On Thursday my mother was taken to Mary Lanning from The Villa at Good Samaritan. She was 99 years old. She suffered a major stroke in her brain stem and was taken to ICU. I arrived Saturday am from Texas. At that time mom was unable to communicate but tried so very hard to talk. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday she received such excellent care by all staff who couldn't have been more supportive of me, my sister, four nieces and their spouses, and mom's great-grandchildren.
On Tuesday, I was met by Jill when I came to visit at 10 am. She told me it was decision time and I informed Jill we had already known the time had arrived. We met hospice people, but since there was no hospice room available, we were told the ICU nurses were also hospice trained. We stayed in the same room, all mom's IVs and monitors were taken out/off, Jill checked on mom all day and all family members stayed throughout the day. One of my nieces and I spent the night and were well cared for by the night nurse. Mom had very labored breathing by then.
Wednesday morning, Jill again came on shift and checked frequently on mom, another niece had taken over, Jill talked so kindly to us and made certain mom was comfortable. Throughout the morning my niece and I were talking basketball when I mentioned it had gotten so quiet. I went to the side of the bed, then got Jill. Mom had passed so peacefully.
Jill was so compassionate and said we could have the room for as long as needed. All family members came and went. Jill was at the desk but gave us our privacy. She was so gracious and attentive to all our needs. My family and I will always be grateful for the hospice she gave our entire family.