Recently, my dad fell in our home in New Baltimore, Michigan. He had Parkinson's disease for the last three years and was declining. Even though he didn't break anything from the fall, I decided to drive to Michigan from Georgia on the following day to see him in the hospital.
When I arrived, my dad did not look good and even though he did not break any bones at the hospital, I knew he would not be leaving. Two days after the fall it was decided he would be placed in hospice at the hospital. From that point on, I was so impressed with the care our dad received at Henry Ford Hospital. There were a few nights I stayed with my dad, and I couldn't believe how often the nurses would come to check on him, turn him, or update me with where he was. Nurses such as Tricia, Diane, Jessica R., and Jessica L. in the hospice unit grew on me and my family and became dear to our hearts for the care they provided to our dad. Tricia gave my dad a stuffed lamb toy to hold to stop from shaking. Diane was very concerned about my dad not having a BM and made sure it was documented and was giving him the medicine he needed for it. Jessica R. consoled me and helped me make the best decisions for his health during the night. Jessica L. became a close friend as she was often my dad's regular afternoon nurse and made sure he was given morphine or Ativan every time he needed it. Dr. Weerakoon often checked in with my family and helped us decide what was best for dad at the end of his life. She supported our decisions and came whenever we needed her.
My dad and best friend ended up passing away a later with my brother and I beside him. My family and I are thankful to Dr. Weerakoon and these nurses for the care they provided and for going above and beyond. We want to thank them for all that they did for us.
Thank you, Henry Ford Hospice, for giving our dad quality care at the end of his beautiful life.