"Supporting our mother through VAD"

Our mother decided she wished to go through the VAD process, which was consistent with her long held perspective that she didn’t want to hang on to the end.

We contacted the VAD center on the behalf of our mother (as guardians) and found that they were immediately responsive. The visit from the primary doctor happened in 2 days, and he took our mother very patiently and clearly through the VAD process; and carefully asked if this is what she wanted. Our mother felt comfortable with the doctor, as some one she could trust and who would act in her self interest.

Alongside the doctor was a facilitator, our primary contact through out the whole process. She was excellent - always following up promptly in setting up the next step and in responding to any questions that arose between visits quickly and thoughtfully.

The whole process took 10 business days and worked like clock work. The second confirming doctor was also excellent. She listened carefully to my mother, also gaining trust.

The final day happened as expected and our mother was grateful to no longer have to endure the pain and her many incapacities. We were also grateful as it provided a focused time to spend with our mother at the end and to support her in her wishes.