[Squiffy]

I need advice on what to do about my father. He had a stoke last year and has been in care ever since, either hospital or care homes. He also has diabetes and because of that has a very larger ulcer on his leg, which is infected, he also had MRSA in the area. He is in extreme pain because of this, and asked to be admitted to hospital so as to have the leg removed. He has been fine about this, it was his idea, and yet today once plans had been made (after four hours of meeting with everyone) he has said he won't have it done. If he doesn't have it done he will end up with blood poisoning and he will die in the not too distant future. We moved house so we could care for him better at home once the operation is done, as that is what he wanted, and yet now he has backed out. I am sure the reality of it is hitting home now, and he is scared, but what can we do to convince him it is for the best to have the amputation? He is of sound mind so we can't force him too.

[inthebox]

Squiffy:


If he is competent - he understands the problem and the consequences of the choice[s] he makes - there is not much that can be done.
Maybe the Doctor and or nurse can explain, in a different manner, what is going on here.

He may be depressed due to the stroke and pain, and given up?
Maybe he is thinking along the terms of quality and not quantity of life.

Sorry, no easy answer.




Grace and Peace