Expert: Paula Damgaard - 4/20/2005

Question
---Paula,
This isn't really a follow up question, but it did not fit into the category of thank and rate.
Because my aunt is in long term care, she has to be seen at least every 60 days in this state - South Carolina- by a physician. So the nursing home has a doctor who does happen to be a geriatric specialist who sees her and all the other 170 plus patients and two or three other nursing home patients. It is not my idea of good care, but we had a private practice physician who quit seeing her -primarily due to the state rules about the number of visits. They are not neccesary and I suppose coming and seeing one person would not be profitable.So the state has really created a lower standard of care with their rules that seemingly give you more care.
Just wanted to vent that frustration.
I will look into hospice and I am pretty sure the doctor will go along with it.
Thank you for listening.
Pam ----------------------
Followup To
Question -
Thanks Paula.
She was in hospice over a year ago when she had some weight loss. When she leveled off hospice stopped. I think that was about January of 2004.
I really don't want to do anything to prolong this as it has been at least 13 years of care of which 10 has been in nursing homes.
I spoke to her physician last November and he was of little comfort and information.
She is going to be 90 in July. She is not taking any medications, but if this goes on much longer I am going to need medicating.
Do you think asking hospice to help again would be appropriate? I think there has been some more weight loss.
Thanks.
Pam-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Paula,
I have a relative who is in stage 7.
She is still eating and drinking with total assistance with everything she does.
She is still able to sit up and hold her head up.
In your experience how long have you seen someone stay in stage 7 ?
Thank you.

Answer -
Pam, I wish there was a formula to figure that out.  Unfortunately there isn't.  A lot depends on how healthy she is.  Which is very common for these patients.  How you choose to treat her other illnesses.  Sometimes antibiotics can be rescue drugs for terminal patients.  

If she is in stage 7 is she on Hospice care?  That would allow you to make the best decisions about the care she receives now.

Good luck.  I wish I could be more help.  Paula
Answer -
Pam, yes I think you should call in Hospice.  They have a new program now called Transitions, which is for people who the kind of illness that it is unsure if they have six months left or not, but definitely have a degenerative disease which will only get worse.  Which describes her to a T!  

So call them.  Hopefully her MD will support you in this.  If not find a new one.  Look for a geriatric specialist.  

Good luck.  Paula

Answer
Anytime Pam!  That is what I am here for.  What we need is for a LOT of politicians to have someone near and dear to them to develop the disease, not that I would wish it on anyone, but until they walk in our shoes.......

I hope Hospice jumps right in.  Glad I don't work in SC!  VA is bad enough!  

Take care Paula