YOUNG AT HEART

We admitted “Mary” to our Palliative Care Program today.   Mary had been living alone and very independent until recently; whereby due to knee pain, it became a struggle for her to be able to handle some household and personal tasks. 

Mary’s husband died suddenly at age forty from a heart attack.  Both of her sons live on the East Coast, whereby Mary learned to manage her needs effectively.  Mary uses a walker to ambulate secondary to her knee pain.  She has hired caregivers five hours each day to help.  She has also hired a case manager to assist her with tasks that do arise. 

Mary had a wonderful, sarcastic humor.  She laughed so easily with a personality so full of life. She was real about it all and totally accepted her life as it was.  She had such a positive outlook on whatever came her way. 

Mary had very few health problems.  When we admit patients to hospice or palliative care, we typically see multiple health problems listed on their medical records.  Mary’s records just showed pain and a rapid heart rate at times.  We knew she would benefit from Palliative Care support.

 Meeting Mary was indeed very special.  She was spunky and tough.  There is no greater compliment I can ever give to anyone.  Thank you, Mary, for totally being you.

YOUNG AT HEART

 

Being totally independent,

she has lived her life fully.

Her husband died sixty years ago;

while her two children reside out of state.

 

Until two weeks ago, she needed no help;

but then, fatigue and knee pain set in;

making it hard to complete some tasks.

She then hired help for five hours each day.

 

We met with her to admit to Palliative Care.

Her hired case manager was there as well.

She was able to walk slowly using her walker

while graciously offering us a place to sit.

 

We asked questions about her health care,

while also asking, “How can we help?”

When asked, “What is your secret for living a long life?”

“Do everything in moderation.

                           It is as simple as that”.

 

A medical diagnosis is needed

when admitting to our program.

Her heart may race now and then,

which allowed us to use Tachycardia to let her come on.

 

At one point she shared, “They tell me I am old”.

I replied, “With your gregarious and humorous personality,

you are one of the youngest souls

                         I have ever met or known.”

 

She was so full of life; of laughter; and so much fun.

It is hard to believe that with her next birthday;

only three weeks away next month;

she will be turning a very young 102.