My mother passed away on February 9, 2011, at a small nursing home in our area. The rooms in the nursing home are housed by TWO residents. My mom's room consisted of two single beds, two dressers, and two night tables. There were no chairs as there was not enough space. When my mom began to show signs that she was going to be leaving us soon the nurse had her moved to the respite room as there was no in for respite at the time. My sisters and I spent the day and night with mom and she passed away the next day. We were able to share stories, we laughed, we cried and we had mom's favourite music playing. Mom's passing was very peaceful and a beautiful, spiritual experience. This special time we were able to spend with mom will be forever with us and meant so much to us. However, things may not have turned out this way as the nurse informed us the morning of mom's passing that they in fact had somebody coming in for respite the next day and that my mom would have to be moved back to her shared room the following morning. Although I understood I was devestated to hear this news. I sometimes wonder if mom knew that she was going to be moved back to her shared room as within 1/2 of the nurse telling us this information mom passed away.
I am looking for support to have the Nova Scotia Government mandate that all nursing homes in the Province of Nova Scotia, without private rooms, have an end of life room set aside for residents and their families so they have a private place to spend their loved one’s last hours/days. So the families can share memories, laugh or cry and be with their loved ones as they take their last breath. Please note there is also a facebook support group which you can joing as well. Just search for SUPPORT FOR END OF LIFE ROOMS IN NS NURSING HOMES. Thank you all for your support!!
