Margaret bucked all the odds and survived a lot longer than anyone expected, so much so she was moved to a private Nursing Home in Killaloe. Now this was a fee paying home and as Margaret had a bit of cash they were charging her an arm and a leg for the privilege.
This state of affairs would of course deplete any savings the poor woman had, but there was feck all we could do about it. Anyway because she was paying you would think that the standard of care would be the best you could expect.
Myself and Gabrielle went to see her and were impressed with the overall look of the place. Lovely grounds, plush entrance foyer and friendly front desk staff. When we reached Margaret's room it was a different story however.
Her sheets were soiled and her eyelids were closed and she said she couldn't open them.
"Do they do anything for that" says I
"They tape them open sometimes and that's nice" says she
"Ger, don't do anything silly" says Gabrielle
"Ger!"
"Ger!"
Too late I was off down the corridor, I found a white coat walking towards me.
"You, who's in charge" says I
"I am the deputy administrator" says he backing off a couple of steps
"You'll do, come with me" I said
He followed meekly behind and we entered Margaret's room.
"Do you know this patient" says I
"Yes" says he
"She's a full fee paying patient is she not" says I
"Yes" squeaked he
"Then one, I want those sheets changed now and everyday" says I
"OK" says he
"Two, I want a nurse to tape her eyes open when she requests it" says I
"OK" says he
"Three, I want her checked very regularly everyday and her wishes catered for" says I
"OK" says he
"Now the Fourth Protocol in the corridor please" says I
Well in the corridor I let fly, I was spitting fire I was that angry. I did my whole Arnie bit about how I would be back and I threatened him with swift and painful actions if he did not take good care of Margaret. He spluttered an apology and promised to see to it.
Before we left a cast of thousands descended on the room and did all that was requested.
It makes my blood boil when elderly patients are left alone, primarily because they do not complain. They deserve a better duty of care.
