I mentioned before that NH's social worker called to suggest that Dad get hospice services. I was shocked as Dad isn't ready to die and though he is thin and not eating well enough, he is not on his death bed.

The hospice worker told me that they would give him extra care on top of the nh but they would not give him more medicine than is necessary and would restrict what he's given.

Does this mean that they would stop his Parkinsons, AD and insulin? What would happen if he had a heart attack? Would they allow him to go to the hospital for life saving measures in that case?

mda,
sorry, I tried to find all that great info on hospices that was
posted here a couple of weeks ago, but then I had to run out
to visit my Dad. I will look now and try to bring it to the
top. No, they wouldn't stop any meds for the Parkinsons,
diabetes or AD. And, if he had a heart attack, they'd
take him to the hospital and treat him. I think what
they mostly go by is his "admitting" diagnosis, which
would be AD I'm assuming? So if you were to "seek a
cure" for his AD, then he would no longer qualify;
I asked all the same questions you're asking; I asked
the hospice nurse, "what if my Dad were to get pneumonia?"
She assured me he'd be TREATED for that; I guess if I
put it this way it might explain more: if a patient had
cancer, and that patient were receiving chemotherapy to
try to eradicate the cancer, then that patient (at that
time) wouldn't qualify for hospice, because a CURE is
being sought. But if after chemo, the patient still
had the cancer and no more life-saving measures were
going to be take (for the cancer) then the patient would
qualify; I hope I'm helping you here; don't worry, the
hospice will (and SHOULD) answer ALL of your questions.
Write them down maybe, so you're sure not to forget any-
thing. And, if you decide you don't want it right now
for your loved one, thats your right also. No one can
MAKE you accept hospice for your LO. I'm going to try
now to find that hospice stuff; you can also search
at the top of the page where it says "find." Punch
in "hospice" and I'm sure you'll find plenty; but
keep an eye out for the stuff I'll pull to the top.
Take care!!

Hey Mdamom,

Each Hospice has different criteria and procedures. Good first step would be to meet with Hospice Social worker who will explain benefits etc in great detail.

Nancy (matnet) had great advise (she always does) as far as meds go.

Our hospice services are as follows......
1.RN 2x week, more often if requested
2.CNA 3x per week, more often if requested
3.Social Worker 1x per week to act as a liason between the family and patient and Nursing Home Facility.
4.Pastoral Visits 2x per week.
5.Any medical supplies or prescriptions directly relating to her diagnosis. Even Depends are now covered.

I have been all alone on this journey with my sweet Mamaw. No family, no friends no support whatsoever. I am so relieved to have someone else seeing Mamaw. She has been in the AD unit of the NH since August and has had no other visitors besides me. Now someone is looking in on her (besides me) everyday.

Lots of Hospice info out here. Click on find, enter Hospice and you will find tons of stuff.
Don't be afraid to ask Hospice intake worked any questions. There really are no dumb questions and believe me these Hosice people have seen it all and done it all.

Sorry for you, I know this seems like the end. But that is not necessarily true. Will be thinking of you today.
Peace,
Dani

[quote]What would happen if he had a heart attack? Would they allow him to go to the hospital for life saving measures in that case?[/quote]

As Matnet4 says... it depends on what they cite as the reason for starting Hospice care. But before you sign anything make SURE you know what they ARE using for admitting criteria.

Also, most Hospice requires that a DNR be in place for the patient.

Another thing you might want to know is that YOU can choose whatever Hospice organization you want. The big ones usually have more resources than the smaller ones, though the smaller ones might be more consistent in having the same staff individuals for every visit. You can get references on Hospice care just as you can for any service you hire for any other purpose, though Hospice certainly is an "emotional buy" and often references aren't checked, but just as with any other service you pay for, quality of service and care can vary widely.