One of Millions Continued Part 3

Pushpa, besides being diabetic, was taking many medications. She relied and depended on "the one she trusted"(TOST) to organize and supervise her medications, including her insulin. Being diabetic, proper nutrition in a timely manner was essential in order to prevent her blood sugar from fluctuating.

On countless occasions at home, Pushpa would have hypoglycemic episodes. No one cared enough to notice, until she would become severely disoriented and her condition deteriorated to the point where it would be necessary for the paramedics to attend to her. Sometimes, they would be able to stabilize her blood sugar and at other times she would be rushed to the hospital.

What is intriguing and perplexing is the fact that as ill as Pushpa was, when she was admitted for months at a time into hospital and care homes, such hypoglycemic episodes would rarely ever occur. Yet, why was it that after she had completely recovered enough to return to her own home, Pushpa would start having frequent hypoglycemic episodes? Her general condition would rapidly deteriorate and typically, Pushpa was hospitalized again within weeks of returning home.

During Pushpa's extended stays in hospitals and residential care homes, Pushpa's basic needs were taken care of. She was bathed, cleaned, and attended to as needed. Pushpa's medications were administered regularly and in a timely manner, including her insulin. There was always a t.v. for entertainment and Pushpa was free to converse with nurses and staff whenever they had some free time to chat. All of Pushpa’s needs were met in a caring humane manner, yet Pushpa yearned and looked forward to going home. Such thoughts and behaviors are classic characteristics of victims of elder abuse. Again, a bad home and family was better than no home and no family.

Meanwhile, TOST was busy convincing Pushpa’s other kin that TOST was afraid that Pushpa’s condition was grave. TOST was insistent that if they wished to see her one last time, they should come and visit as soon as possible. TOST made it seem as though Pushpa’s condition was critical and that poor Pushpa did not have much time left.

“Oh what a tangled web we weave
When first we practice to deceive.”
- Sir Walter Scott (Marmion, 1808)

What was it that “the one she trusted”(TOST) knew about Pushpa’s health and future that everyone else was not aware of, including the doctors?

To be continued...