What should I do? (Patient rights and religious freedom) [View All]

[Lost in CT]

My Father has spent the last few weeks in a hospital ward due to issues dealing with dementia. He is getting his medications adjusted and I have been visiting him twice a day.

So I go in to spend time with him today and he has fucking ashes on his forehead. (as do all the other patients)

Now my father is a very strong atheist. We checked the box that said no priest visits when we checked him in. His book collection looks like the Christopher Hitchens research library. Due to his current condition he is subdued and unable to protest. But the man I know wouldn't allow a priest within 20 yards of his room (outside of Father Ted).

I myself am more religious than my father but I respect his rights to his views and this really pisses me off to no end.

I realize it is a Catholic Hospital but our background is Scots Irish Anglicans so needless to say under no circumstances would he celebrate Ash Wednesday.

I wanted to create a fuss this afternoon during my visit but I worry about effecting his quality of care. We have only three hours a day to visit and we have to trust that the staff is taking care of the man we love during the other 21 hours.

Any advice on whether to leave this matter alone or contact someone would be appreciated.