I arrived at Sibley Memorial Hospital to support my sister, A, and family in the terminal stage of her illness. Mr. Kelley had not yet been assigned to oversee the care of my sister. However, in the subsequent days when he was assigned to her, he clearly made a difference in ensuring my sister's care was caring, compassionate, and complete.
My sister was sorely in need of oral care, position changes, assessment for alterations in comfort level and respiratory impairment. He promptly made contact with the physician to address her needs for improving respiratory management/patency and ensured there were routine oral care and position changes, while communicating with my sister, although she was likely only semi-conscious. It can be challenging to provide the necessary care to someone who is fragile and somewhat responsive as my sister was. However, Mr. Kelley demonstrated confidence and a compassionate attitude while providing the care my sister needed.
He patiently listened to my concerns no matter how often I asked him questions and acted upon providing new care needs. For example, Mr. Kelley communicated to the physician there was a need to control lung secretions; and, therefore, medications were ordered to be provided routinely in order to assist with and improve alterations in her airway patency. Mr. Kelley was attentive to me and my family's questions and concerns. After it was clear my sister was experiencing kidney failure resulting in increasing edema of her extremities, and her husband approved that I inquire about the rate and volume of IV fluid, I asked Mr. Kelley if he could ask the physician if slowing the IV rate/flow might be considered. He promptly addressed my inquiry/concern with the physician, and her IV rate/flow was expediently reduced.
Mr. Kelley projected sincere compassion for our family's situation and was patient with our various and frequent inquiries. We even noticed or heard Mr. Kelley's compassionate attitude and efficiency beyond my sister's care, when he responded to the patient next door, who seemed to need equal if not even more attention/interventions.
Mr. Kelley assessed and provided compassionate care and responded to my questions with integrity and honesty which helped me further determine how to help my family. He delivered care with confidence which enabled us to have confidence in him and hope that he would continue to be assigned to my sister. His professionalism showed as he carried out his care and tasks swiftly and easily. When I and my family arrived in the lobby of Sibley Memorial Hospital after my sister had died 4 days later, Mr. Kelley was in the lobby transporting another patient. He stopped to offer each of us sincere, compassionate condolences. He allowed us to embrace him so that we could extend our heartfelt gratitude for his care. We were so grateful for his expert care and for ensuring my sister was as comfortable as possible and for providing my sister a dignified passing.
Mr. Kelley truly personifies Sibley Memorial Hospital's Mission: To deliver excellence and compassionate care-every person, every time. I will always remember his professional, compassionate, and excellent care that he provided my sister. Our family will forever be grateful that he was assigned to oversee my sister's care in her final days.