93 yr old Mum is declining, falling, weak, unstable, loses her balance and short term memory loss, and many aches and pains. Won't take any meds. She is sleeping more and more the past few weeks. Gets out of bed to eat, though very little. She is in a ALF but needs more care than they can provide. I'm looking into SNF's, but is that the right answer? How do you know when it's time for hospice? Maybe they can keep her comfortable?
Hospice does not provide 24/7 hands on care. There will be a Nurse that will come in weekly, A CNA that will come in a few times a week but they will not be there all the time. And a person has to qualify for Hospice. Now she might so it does not hurt to get an evaluation. Even if she does not qualify now it might be a matter of a week, month before she would. If there is anyone on this site that is Pro Hospice it would be me. I loved my Hospice team, I could not have done what I did for my Husband without their help. I feel that far too many people do not take advantage of the services of Hospice so PLEASE call. They will do every thing they can to help keep her comfortable but they do have to work within the guidelines set up by Medicare.
There is always the option of her (or you) hiring an additional aide or companion to assist her. You would have to check with the facility to determine what the "rules" are for that.
Is she against them on principle? Does she think that someone is trying to poison her?
I'm 65, and I ache all over! If I didn't take some Ibuprofen every morning, I'd be miserable!
What are her physical ailments? She'd only be eligible for hospice if she has something life limiting (although that can be open to interpretation, apparently).
But if she won't take meds, how do you propose that they keep her comfortable?