I am 81, in constant chronic pain due to Avascular Necrosis, have diabetes, aortic stenosis, congestive heart failure and A Fib., I am also a post liver transplant. My husband died 18 mos ago and I live alone. I want to know more about in home pallative care levels and if I am eligible. I get around by using 2 canes, or a rollator, some days a wheelchair. I am on pain meds. as well as insulin and anti rejection meds. My dr. thinks I am asking for full hospice care, (no I don't want that) and says because I have more than 6 mos. to live, he won't recommend any palliative care services for me.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/levels-of-hospice-care-1132297
Levels of Hospice Care as Defined by Medicare:
"Medicare defines four distinct levels of hospice care. This provides goods and services to allow you and your family to stay together in the comfort of your home, unless you need care in an inpatient facility, for the duration of your terminal illness".
*In order to qualify for hospice care, the patient's doctor, and often a hospice doctor as well, must determine that the patient is terminally ill, with a life expectancy of six months or less; the decision to treat someone at a higher level of care falls to the hospice physician".
(Check out the 4 steps in detail at the site).
Good luck.
It sounds as though your doctor doesn't know much about palliative care, which would not be unusual. Can you call your nearest teaching hospital and speak to the Palliative Care department?
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/palliative-care-what-is-it-and-how-is-it-different-from-hospice-197744.htm
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/palliative-care-how-it-can-help-your-aging-parent-achieve-quality-of-life-136281.htm