Taken from Newsletter Vol. 10

My Dad and I were referred to AsPaC when PPUM decided that my late Mom, a 72-year-old, bed-ridden, stroke patient (a result of a brain tumour operated on in 1984) should be moved towards palliative care. The PPUM team felt they could no longer treat her and we agreed with her doctors; taking her home was the best option and what Mom would have wanted. At this stage, she was unable to speak and needed round-the-clock care.

It is difficult to watch one’s closest and dearest suffer and we were constantly anxious if we were doing enough to ensure she had the best care and was as comfortable as possible.

In the last 6 weeks of Mom’s life, also the most challenging period for the family, Dr Lalitha and her team were constantly in touch with us. They made sure we were supported emotionally. They spoke to my 3 children (her grandchildren) aged 14, 11 and 9, to ensure they understood and could cope with seeing their grandmother being so ill and made sure we were clear about the options we had and what outcome to expect. They visited my Mom at home a few times a week to ensure she was not in pain and helped us with feeding decisions and the administration of medication.

It made a huge difference in how we managed Mom’s care and I am forever grateful to the brilliant care and support which was provided.