A little more info is really needed to answer this properly. Do you have POA for the spouse that is dying? Or does this person still able to make decisions regarding their care? If so they are the one that the doctors, nursing staff should be following when it comes to decisions. Is the person with dementia listed on the HIPAA forms? If not the doctors, nurses and other staff should not be discussing the patient. Dos not matter if it is a spouse. If they are listed it might be a good idea to get that change How or in what way is this person interfering with care? They may be confused as to what is going on and is afraid for their loved one.
Could you describe what is happening in more detail, please? Interfering in what way? What is it that you feel the nursing staff don't understand? Where is the dying spouse being cared for, and who is now the main caregiver for the spouse with dementia?
I suspect this happens fairly often. Your question is a relevant one for all of us who have parents who are POA for each other. Time goes by, one or the other has a fall, a stroke or develops dementia. Of course the ill one may not think they are handicapped and that they know best. I know we have others who have posted saying their one elderly parent was not allowed treatment because the other parent or partner would interfere. Its a difficult situation for all concerned including the medical staff. Often the family doesn’t really understand in advance of the crisis. Sometimes the loved one in crisis was the caretaker of the one blocking the treatment. It can be very complicated. Hopefully in your case you are able to share information and give the medical staff what they need to treat your loved one.
There are nurses on this forum and CNAs. Pretty sure they need to know more info before they can answer this question.
Is the person dying on hospice? Are they at home or in an AL. How is nursing staff involved and why would they not be able to handle this situation. What is the Dementia patient doing to hinder dying patients care?
Do you have POA for the spouse that is dying? Or does this person still able to make decisions regarding their care? If so they are the one that the doctors, nursing staff should be following when it comes to decisions.
Is the person with dementia listed on the HIPAA forms? If not the doctors, nurses and other staff should not be discussing the patient. Dos not matter if it is a spouse. If they are listed it might be a good idea to get that change
How or in what way is this person interfering with care? They may be confused as to what is going on and is afraid for their loved one.
How is the spouse with dementia getting access to the nursing staff and interfering?
Are you POA for one or both of them?
Some more information would be helpful.
Your question is a relevant one for all of us who have parents who are POA for each other. Time goes by, one or the other has a fall, a stroke or develops dementia. Of course the ill one may not think they are handicapped and that they know best.
I know we have others who have posted saying their one elderly parent was not allowed treatment because the other parent or partner would interfere.
Its a difficult situation for all concerned including the medical staff.
Often the family doesn’t really understand in advance of the crisis.
Sometimes the loved one in crisis was the caretaker of the one blocking the treatment.
It can be very complicated.
Hopefully in your case you are able to share information and give the medical staff what they need to treat your loved one.
Is the person dying on hospice? Are they at home or in an AL. How is nursing staff involved and why would they not be able to handle this situation. What is the Dementia patient doing to hinder dying patients care?