Monday, April 16, 2018

Barbara Bush will no longer seek medical treatment in face of failing health

She will focus on comfort care rather than additional medical treatment. She's had a series of hospitalizations battling obstructive pulmonary disease. She is 92 years old.

Story at Washington Examiner.

In June, George H.W. Bush will be 94 years old. They've been married 73 years.

5 comments:

edutcher said...

Hospice is when they come in to give you a push.

The Blonde did a couple of cases for them and thought it was an abomination.

French idea, of course.

Methadras said...

It's sad to see President George Washington die again.

ricpic said...

I'm sorry for her. I mean I never felt a lick of sympathy or even the remotest connection to the Battle Ax but she's nearing the end so...........

MamaM said...

I cannot say enough good things about the quality of care we received through Hospice of Michigan during the two years my mom was under their care. I did not observe any "push" on their part.

From my POV, Barbara Bush has lived a full, productive and meaningful life that has included sorrow and joy, accomplishment and challenge. May Grace, Truth, and Love be present with her as she enters into her final days.

Books I experienced as helpful and inviting:

Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying
by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley; and by the same authors,
Final Journeys: A Practical Guide for Bringing Care and Comfort at the End of Life

For a deeper read, The Grace in Dying: How We Are Transformed Spiritually as We Die
by Kathleen D Singh (who recently died of cancer in Oct, 2017)

Leland said...

I agree with MamaM, I've not seen Hospice as a push. It does move away from the notion that all efforts should be made to keep a body going, even after naturally it would fail. These efforts includes things like cracking ribs, arid breathing systems, and motion restricting IV tubes. At some point, it is reasonable to recognize a battle is lost. At 92, I wouldn't say Barbara Bush has last the war on life. She has created a large family to be her legacy and done so with a good deal of grace. There's no reason to waste her remaining time with hospital nurses and doctors when she can be at home with her family.