Hello. I'm new to this website. On June 4, 2010, my father suffered cardiac arrest. Through many twists of fate, divine intervention and overall good luck, he survived his bout with ventricular fibrillation after 3 minutes of unconsciousness.
He remained unconscious for about 18 hours after the cardiac arrest. he suffered short term memory loss in the first few days but that improved significantly to about 80-90% before his bypass surgery. He had his triple bypass on June 11 and was discharged on June 15. he is now home with my mother and grandmother (my parents care for my grandmother). Also important to note, my mother suffered an episode of Broken Heart syndrome as a result of the cardiac arrest my father experienced. My mother, grandmother, my 2 kids and I were there when it happened (thank God!). His memory seems to be intact since the surgery, but he is very uncomfortable and very sad. I see it in his eyes, it's all so overwhelming for him, for my mom, for everyone.
I offer all the background because I need advice please. I feel this is too much for my mother to do on her own, especially with her heart in a weakened state. I also do not think having a bunch of people in and out is good for my father who needs predictability, peace and quiet. I fear that everyone is making emotional decisions about his care rather than logical, we are just too close to the situation.
As a sidenote, my 92 year old grandmother who lives in the home is fairly mobile but requires assistance for meals, showers, and general companionship.
From those who have been there, or have experience with this, is it best to hire a nurse/assistant 8 hours a day, or for around the clock care? Or would my father be best served by having family on rotation? Is having kids around a way to keep things positive or too much commotion for the trauma my father has been through?
Your advice is greatly appreciated. We are blessed to have my father and mother still with us. But I really feel like there is more to do to ensure their full recovery. I trust the advice most from those who have been through it or seen it first hand.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!!
