"Compassionate Care at End of Life"

I was very grateful for many aspects of the care given to a dear elderly friend.  As her guardian and only close person, I appreciated the care for her and also how various team members communicated with me.  She fell and broke 2 hips late autumn and after taking stock, we decided surgery wasn't an option. I was amazed when I arrived at the Emergency Department at Rockyview Hospital.  It felt like a small town! Our friend was in a pod where i believe everyone was waiting for admission.  Our friend was admitted to the surgery ward despite not waiting for surgery but she was now waiting for a hospice bed. The care in both ED and on the surgical ward was excellent. She was in extreme pain when moving but staff were for the most part very attentive and effective in controlling her pain. When she was transferred to Agape Hospice a few days later, I was very impressed that the staff at Rockyview had clearly not only communicated to the staff at Agape about the patient, but they had also shared details and background about my relationship with the patient and also with Agape in the past.  I know caregivers are often ignored (and as a non family guardian, I have been in the past!) so I was very pleased.  Our friend experienced another medical event while in Hospice and the physician on call was quickly in touch and discussed options with me.