Comments on GeriPal - Geriatrics and Palliative Care Blog: My last few days with my grandmother

Thank you for sharing the story of your Grandmothe...

2009-12-20T13:01:24.979-08:00

Thank you for sharing the story of your Grandmother. She must have been an smazing and wonderful woman. Our Grandparents' generation, who had the courage to leave behind oppression and start new lives in strange lands, will always be a source of inspiration. I hope your Grandmother's memory is always a source of pride and happiness for you.

What a beautiful story. I am always impressed and...

2009-12-17T20:20:31.618-08:00

What a beautiful story. I am always impressed and inspired when families fight for the wishes of their loved ones, especially in systems that are intolerant of anything but the full court press. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for sharing this story on GeriPal, Ori. ...

2009-12-17T14:47:25.499-08:00

Thank you for sharing this story on GeriPal, Ori. Your grandmother's right to self-determination was clearly important to her throughout life, even at the end of life. Some aspects of the Israeli health care system made her choice of "hospice" type care feasible (proximity of clinics and durable medical equipment), but the overwhelming majority conspired to make it difficult (no "hospice" for non-cancer diagnoses, no legally sanctioned DNR status, barriers to opioid prescribing).

Your grandmother is fortunate you and your family were there, to be present with her, and to help her navigate these final weeks.

(side note, I only spent a summer in Israel, but your description of the Ambulance driver pulling over to get his GPS fixed with a patient onboard as "a quintessentially Isaeli moment" was spot on.)