My mother is now in Riverview

[crowdog66]

George and I went to see my mother this morning, and found her still in considerable pain that breakthrough medication wasn't touching. We stayed with her for a couple of hours, and just before we left the ward doctor came to tell us that they were just waiting for a bed for her in Riverview, a health care centre which has an excellent palliative care program. This is not necessarily an immediate death sentence, but will provide her with excellent care and pain management until (and if) she is able to go home again.

This afternoon we got a call from the Grace Hospital telling us that my mother was being transferred to Riverview early this evening. We'll have to pay for the MediVan that got her there, but that will be under $100.

I am very happy and relieved about this. Riverview has an excellent reputation, and has had glowing reviews for their palliative care program; also, it was where my mother wanted to go if such a thing became necessary. Not to mention the fact that I could walk there in 45 minutes if need be, and by bus you can reach it in about 20 minutes -- a big improvement over Grace Hospital, which was an hour away by bus.

I phoned Riverview this evening and spoke to one of my mother's nurses, who told me that she is resting relatively comfortably. Tomorrow we'll go to see her and bring her some things she's requested, including some non-alcoholic beer, nail polish and remover, toiletries, and a lovely silk scarf that our friend John brought to us as a present for her and which she'll probably be quite happy to wear as a kerchief to cover her bald head.

I honestly can't express how much pressure this takes off of me. Now I just hope that they can get her pain under control. Thank you to everyone who's kept her in their thoughts and prayers.

Comments

[metisbutterfly.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to hear that your mom is transferred to Riverview...it is an excellent facility, I did my placement at misericordia's long term care facility and they said that Riverview was excellent. They also have a wonderful pallative care program.

((hugs)) reiki and positive thoughts going out to both of you...

[absolute-tash.livejournal.com]

Awww. I'm really glad your mom is in a place where they can properly care for her, and help alleviate her pain. If she doesn't already have some, make sure to take her some chapstick. My gram really needed it all the time during her Chemo and was really glad to have it around. Burt's Bees regular is my favorite cause it's super healing.

[eastpath.livejournal.com]

Oh I'm so happy to hear that. It must be a great relief to know she will be getting great care in a comfortable environment with skilled palliative care professionals *HUGS* I hope this helps take some pressure off... :)

[deepkissez.livejournal.com]

Bright blessings and healing energies being sent your way.

I do hope that they get her comfortable with as little pain as possible.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[lacontessamala.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad your mom is in Riverview--I'm sure they'll take wonderful care of her, for however long she needs to be in there. *hugs*

[pink-gecco.livejournal.com]

I live pretty close to Riverview. My schedule these days is pretty wonky but should you ever need a ride give me a call. If I'm around, I'm at your service. *hugs and prayers*