My mom is 83, in nursing home since December 2018 with Chronic Heart Failure (CHF), moderate dementia and COPD.
Last week she had a bad few days with declining health, weakness and confusion. We were told to call in hospice as it was time to look into the bridge to hospice program.
After her evaluation, which happened after being treated for a touch of pneumonia in which she was doing much better, it was recommended that she go into full/regular hospice.
We asked lots of questions and agreed since the “professionals” deemed this the best choice.
Yesterday hospice called and said they wanted to stop all blood testing on mom. This means if she gets a touch of pneumonia again it will not be treated but allowed to progress while she is doped up, until it kills her. They said if she were to fall and break a bone they would not set it, just drug her for the pain... I am having real moral issues with this.
My fellow caregivers and daughters and sons, is this normal? Am I supposed to be ok with this? I feel like taking away basic medical care is very close to assisted suicide or even murder. Am I wrong?
I appreciate any advice or insight you all have. I know there is a ton of wisdom here and I’ve always counted on you all in the past so thanks in advance.
(FYI, she is on Medicaid if that matters)
God bless you.
(((hugs)))
Do you realize that those at end of life without hospice die in pain, substantial pain.