Thanks. I will make sure his needs are met- have no doubt..:) This is the second go around with losing a parent to cancer but we had home hospice for that one.. thank you.
You will have to advocate for your father.no one needs to be in pain. There are other ways to give pain medication than IVs so he can go back to the NH and still have good pain control. There is a liquid morphine that can be given by mouth a few drops at a time and the Fentynal patch which provides continuous relief and is changed every 72 hours. if he complains of pain or you see non verbal signs immediately ask for medication if he has not had something in the past half hour. Do not take no for an answer and if you are told it is not time yet tell them to ask the Dr for an increase, Addiction is of no concern in the dying patient. Pain can become so severe that huge doses may be needed and should be given until the patient is comfortable. narcotics will cause drowsiness but you have to weight the need for pain relief against sleeping most of the time. God Bless
Thank you for the advice. It is much appreciated. I have signed the dnr. the pain from the cancer is already too much and hes on morphine every 4 hours. God bless all and thanks again..
Does he have a DNR (do not resuscitate) in place? If not, consider getting one completed and signed by his doctor. It means if his heart stops, they won't try to start it again. With his diagnosis, that's what I'd want for my parent. I watched hospital personnel try to restart the heart of an elderly woman when I worked in a hospital and it was pretty agonizing to watch. Lots of people and action. They were pounding on her chest. I would want a more peaceful passing for my loved one. My dad had a DNR when he had lung cancer and passed peacefully and really quickly in the skilled nursing part of the facility where he and my mom lived. He never had pain. From the time he had breathing difficulties, he was gone 90 minutes later. I hope I go that quickly when it's my time.
Personally, I'd get him back to the nursing home and let him pass away there. There would be less intervention and I assume he was there for a while and probably feels like it's more "home" than a hospital room with new providers would be. And also less expensive. But mostly more "peaceful" as a place to pass away. Others may feel differently...
It really depends on his current condition and how close to death he is. He probably would be most comfortable back in his NH if possible with hospice care or if there is one available a hospice facility. I do not expect the hospital will want him to occupy an acute bed for longer than a few days. hospice will also provide support for family members during this difficult time. may he soon find peace
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This is the second go around with losing a parent to cancer but we had home hospice for that one.. thank you.
God Bless
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Personally, I'd get him back to the nursing home and let him pass away there. There would be less intervention and I assume he was there for a while and probably feels like it's more "home" than a hospital room with new providers would be. And also less expensive. But mostly more "peaceful" as a place to pass away. Others may feel differently...
He probably would be most comfortable back in his NH if possible with hospice care or if there is one available a hospice facility. I do not expect the hospital will want him to occupy an acute bed for longer than a few days. hospice will also provide support for family members during this difficult time. may he soon find peace