“Blake”, fifty-nine years old, has been hospitalized for several days. Blake has a long history of meth abuse which has strongly impacted his health. He now suffers from hepatitis and congested heart failure. The hospital doctor made a referral to our hospice. Blake had been living in a shelter. Our hospice runs a shelter for homeless who are terminal. Due to Joshua’s House policy, hospice staff need to meet with the patient prior to the admission to our program to see if he does meet the terminal prognosis.
I met Blake at the hospital this afternoon. He was interested in hospice and Joshua’s House, but his main concern throughout the conversation was about food. Being homeless, I am sure that was a high priority. He knew what he needed and when getting that, he was happy. His life now is simple and in such a way which helps him cope.
HIS NEED
He had a job, a family, and a home.
Unfortunately, his need switched to meth.
He abused it for years and now has
hepatitis and congested heart failure.
He has burned bridges with his family.
Only one daughter stays in touch.
He has no income; he has no home.
His needs are aplenty more.
He is now terminal with likely months to live.
I spoke to him about hospice and Joshua’s House;
a shelter we run for homeless who are terminal.
His only question about it was, “Do they have food there?”
He has no fears or concerns as says
“Nobody knows when one is going to die”.
A nurse walked in during out conversation;
he quickly interrupted, “Can I have two ice creams?”
When I asked him about how we can help,
he struggled with how to respond;
then strongly replied, “Talk to my daughter.
She makes all my decisions for me”.
Like most of us, he has come from a place with many needs.
If we asked him to tell us about his current wants;
we will likely hear only one word;
and somehow, I know, that word would simply be
“Food!”
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