HER BASIC NEED

We received a referral from a local hospital to meet with one of their patients and talk with her about comfort care measures and hospice support. Our hospice often does "Informational Visits" to educate patients and families about our program. I love doing these types of visits as it gives family knowledge about our program and answers a lot of questions for them. It helps patients and families know if and when they are ready for hospice.

"Jeanine, sixty-four, had a long history of lung disease. She was admitted into the hospital due to a respiratory emergency. She was in the ICU as needed a lot of medical attention. I spoke with the staff who informed me that Jeanine was declining on a daily basis. She was becoming weaker by the day.

Jeanine had family living several hours north of us. She knew she needed Skilled Nursing Placement and was hoping the staff could locate a facility in that area near her family. Due to Jeanine's medical needs, it will be a huge challenge in just finding a facility. After talking with Jeanine, I sensed she knew she likely would never leave the hospital.

It was a bit difficult talking with her as she spoke so softly and slowly. I held her hand while we spoke hoping to give her comfort. It just broke my heart seeing what she was going through. She had so much taken away from her due to her illness that her only want was her basic need of not being short of breath.

I hope Jeanine finds her comfort and her peace. I am praying and rooting for her.


HER BASIC NEED　

They said to talk about hospice;
about comfort care and her grief.
Her daughter died four years ago.
"She'll mention her when you talk."

She was just lying quietly there
as I walked into the hospital room.
Almost too weak to talk.
Long pauses between each word.

She spoke about being short of breath,
but then quietly told me about her daughter.
Truly believing she's in a better place,
while her face just shined motherly love.

She immediately changed the subject back
to how hard it was to breathe.
She wanted to be strongly sedated
so the struggle would go away.

I spoke about hospice support.
How comfort care is what they do best.
Physical, spiritual, emotional.
They are so successful in what they do.

She was declining rapidly.
Getting weaker by each day.
I sensed she knew she wasn't getting better.
Also aware she'll never make it home.

She appeared content after we spoke.
I hope I gave reassurance about her basic need.
There is treatment so that never again
will she ever have to be
          short of breath.