Death is very near
I was called in to my father's nursing home in early January as the nurse thought he had not long to live. However, he rallied although he has been bed-bound since then.I had spent the afternoon with him last Thursday, 9th May, and was called back in at 10pm because they thought he had deteriorated. I stayed until it appeared he was sleeping as his breathing was regular. This morning, Saturday, I was called in again because they thought this afternoon would be too late. The staff seem to think someone should be with him all the time so that he doesn't die alone, but it is not practical for them as the have other duties. I stayed only 2 hours because I had promised to visit my husband who is in hospital.
I have tried to ensure my father is not in pain by discussing it with his GP. The plan had been to go from low strength co-codomol which he was on last week, to high strength, to codeine and then liquid morphine to a patch. However, as he became unable to swallow the dissolved co-codomol earlier in the week, I was told the GP was going to prescribe a patch. I have just phoned and been told he has had a fentanyl patch applied and he is sleeping peacefully.
I'm not sure there is any point in my sitting there for hours because I could have been there since January waiting! I have the feeling though that generally people think someone should not be alone when they die - but as everything has been said and everything has been read to him - it is not realistic. Can anyone reassure me that it is ok?