At what point in time or how the discussion / decision for palliative care comes into play? My father refuses showers and meds; this is causing severe infections. He is at a recovery center now after a 1 month stay at the hospital, which means they cannot force him to do anything. He has cognitive challenges which has increased his push back as his timeline of events are askew and he states he just got this medication or just took a shower. Nursing staff and I have talked to him multiple times, attempted redirect and nothing works.
Any insight would be extremally appreciated.
Other than a specific program (that as far I've been able to ascertain has zero actual benefits) palliative care is a philosophy of accepting that the time for life extending treatments is over, so any medical interventions are focused on symptom management and the best quality of life possible within that framework. In my opinion there is no need to take any steps to formalize this, you simply make it your priority when making medical decisions.
Time to discuss with the doctor and do enlist the help of social workers soon as you can.
right now I am trying to figure out what I can do to help him one way or another, this fighting for everything is draining when all we are trying to do is help him.