Dustin Milligan Recalls Holding His Dad’s Hand in the Final Moments Before He Ended His Life with MAID: ‘One Last Gift’

Dustin Milligan, known for his role in the popular television series “Schitt’s Creek,” recently opened up about his deeply personal experience of caring for his father during a challenging battle with dementia. In a moving Instagram post, Milligan reflected on the privilege he felt in supporting his father, who ultimately chose to utilise medical aid in dying (MAiD) as his condition progressed.

The actor, who portrayed the kind-hearted vet Ted Mullens in the acclaimed show, shared a poignant throwback photograph of his father from his youth, demonstrating their close bond. Alongside this image, Milligan recounted the emotional journey they undertook together as his father’s dementia diagnosis unfolded. He revealed the reality of the situation began to set in three years prior, marked by troubling signs such as confusion and lapses in memory that he initially thought were merely part of the ageing process.

Recognising these changes, both father and son took proactive steps to address the issue. Milligan described the experience as surreal, noting how they came to terms with the fact that his father’s cognitive decline was permanent. He provided insight into his father’s character, describing him as a physicist and philosopher who faced his deteriorating condition not with anger or denial, but with a sense of curiosity and acceptance.

Reflecting on their candid conversations, Milligan highlighted how open and honest dialogue became the foundation of their relationship as they navigated this difficult path. “He told me he wanted to go on his own terms, using MAiD,” Milligan explained. This choice stemmed from his father’s desire to avoid reaching a point where he could no longer care for himself or recognise his family. “I understood,” Milligan wrote, acknowledging the profound bond they shared in those moments.

As his father’s health declined, Milligan took on an increasingly active role in his care, preparing meals and assisting him with daily tasks as his dexterity worsened. The two found solace in music, often communicating through harmonica playing, a cherished activity that transcended the challenges posed by language loss. For Milligan, this experience of caregiving was not simply a duty but a “gift,” allowing him to serve as both advocate and son during his father’s final years.

As the inevitable approached, Milligan’s father remained steadfast in his decision regarding MAiD. The actor described how his father, resolute and clear about his wishes, expressed an understanding of the implications of his choice. “He didn’t want to suffer any further. He knew what he wanted,” Milligan noted, recognising the clarity and strength his father exhibited in the face of terminal illness.

In the final moments of his father’s life, Milligan was present, holding his hand tightly as he passed away. “We sat together, side by side, when he spoke his last words: ‘Hold onto me. Hold on tight,’” he reminisced, showcasing the emotional weight of that encounter. His father’s grip loosened as the procedure began, and Milligan expressed a bittersweet mixture of grief and gratitude for having shared that intimate farewell.

Concluding his heartfelt tribute, Milligan encouraged readers to reflect on the lessons learnt from his father’s choices. “Now I learn to do the same. One last gift,” he wrote, embracing the significance of letting go while honouring the memory of a remarkable man. Through sharing this deeply personal experience, Dustin Milligan has opened a dialogue about the complexities of caregiving and the choices faced by families dealing with dementia, providing both perspective and poignancy during an often-stigmatized discussion.