My Mom, 87 has advanced dementia, radiation colitis, high blood pressure and living in a memory care, assisted living facility. She has had 7 hospital admissions within the last 4 months since she has been at the care facility, 6 in which she had partial blockage that were passed with IV fluids. Hospital said due to the radiation to her intestine 18 years ago for colon cancer she will live with chronic colitis and the hospital visits most likely will continue. Nursing director from the care facility mentioned that I should speak with her doctor about Hospice Care. I do not feel my Mom is at that point. She eats, participates with others at times when she is up to it, has the will, functions somewhat independently with some assistance and monitoring by the staff and myself. Any input as to why they want to have Hospice at this point when I was not told by her doctor that she was at the end of life?
I can’t help but to think your mother may be tired of it all. I don’t know what procedures she has had but that is a lot of trips to the hospital and poking and prodding for an elderly woman. I hope she tolerates all those stressors.
However, I would have a heart to heart & a come to Jesus discussion with her PCP, or whichever provider knows her best. Talk about your mother’s prognosis and quality of life going forward and when exactly you are willing to let her go. It sounds like you are having a problem with your mother’s decline. If one of the nurses broached Hospice for your mother, her providers have probably discussed this amongst themselves already.
Chronic gastritis and all her GI inflammation from mechanical procedures increases risk for a GI bleed. The family should talk about what to do if this happens as the treatment will cause more harm than good and could be futile.
Wishing you the best outcome.
Hospice is usually used when there are six months or fewer to live. I agree, it does not sound like your mom is to that point yet. Some are on hospice for years prior to death. Some will no longer need hospice and will be better until they are accepted again.
Hospice does offer additional services that mom's facility may think would benefit her. Maybe that is what they are after, hospice services are paid for by Medicare and their services also helpful to the facility.