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How do you determine when to call hospice rather than hospitalize?

Asked by nins  |  Oct 15, 2011

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Mother is in a board and care. Has not eaten a full meal in 3 days and is now not urinating. Bloodwork not in yet, Dr. has ordered antibiotic for urinary tract infection, but she hasn't been able to keep pill down. She is 91 and does not want to go to hospital.-it is Saturday morning and they wish me to take her this morning. Any advice?

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NancyH

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Oct 15, 2011

I guess I'd call hospice and ask them these questions. I know that hospice doesn't HAVE to be just for people that are dying, but that's the usual situation. It worries me that it sounds like her body is shutting down, but her doctor should have known that don't you think?

 
 

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vstefans

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Oct 15, 2011

This sounds acute enough that she should get to a regular doctor - probably an office visit rather than an ER trip would make sense, if only it were a weekday! Maybe she would go to an urgent care center or her regular doctor would have someone on call who could advise. Three days of poor intake and probable dehydration does not quite make the case for hospice.

 
 

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