A hospice nurse weighing in on the tragic reality of Gene Hackman’s death has highlighted the crucial importance of a « support system ». The 95-year-old silver screen star along with his 65-year-old wife were found deceased in separate rooms of their Santa Fe residence back in February.
While Arakawa succumbed to the rare rodent-borne hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), Hackman’s life was claimed by coronary artery disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s thought to be a contributing factor, the BBC has reported. Tragically, one of the couple’s dogs was also found dead. Julie McFadden, known for her informative Hospice Nurse Julie channel on YouTube, commented on the heart-rending incident, having witnessed similar situations through her professional experience.
She said: « This is a tragic, tragic ending. Now, the reason why I bring it up is because I see this so often on hospice. »
She further elaborated on the immense challenges faced when a solitary caregiver is elderly and ailing themselves, stating: « Now, thankfully, I don’t see a lot of people dying because of this, but I see when there is one caregiver, who is trying to care for someone who is also elderly and sick themselves. »
McFadden then highlighted the perils of lacking a solid familial support network leading to such devastations, clarifying her stance: « When a family doesn’t have a support system, this is the kind of tragedy that can happen. And I am not victim-blaming here. I’m not blaming Betsy or blaming Gene or blaming the family. »
She emphasised that there was « no blame here » and used the incident as a teaching moment to show people that a caregiver can’t be the « only one ». Julie provided a number of practical tips for anyone in similar situations or who may find themselves in such a situation one day.
Julie advised ensuring that at least one person checks up on you at least once a week, particularly if you’re unwell. She added that it could be as simple as a phone call, but you need a point of contact with someone outside your home.
Furthermore, Julie suggested asking someone to occasionally take over the care of the individual to give yourself a break; this could be monthly, bi-monthly or weekly. Alternatively, she recommended speaking to a social worker for advice on getting out of the house now and then.
She underscored the importance of striving to « get as much community around us » as possible, suggesting it’s a « call for all of us » to reach out to others. Julie added that we must ask for help and support others.
The NHS states that there are various support options available for those with care and support needs, including paid carers, meals at home, home adaptations, gadgets and equipment, and housing options like care homes.
You can access an NHS guide via the website here. If you’re looking after somebody with dementia, visit the website here.
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