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Any advice on when to call in Hospice? My FIL was at a lovely memory care unit, and was happy and well cared for there. He was declining in terms of mobility. He is 93 years old now. When he could no longer stand, even with help from the aides they sent him to the hospital. He was diagnosed with a UTI and was treated. He is now at a NH. They still have him on antibiotics. It's been three weeks now, and he has not gotten any better. His white cell count is still up. He cannot even sit on his own, not even in bed. Family members are not all in agreement. Some want to keep trying in the hopes he'll get well. I do not believe this is something that can happen in his condition at this age. I do not want him to suffer. When do you know it's time to call in Hospice?

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I'm sorry about your FIL. Just wondered if they have tried different antibiotics as certain ones don't always work. That has been my experience and we had to intervene with my aunt as she was not getting better and often at a rehab or NH they don't always stay on top of things. After changing antibiotics the UTI cleared up. Other than that, you can talk to the supervising nurse about having hospice come in for an evaluation. This is what I did when my mother was at a NH. The supervising nurse called hospice and I met with them; upon which an evaluation was done and she was placed on hospice at the NH.

If the NH isn't suggesting it, you often have to initiate this conversation. The hospice nurses are amazing at what they do and so well trained. Take care.
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It is time to at least have Hospice come out and do an evaluation. You contact his MD and ask if it is time. Sometimes Hospice says "not yet" but comes up with other solutions. Make the call.
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Thank you for your help. The NH doctor just said it was time to let nature take its course, but one family member wanted to try another round of tests and antibiotics, which they have done. He's had some major bleeding and the doctor said if this continues, he won't last more than a few days, and then it stops. Right now it's just one crisis after another. The family members are getting together for a talk about Hospice, and hopefully we can move forward with that from there. Thank you both.
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The patient's opinion is very important to Hospice. They will attempt to communicate with him and they will talk to the doctor. If Dad does not want more poking and prodding, respect his wishes.
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