My grandma recently went on hospice and in the initial hospice visit the nurse said they would put in to get a hospital bed/commode but when the second nurse came out my grandma said she didn't need this stuff when asked again. (grandma is stubborn)
The nurse told my dad because she is cognitive she has to be the one to request these items! I thought hospice was to support patient and family/caregiver with patient needs? Does anyone know how to deal with this? As these items Are truly needed or my dad will not be able to care for grandma at home
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Yes, hospice is there to help and support the family and to care for the loved one in their last phase of life but they won't force items on anyone who is competent to make decisions about their own healthcare.
And while I know you didn't ask about this having a hospital bed is essential because eventually (and soon, if you have hospice for your grandma) your grandma will no longer be able to walk. She will need to be fed. She will need to be changed. Her sheets will need to be changed. A hospital bed, as you know, is adjustable and will allow your caregivers to better care for your grandma (and easier too). It had rails which will protect your grandma from being able to swing her legs off the side of the bed, thinking she's going to get up and walk (once she becomes immobile). Everyone I've ever seen on hospice has done this, gotten themselves sitting up and tried to swing their legs over the side of the bed. Rails on the bed prevent this. Plus, it's uncomfortable to lay in bed all day day after day. A hospital bed is adjustable for the head, neck, back, and legs. Eventually your grandma may be catheterized and the cath bag hangs off the bed, off the floor.
I hope you can talk your grandma into getting a hospital bed. She may not need one today but she will need one and it's better to have it and not need it then to need it and have to order it.
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