Caring for Dad: a family perspective of the end of life care for a patient suffering from end stage cardiac failure.

• Jurisdiction: Australia
• Author: Vaughan, Helen
• Date: 01 March 2013

John was a keep fit enthusiast and took up jogging in his 40s and then triathlon in his 60s. He suffered from cardiac disease and went for surgery for mitral valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafts in April 2011. Unfortunately in the operating theatre it was discovered that no surgery was possible. Dad eventually regained his strength and was able to care for himself.

At the beginning of February 2012 the family celebrated Dad's 80th birthday. When I returned to Australia from New Zealand after the birthday celebrations, Mum reported that Dad was becoming more tired. One week later he needed Mum to help with his showering, he also had a few moments of confusion. I was wondering if we had reached the end stages of Dad's illness and after reading an article about cardiac failure patients and end of life care, I contacted the hospice staff and they referred...