Care Management ~ Eldercare Advocacy ~ Dementia Care

Dear Judie,

I’m Dad’s (88) guardian.  He’s forgetful and confused, and in skilled nursing with 24-hour private duty aides.  He enjoys activities with other residents in the nursing wing and also on the assisted living floor, eats voraciously, and talks with me on the phone every day.  He’s incontinent, but his caregivers take care of his toileting needs.  Yesterday the floor nurse asked me; “Why isn’t he on Hospice?”. Does my description sound like he needs Hospice care?

• Robert, PSL

Dear Robert,

No, it doesn’t. You need more information before you can make a decision of this magnitude. First, talk with the nursing administrator and ask for an explanation. Then explain your dilemma to Dad’s primary care physician and ask if he recommended Hospice care. If he did, ask him to explain his reasons. If he didn’t, ask him to help investigate why you received this recommendation and ask him to deliver a second opinion. If you don’t receive a satisfactory explanation, retain a Geriatric Care Manager for an independent assessment of Dad’s status and to make recommendations for his care.

Judie Rappaport, President & Founder
Preferred Lifestyle Services

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