We were advised that Hospice would manage the diagnosed life ending illness. In our case that was Parkinson's. We were also advised that Hospice would not manage or be involved in non life ending diseases like diabetes
Suddenly Hospice has advised that the diabetic meds would cease and there would be no more blood monitoring. This seems contrary to the original parameters. Does this make sense? Has anyone had a similar experience?
‘Some people live a long time while on hospice and some diabetics feel awful when their glucose isn’t controlled.
To me, they are out of their lane if this is not the meds they are responsible for.
Tell me why at the end of life with death near, you want to continue what is essentially an unnecessary medication? What do you think will happen exactly?
Accepting that your loved one is dying is difficult. It’s not your fault that your loved one is going to die in the near future.
And is he insulin dependent?
what an angel..
so, if you feel overwhelmed, with your situation, do look into a caregiver. One man came in. He was nice and all, but my husband was a big man. I needed someone a bit more stronger to maneuver him easier.
Before the caregiver, my husband was irritated. His body was shutting down, and I accidentally forgot the meds in sequence, and that is so important. He didn’t need to suffer from my mistakes.. it was hard.. at least with the caregiver there, I was not alone… I had the best help .
Hospice is good, but they are not there long enough. They are there for an hour or so, then gone…
hopefully with dignity.
You want to make sure they are comfortable.
The hospice team I had for my spouse had:
chaplain, musician, nurse, and a doctor, and once a week for someone to come in and wash him.
My friend said I needed more care than what hospice would provide. So she asked hospice for referral for a caregiver. This man came in, said good morning to me, and then directed all his attention to my husband. He could start by a quick bed bath, face wash, administer the medications on time and log it in. Oh what a difference!
I tried. I failed. This man did not skip a moment. The medications that gave him comfort and less pain were in sequence. He explained to me what my husband was going through, and why..
I wished I had known a week or so prior to when my friend said I needed a man to help care for my husband. He turned him, cleaned him changed him . He was so peaceful. I did not know how to do these things with grace and ease. I cannot thank his gentleman enough. Hy husband was in good care and peace. The caregiver just gave me an extra layer of help that I didn’t know I needed. What a blessing.
If you feel overwhelmed, hire a caregiver to come in for a few hours a few days a week.
yes, it was out of pocket pay.. but we needed it. I didn’t realize it.
I wished I had known sooner about buying an extra layer of caregiving. He would have been comfortable during this whole process. It was way too much for me. I thought I was doing ok… hindsight..NOPE. I tried, but I wasn’t trained.
But then, Hospice discontinued his diabetes meds without discussing with me. I am POA. That rubbed me the wrong way. It's hard not to see this in a negative light.
I feel that family would blame me for his death if I stop the diabetic meds after he has been on them for over 30 years. An abrupt stop does not seem kind or reasonable to me. As I see it, at the least, a consultation was in order.
This is not easy.
I found this online - from just a random Hospice Service:
"Patients with Type 2 diabetes in hospice care will have their medication reviewed and they may be able to stop taking insulin as high blood sugar at end of life will not cause additional complications, and low blood sugar symptoms caused by continuing to take insulin can cause additional discomfort".
I would want someone senior in the Hospice Co to explain exactly what they are suggesting & why. To explain how it will effect my LO & to explain it in a way I could understand.