemed to run so smoothly as it was meant to happen. As I was leaving, I asked Julie if there was anything else I could do for her. She said no and was so appreciative and thankful for hospice's support. I informed her that our evening nurse will make a visit in a few hours to check in.

This is a perfect example of what hospice is and how beautifully we work as a team. I am so proud of what happened today and so proud of being a part of an amazing team.


SLEEP

He is agitated.
He is restless.
He's uncomfortable;
he cannot sleep.

She keeps checking on him;
making sure he stays safe.
Trying to coax him to lie down.
She is up all day and night.

"I cannot do this any longer.
I need to get some sleep.
Give him something to calm him down.
I need a lot of help."

Family is rallying around,
but they don't know what to do.
The nurse went out to adjust his meds.
I urgently arranged for overnight care.

A quick hug to say goodbye.
She collapsed and sobbed in my arms.
So appreciative and thankful;
relieved to know she will finally get
          her much needed
                   sleep.