Home Safe: A Memoir of End-Of-Life Care During Covid-19

A family helps a father die with dignity during a pandemic lockdown by reconciling social distancing with family-based end-of-life care, including dance parties, emotional goodbyes, and laughter.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2022
Publisher: Dundurn Group Ltd

In the midst of a pandemic-enforced lockdown, a family embarked on a unique journey, blending the challenges of social distancing with the delicate task of providing end-of-life care for their beloved father. Faced with the devastating diagnosis of a rare and terminal cancer, journalist Mitchell Consky and his extended family, many of whom were healthcare workers, found themselves navigating a delicate balance between the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the desire to honor their father's wishes for a dignified death.

To create a haven of comfort and support during this challenging time, Mitchell and his family decided to establish a home hospice. Within the confines of their home, amidst the flurry of medication and treatments, life took on an unexpected rhythm. Dance parties, episodes of the popular Netflix series "Tiger King," and his father's witty and deadpan humor filled the air, providing moments of levity and respite amidst the chaos.

Mitchell, driven by his journalistic instincts, embarked on a daily mission to document his father's final days. He recorded intimate conversations, capturing the emotional farewells, heartfelt expressions of love, and the unexpected laughter that illuminated his father's final moments. These interviews served as a powerful catalyst for fatherly affection, offering a platform for emotional confession during the slowed-down pace of a shuttered world. They shed light on the extraordinary lengths a family would go to ensure their loved one felt safe and cherished in the comfort of their own home.

Through this extraordinary journey, Mitchell and his family not only provided their father with the best possible care but also created a cherished memory bank that will forever hold a special place in their hearts. Their story serves as a testament to the resilience and love of families in times of adversity, reminding us of the power of compassion and the importance of cherishing every precious moment with those we hold dear.

Weight: 190g
Dimension: 127 x 177 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781459750272