Spring 1998
Hospice offers comfort and support to patients and their families
 |
|
| Daisy and Mel Hylton joined Loma Linda Hospice after learning that Daisy was terminally ill. |
Daisy did not become a Hospice patient to recover from her disease, but to receive support and comfort for herself and for her husband as she died.
Each year Loma Linda Hospice has the privilege of serving more than 200 terminally ill patients and their families. This service includes providing in-home nursing care and pain management, encouragement and support, and spiritual nurturing for each patient and their family.
In the following accounts, Daisy Hylton's Hospice team members tell of their interactions with Daisy and her husband. These narratives give an example of the care each Hospice patient and family receives.
Lance Tyler, chaplain
"Daisy didn't respond quickly on my first visit. It was as if she was assessing how the conversation might go. Her husband Mel and I talked about some family history and how they had come to this point. Not too long into the conversation Daisy joined in, voicing her regret at being an increased burden upon Mel. I explained that the Hospice team was there to help Mel as well as her. She seemed satisfied with this--although it was very evident she was still attempting to conceal her pain.
"Over the months that I visited, we talked about a lot of the questions Daisy and Mel had on their minds. We talked about Daisy's enduring faith in God. While some people could be bitter at a time like this, Daisy and Mel recognized their sadness and decided to make the most of the time they had left.
"They enjoyed the opportunity to share and socialize with each Hospice team member. They particularly enjoyed Jeff, our social worker, because he would tease them mercilessly. Daisy responded well to this teasing, and really looked forward to Jeff's visits.
"Since Daisy's death, Mel has visited our office many times. He says he is deeply thankful that he has been able to share this personal and profound experience with the Hospice team."
Joyce Orr, volunteer
"I began working with Daisy in August, 1996, and was with her until she died. Daisy was very health conscious and also very concerned about providing for Mel. When I began working with Daisy, she was still able to walk, but not strong enough to stand for the length of time it took to cook her favorite recipes. It was hard for Daisy to lose her independence and control of her life.
"One afternoon each week, I would follow Daisy's precise directions for preparing the main courses and desserts for the next week. It was only when Daisy got too tired to stay in the kitchen with me that I was trusted enough to prepare meals without direct supervision--only instructions from another room.
"I grew very fond of both Daisy and Mel and enjoyed spending time with them. When Daisy was finally too sick for Mel to care for at home, I continued to visit her in the nursing facility. This was particularly difficult for me. My affection for Daisy made it hard to detach myself emotionally. I realized that Daisy had come to be a close friend. I had loved to sit and visit with Daisy and Mel and listen to the stories they would share. I would miss that.
"Since Daisy's death, I've had the opportunity to have lunch with Mel several times. I enjoy surprising him with Rice Krispie Treats--his favorite snack. I plan to keep in contact with Mel just because he's so special."
Jeff Samuels, medical social worker
"As the medical social worker for Daisy, I got to know both her and Mel very well. Daisy loved to eat lime pie, and Mel loved to eat anything. I always felt welcome at their home--announced or unannounced.
"When Daisy moved to the nursing facility I visited her almost every day. Since her death, Mel and I have stayed in touch and still remain the best of friends.
"The three of us shared laughter and pain. We were genuine with each other. And we knew that what Mel and Daisy shared was love--the undying kind."
Marie Bryan, RN, clinical supervisor
"I was with Daisy the day she died. She was unresponsive when I entered the room. Her breathing was shallow with periods of apnea. I had met Daisy twice before today, and I remembered how funny and vibrant she was. The moment I saw her I knew this would be my last time, and a feeling of sadness overcame me.
"I sat beside Daisy and began to talk about the things she had been through with her disease and how her suffering would be over soon. I gave her permission to go, and I said my goodbyes. I held her hand in mine and promised her that her husband would be all right--the Hospice team would be there to support and take care of him. At that moment a tear fell down her right cheek, and she took her last breath.
"I felt very privileged to have been a part of that private moment. Daisy will always hold a special place in my heart, for there is a bond we share."
University
| Medical_Center | LLU&MC_home
| Search_&_index
| News_&_events
| Employment | Contact
| Our_mission
All contents copyright © 2001 Loma Linda
University. All rights reserved.
Revised
Tuesday, January 17, 2006 12:10 PM
Send comments and questions to webmaster@univ.llu.edu
URL: http: //www.llu.edu