SeekingseasonsWhen my grandma died in hospice I was 12, I had the chance to spend some time with her before she got rolled out on a gurney. If you have the chance, make sure the last time you see a loved one Isn’t when there skin is cold and they can’t respond. I got a good dose of mortality that day.
Dude, I feel this on a million levels andI'm super sorry for your loss, I feel you as someone who's seen both sides. (:
I work as a CNA in a long term facility, though I work in the rehab unit. We don't typically see many residents pass but every now and then we do. This past fall we had a lot of people on comfort care(our version of hospice). I picked up a shift on one of our LTC units and had a lady pass at 6:30pm, my shift started at 10pm and the family was there almost immediately and didn't leave until close to midnight. According to the regulars of that unit, the family visited a handful of times the 3 years she was with us. It was heartbreaking to watch, because they were so regretful but unfortunately it was too late. I think they had a harder time than the cases I've seen of family being there all the time.
My grandpa was also in a LTC facility and I know I didn't visit him enough. I wish I had when I had the chance. I understand that it is uncomfortable but you'll regret that your last memory with your loved one, like you said, if it's when they already gone.
To anyone in a similar situation: Your family, our residents, they fucking LOVE to see you. They talk about you over and over and OVER again when you aren't there. They miss you. I know, because they tell me. Go see them if/when you can. Some of my best conversations with my residents are them talking about their families. You can feel the love they have for them and it is super awesome. (: