My husband is somewhat confined to a bed due to cancer operations. He cannot walk although he can struggle into a wheelchair but due to bed sores and bowel issues his PT with Home Health is limited. At times he can stand with help for less than a minute. There is no treatment for his Stage 4 cancer and his dr said he is a candidate for Hospice. He is not interested because he will lose the PT with Home Health. He is alert and sharp. I continue to struggle trying to know what to do since I cannot reasonable go against his wishes. He is 79 and we are very close. Thoughts anyone?
So..the flat statement that the current level of care for the patient must be maintained is not true..all depends on the wording in the policy.
We got a trapeze. It was a swing from a platform that rolled under the bed. He could lift himself enough so that he could either pull himself to sitting and then bring his legs out for transfer....or enough so that the aide could do it with ease.
I know the choice is really hard to make..... For myself, I am glad he stayed home. I have comfort now that he was at home with family when he passed.
The situation is different for everyone. That was the choice I made to my Dad, for him it was the right one.
It is not a death sentence. Many times patients will improve with the care hospice provides and "Graduate" from hospice, and return to hospice care later on as illness progresses.
Do you have medical power of attorney? If not, you should talk to him about this so you can make decisions for him when he is no longer able.
Good luck to you. I know this is such a difficult time.