Guest guest Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 I won't get into the things that have transpired with my mom and hospitals, but there are 2 magic words that will change everything: " Recipient Rights " . In reply to ANY such discussions that are hurtful to your dad, a stony stare and the reply, " I would like a private discussion with [your supervisor/patient care advocate/whomever] regarding Recipient Rights. " You will not have to say anything else, they will " get it " . Familiarize yourself with the RR laws - not difficult - and don't be afraid to use your knowledge of them. Seriously. -- His, Sherry daughter/guardian of , dx 4/09 with LBD, living in a nearby NH > Dad hasn't been well recently and a trip to our family doctor today turned into a recommendation to go to hospital. Turns out he has 'lobar pneumonia' and is now in hospital for the next week or so (including his 78th birthday on Christmas Day) on an IV of penicillin and erythromycin. Has anyone had experience with this? > > A very long and trying day, particularly when the hospital's aged care woman came over and said the family needs to discuss the future including decisions as to whether or not Dad should be rescuscitated etc - all within earshot of Dad who has been very cognicant since starting on Aricept recently. So highly inappropriate on so many levels. Dad is nowhere near being at that point and even if he was, time and place. > > Thanks, Tania. > (daughter and co-caregiver of Barry, dx with LBD May 2011 and then changed to probable PDD December 2011). > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Tania, There's a reason that pneumonia is sometimes called " the old man's friend. " And many of our LOs have chosen to, if given the chance, not allow (or make) themselves go through the later stages of this disease. Some would, again if given the chance, like to make a graceful exit before getting into the middle stages. Does your dad have a living will/medical directive? If not, it is something you should pursue as soon as your dad is well enough to discuss it. In it, your dad (if still cognizant enough) can detail what he wants done at what times and under what circumstances. He may even explain in the document why he makes the decisions he does. Then he should discuss his decisions with his family. And prolonging life no matter what is sometimes chosen, but so is " no treatment " for some illnesses and circumstances. My mother even has in her directive that, if she has dementia (which of course she does), she does not want any illness treated except for comfort care. Yet, I failed her twice in honoring her wishes because I panicked and brought her to the ER. Please understand that, in the absence of a living will/medical directive (if there is one), medical personnel are almost obligated to bring this up. Granted she could have chosen a better time and place, and she obviously hadn't gauged her audience very well. But when someone has dementia and doesn't have a living will, I consider it a kindness to ask the family and allow them to consider what the patient would want, knowing they have a dementia that is likely to, eventually, turn your world upside down. Try to understand that the nurse was trying to ask a delicate question that offered an option many patients and their families decide to take. She was trying to do you a kindness, but evidently was somewhat clumsy in her approach. Kathy > ** > > > Dad hasn't been well recently and a trip to our family doctor today turned > into a recommendation to go to hospital. Turns out he has 'lobar pneumonia' > and is now in hospital for the next week or so (including his 78th birthday > on Christmas Day) on an IV of penicillin and erythromycin. Has anyone had > experience with this? > > A very long and trying day, particularly when the hospital's aged care > woman came over and said the family needs to discuss the future including > decisions as to whether or not Dad should be rescuscitated etc - all within > earshot of Dad who has been very cognicant since starting on Aricept > recently. So highly inappropriate on so many levels. Dad is nowhere near > being at that point and even if he was, time and place. > > Thanks, Tania. > (daughter and co-caregiver of Barry, dx with LBD May 2011 and then changed > to probable PDD December 2011). > > > -- Kate Knapp, OIT University of Minnesota You were born with certain gifts and talents. In kindergarten you were taught to share. The world needs all of the gifts it can get. Don’t be shy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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