This has been such a long almost 5 years. My Dad 100 - 101 end of March is on hospice but they only tried morphine once 1/2 dose for some difficult breathing - he has CHF - did not help that much only made him cough more and spit up blood tinged mucus. His own inhaler helps him best. This week he is very weak on his legs - still toileting on his own while hospice nurse was here. She doesn’t do much. She said oh he is very independent. He planned to have dinner this PM but by evening he only wanted to go to bed so that’s what he did.My father admits he is tired and weak. More confused, coughing more with mucus accumulation in throat, can’t see (complaining about poor lighting for which it is not) wants lights on during day and thermostat at 90 which I can only tolerate 75 and even that’s a bit much, hard of hearing dispute hearing aids and he thinks he will be able to make it to spinal clinic appt for injection referred back as he had gotten them there before - as recommended by orthopedic appt last week at which he told doc he had two buttocks on one side and the other side was blank (boy I had a hard time keeping my composure on that one!). . If he falls my only option would be to call 911 and then the hospital could send to rehab. I know hospice says no 911 calls - wants me to call them. But I can’t take this anymore and am feeling anxious about all of this and the potential of whether or not he will pass soon.PS - So glad Brother visited today and agreed too - we talked while Dad was in bathroom.
Many hospices have facilities for respite care. You should qualify for a certain number of respite care days. I think my dad qualified for 5 days out of every 60 or something like that.
Hospice helps the caregiver as much as the person.
If he falls, the hospice should send someone to do the lift assist. They will also call 911 if justified, such as if he gets cuts and is bleeding or hit his head.
I Agree that it is an overwhelming situation. Hard to think about anything else when dealing with this. Best wishes for peace to you all.
All this to say your Dad could also have a stroke and still not pass so please come to peace with hospice doing what hospice does best. Don't hesitate to authorize the meds for pain and comfort. My Aunt would never have made it through rehab and was going to require a feeding tube, which is very undesireable for many reasons.
I would not take him out to any more medical appointments. You can tell him a therapeutic fib, that the appointment got cancelled and you'll need to reschedule it. I wish you peace in your heart as the journey with him concludes.
Quick thoughts:
If he falls and needs picking up, can you call your non-emergency police/fire dispatch line? In my county the fire department will come get someone off the floor. Whatever you do DO NOT try lifting him yourself and risk injuring yourself!
Could you keep the thermostat at a more sensible temperature and bump up the heat in the room he’s in with a space heater?
Congrats on keeping a straight face regarding dad’s very unique buttock situation! 😉