Changes

Our friend, neighbor, and Grandpa's nurse, Jennifer, came over this morning to check on Grandpa and discuss the plan of action with my Dad. She needed to know exactly what kind of care we were expecting and wanting. It is a really fine line to walk. Where do comfort measures end and "prolonging life" start? It is an extremely difficult problem. We want to do everything we can to make him comfortable with out making him linger in a state that he doesn't want to be in. (At this point he is so weak he can not even stand with assistance, he has to be fed, he has a catheter, and when he tries to talk it is barely audible.)
Deanna, Grandpa's bath aid, was also here this morning when all the discussion were going on. When it came time to bathe him Jennifer came out a few minutes into it and told Dad that she thought it was time for Hospice. It was a difficult decision for her because it means that he will no longer be her patient. We all hated to loose her and Deanna but decided that it was the best choice. He will be provided with so much more care this way and be much more comfortable. We have loved having Jennifer and Deanna, but I guess it is time for a change. Life is always changing, isn't it?