My mother has been in memory care since September. She is 96. She has COPD and dementia. She is on hospice because of the COPD. Today she fell and broke her hip. She is in excruciating pain despite the morphine, and occasionally yells , “Help, Help!” Which is unbearable to listen to. They are slowly increasing her morphine. The hospice nurse said if she went to ER they would likely just send her back and tell them to adjust meds. My brother, who lives out of state, feels she should go to the hospital, and be x-rayed and maybe they could set it or do something more. I would like any advice. If she goes to the hospital her hospice would need to be terminated and I think that would be a very bad thing. I assume this will do her in, but does anyone have any other experience?
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Even 96 year olds have a chance of surviving surgery but the COPD would make that unlikely.
I would agree that the meds should be increased till she is pain free even if this causes her to be unresponsive. encourage hospice to add Adivan if she seems agitated. She will likely not take anything to eat or drink but this is the pattern at end of life and does not increase suffering. Some say it increases endorphins which are natural pain relievers. Mom's journey on this earth will end soon so make it as comfortable as possible. give everyone a chance to say their good byes if they wish and tell he everything you want her to know even if she is sedated. Blessings
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Going to the hospital in an ambulance is going to be much more excruciating. In all honesty, I would ask hospice to increase the morphine so that she is not in pain, even if it depresses her breathing.
You are facing choices here that are "bad" "more bad" and "worst". I was in a less terrible situation with my mom 7 months ago and opted for "no pain, no grimace on her face I don't care where the pain is coming from, please make it not hurt her anymore".
Does that make any sense to you?