There are client-specific instructions posted in every client's home.
Bill's clearly read : "settle client back into bed before leaving after respite block"
In case you might not see them at a glance they are, in his case, highlited in PINK highliter.
Still, someone knew better and left him up. Bill got up from his chair, walked into his bedroom and then fell down hard on the carpet. Being Bill he naturally thought his wife could get him up.
Thankfully she refused. His plan 2 was to get her to call the neighbour. Thankfully the neighbour also was unable to get him up. Finally he relented and *allowed* an ambulance to be called.
By the time they arrived Bill had wangled himself across the floor to near his pole. One leg was twisted beneath his body.
Being Bill he elected NOT to go to Hospital. Being trained Attendants, they ambulance people took his wife to another room and carefully explained that she was obliged to sign a form saying she was the person responsible for his care and she understood that leaving him in the home meant that she took on this task. Alas, she signed.
The closest I can get to saying "Are you CRAZY? Send him to Hospital!" is to gently say:
"Ask your Doctor about convalescent care."
Perhaps this time she will. I like Bill very much. I understand his desire to be at home.
I know that he doesn't mean to be snarly and cranky and demanding of his wife.
I also know that it is time for her to retire too.
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One of my hardest life lessons has been realizing that holding on to a person, a goal or a dream can be destructive.
Kirsti A. Dyer, MD, MS
