Hello. A resident of the assisted-living facility where my mom lives died suddenly today. My sister was there and observed everything and helped with summoning aid. Some other residents also saw what was going on, and all the staff were involved in life-saving efforts. Has this happened to you (as a caregiver) or a family member (as a care recipient) ("this" meaning seeing someone die suddenly and unexpectedly)? If yes, were you or the family member able to cope with the shock?
Sister said today that she is doing okay. She said that she was relieved to learn that the person who died had had a heart attack, not a choking incident; and that our mom doesn't seem to remember the death.
Facility activities yesterday included (1) an already planned outing to a nearby cafe and (2) banana splits for dessert at the facility (delayed from the day before, when the death occurred).
Surely, as an adult, you have passed many accidents. It is almost "human nature" to be fascinated with looking for/at the injured, and traffic is often slowed to standstill by our curiosity. You were shocked by something that, sadly, in this setting, isn't all that new or shocking to residents or staff. But your mind will work its away around understanding that you witnessed the chaos of something completely unexpected at the time, but understandable when thought on.
If you continue to worry this in your mind, and it distresses you, think of a few sessions with a good Cognitive therapist, who will help you work through your feelings.
"Doc", a long-time resident, had apparently choked on his food right in front of the other guests at his table (not family members). The poor staff was in grief and shock as he was very beloved. My hubs and I were just grateful that my MIL's neck and back was bad enough so that she couldn't turn around to see it unfold, and her hearing was bad enough that she didn't hear it, either. She was just looking at the musician and enjoying the music. She was the only one enjoying it. I think it would have been far worse for us had she seen it and been affected by it.
Hanging out with the LTC residents means that anything can happen to any of them at any time. I'm so sorry for your distressing experience. May you receive peace in your heart as you work through the shock.
I personally would not be shocked about an elderly person dying suddenly in assisted living . Lethal heart attacks or strokes can be sudden and quick . My mother died suddenly in AL sitting in her chair in her room . The staff found her already deceased .
My husband was recently on an airplane when an elderly passenger died . It didn’t even make it on the news .
Large cruise ships have actual morgues due to the fact that elderly people die suddenly ( often overnight in bed ) on cruises .