Barbara Bush in failing health, won't seek further treatment

Barbara Bush, the 92-year-old former first lady of the US, is in failing health and will not seek further medical care beyond "comfort care" at home, a family spokesman said.

The wife of former President George H.W. Bush has been suffering from a chronic pulmonary obstruction that has affected her cardiac capacity.

After several recent hospitalizations, the former first lady has decided to focus on "comfort care" instead of additional treatment, the family's statement said on Sunday.

"It will not surprise those who know her that Barbara Bush has been a rock in the face of her failing health, worrying not for herself - thanks to her abiding faith -- but for others," according to the statement cited by the US media.

"She is surrounded by a family she adores, and appreciates the many kind messages and especially the prayers she is receiving," it said.

Barbara Bush is being cared for at her home in Houston and her husband, daughter Doro along with sons Marvin and Neil are with her. Her other sons, former President George W. Bush and former Governor Jeb Bush, have been in and out visiting her the past week.

US President Donald Trump did not send wishes to the ailing former first lady, but Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen said "they were praying for Barbara Bush and the entire Bush family".

Barbara Bush is the only woman to have seen both her husband and son sworn in as US President. She is not, however, the only woman to have been both wife and mother of Presidents.

Abigail Adams was married to the second US President, John Adams, and was the mother of the sixth, John Quincy Adams.

--IANS

soni/mr