Health-care system is unkind to the elderly
Re: The Fall: My once-vibrant dad emerged broken from the hospital. Then he was gone. Feb. 16.
I wish we could make The Fall required reading for every politician who can influence our struggling health-care system. The article eloquently and poignantly illustrates the “breaks” in that system. Elizabeth Payne's father, until his fall, appears to have had the kind of old age we all aspire to, but his final months are something we would not wish on anyone.
I, too, worked in health care, on the administrative side, and yet, like Payne, found I had a lot to learn when my aged parents were in their final years and months. One died in a hospital where our family was left to figure things out on our own; answers were available only if we knew which questions to ask. The other lived and died in long-term care, where we discovered first-hand the gaps and weaknesses in such institutions. In both cases, many individual caregivers were kind — but the system was not.
Thank you for publishing this powerful article.
Cynthia Janzen, Hamilton
Care conditions haven't improved
Elizabeth Payne's story brought tears to my eyes and made me recall a similar experience with my 90-yearold father. He was mowing the lawn and had a stroke and went to the hospital — and went downhill from there.
I still have nightmares over what he endured over four years in hospital, rehab and finally long-term care. He definitely left the hospital in far worse condition than when he went in; so very sad.
I couldn't believe it when I read Payne's reference to her dad's use of duct tape on running shoes. My dad did the exact same thing: socks, belts, he fixed everything with that tape. He had his stroke in 2010 and conditions were substandard even then; 14 years later, there is still no progress.
I'm 67 and fear for my health journey. Thank you for sharing your story. Christine Powell, Kanata
Thank you for sharing story
My dad is a very active 96-year-old and this story hit me hard. It was reminiscent of my dear aunt's passing. Thanks for sharing. More people need to be aware of the dangers of our aging demographics, and the lack of resources.
I worked as a personal support worker. Heartbreaking; we were given maybe five minutes' time with each person. People with money often hired me to assist with their parent as an extra set of hands, meaning better care.
As for the bed sores, I wonder if the hospital ever offered an air bed? It automatically changes pressure points.
I'm so very sorry about Elizabeth Payne's father and am at the same time so grateful she was able to tell his story.
Brenda Bate, Orillia
We need to do better than this
While this article was a warm-hearted tribute to a father on a life well-lived, and he was fortunate to have such a caring family, it does not speak well about how we tend to allow nature to take its course for those having to endure an unpleasant end to their life.
We need to do better and I hope this article will lead to more discussion on how to reach that point.
Dale Boire, Ottawa
Husband home — and eating well
Elizabeth Payne's article was exceptionally accurate and could not have been more timely.
My husband, Jim, is 81 and is back home after spending a month in the Queensway Carleton hospital. I am not writing to disparage the hospital in any way.
On Christmas Day, Jim suffered delirium. Not understanding what was happening to him, I called an ambulance. Thus began the longest month of his life, and by extension, mine.
The patience and kindness of the nurses, orderlies and floor staff was beyond reproach. They were all run off their feet for however long their shift was.
When Jim was admitted, the only bed available was one in the secure area. That was a real eye-opener for me. Staff took the challenges in stride with good nature and kindness.
Jim eventually recovered enough to be transferred to the rehabilitation floor. What an amazing area. He continued to recuperate and came home exactly one month after being admitted. Of course he is very happy to be home.
Jim's only complaint about the hospital was the food. I was often visiting when they served the meals. I was usually able to convince him to have a few spoonful of the socalled soup and, more often than not, brought a lunch to him from home.
He is now home and recuperating well. He is easy to feed and we eat our dinner watching a hockey game or a movie.
I wish I had the answers for improving the hospital food situation. In 1973, I spent 10 weeks in the old Ottawa General Hospital. I recall being given a menu to check off what I wanted for the next day. I had no problem with the food.
Joyce Clyne, Ottawa
I'm afraid to get sick in Canada
First, let me offer my condolences on the loss of such a wonderful father. I wish also to express my extreme gratitude and admiration for Elizabeth Payne's article.
I will be forwarding it to a multitude of people: the president of the Canadian Medical Association, my MP, my MLA, and the parliamentary opposition critic for health care.
I am a nearly 80-year-old, retired general practitioner with 50 years of providing care to the country in urban, rural and remote settings. It is almost impossible for me to adequately express my disgust at the lack of care that Elizabeth Payne's father received in his final months and days.
My friend, Dr. Helen Hays, (CM, MD) a pioneer in the development of palliative care in Edmonton, started her career in medicine in England as a nurse. She told me that if a patient then developed even the most early sign of a bedsore, she would be fired. I have copied this article and this letter to Dr. Hays.
I think The Fall epitomizes the deterioration of health care in Canada. For several years, I have said to anyone who would listen to me, that I am “afraid to get sick” in this country.
Mary Ellen Mccoll, MD CCFP FCFP FRRMS, High River, Alta.
Article has given us more resolve
Thank you, Elizabeth Payne, for writing this article. It made me cry, but it also gave me resolve. My siblings and I (one of whom lives in Ottawa and shared the article) are navigating a hospital stay for my 92-year-old mother right now.
Two weeks to clear up an infection and now, otherwise healthy, she is beginning rehab in the same hospital. We've hovered over every step and many doctor's evaluations, yet sometimes we still feel helpless, hampered by the system and especially the shortages. The Family Day long weekend takes on a very different shading when you are told “no physiotherapy available on weekends.”
I'm haunted, too, by the 32 hours she initially spent in emergency. Like Elizabeth Payne, we've mostly seen competent, compassionate care. Even so, I'm taking every word of her piece to heart, and we will work hard to advocate for our mom.
I agree, your father deserved better at the end of his life. I am sorry for your loss. I do hope you know how fortunate he was to have all of you. The story you wrote needs to be shared widely.
Carolyn Kennedy, Toronto
SHARE YOUR VIEWS:
letters@ottawacitizen.com
I wish we could make The Fall required reading for every politician who can influence our struggling health-care system. Cynthia Janzen