March 2018
Debra
Cannone
,
RN, BSN, CCRN
Intensive Care Unit
Gottlieb Memorial Hospital
Melrose Park
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

We received a patient from an assisted living facility. He was found to have a terminal condition and would not be able to return home to care for himself. The patient was placed in hospice care. This man had no family but had 2 elderly cats (11 and 18 yrs. old) at home that he cared for deeply. His biggest concern when going into hospice was for the care and well-being of these two cats. Debbie had been his nurse and was touched by this patient's request to have his beloved pets taken care of. Debbie who volunteers regularly at a cat shelter and who has fostered many pets in the past felt a profound need to help this man with his final wish. Debbie offered to take care of his elderly cats, who also had many medical needs. When Debbie picked up the cats, with the assistance of the patient's close friend/decision maker, she paid to take these cats to the vet for a checkup. When it was found that the cats needed regular medicine and long-term treatment, Debbie took on the cost and responsibility for their treatment. She is still caring for these animals. The patient was so grateful and appreciative of this loving gesture that Debbie did for him. His heart and mind were able to be at ease knowing that his "fur babies" were being well cared for.