Being expected to do things that you are unable to do is frustrating for Rowdyneko.
Transcript
They wanted us to do things like—we never got to this point okay—but when we’re having this discussion about whether I can care for him at home, one of the things they’re wanting is, “Well, he has to go get intravenous from time to time, okay?” So, when we’re having this discussion about whether he can come home, “Well, he’d have to come and have intravenous.” I said, “Okay, so how do we do that?” “Well, you have to drive him to daycare”, 45 minutes! This very sick person. Then he has his intravenous. Then you drive him home, and then you drive him back later in the day because he has to have it twice. That’s not going to work. How’s that going to work? Take a look at this guy. Or then he sometimes has to have blood transfusions because—I’m not sure why—they think he’s bleeding somewhere but they can’t figure it out… well, they can’t do the tests to figure it out. “So, blood transfusions,” I said. “Okay. So how does he get the blood transfusions if he’s not admitted in hospital?” “Oh, you drive him down to daycare in [city in BC] and we give him a blood transfusion for 4-5 hours, depending how many units he needs, and then you take him home.” And I’m like, “Oh yeah, that’s going to work…” So then, one doctor says to me, “Well, maybe you need to move to [city in BC].” I said, “Sure, I’ll get right on it.” And that’s one of the issues of living here.
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- Resources – RowdynekoRowdyneko told other patients about a free door-to-door transportation service to use instead of private ambulances.
- Providing support – RowdynekoAt times, Rowdyneko was asked to do medical tasks that she did not feel comfortable doing.
- Advice for friends and family – RowdynekoRowdyneko notices that people don’t call her or come over any more. She suggests that family and friends stay in contact.
- Financial impact 2 – RowdynekoRowdyneko is thankful that her husband’s medications are covered by the palliative pharmacare program.
- Financial impact – RowdynekoWithout extended medical coverage, Rowdyneko would have been under much more financial pressure.
- Uncovering how and why caregivers care – RowdynekoRowdyneko would love it if caregiving were fun, or brought her closer to her husband. Unfortunately, this is not the case for her.
- Travelling, holidays and respite – RowdynekoWhen Rowdyneko leaves for a cruise, her family tries not to disturb her.
- Support from family and friends – RowdynekoRowdyneko doesn't do the caregiving willingly, but her son surprises her every day with his unselfish support.
- Society and caregiving – RowdynekoRowdyneko has noticed that younger caregivers often have to stop working. There are not enough resources or support for them.
- Interaction with professionals – RowdynekoBeing expected to do things that you are unable to do is frustrating for Rowdyneko.