I am my father's healthcare proxy. He is in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease. He has been on ativan for 3 months and now hospice recommends adding a small dose of morphine because they feel he is in some pain. He is handling the .5 mg of ativan very well. I am hesitant about adding the morphine, but I don't want him in pain either. If anyone of you wonderful people on this forum can give me some of your experiences with my dilemma I would appreciate your input. Please do not post horror stories of hospice patients dying from this combination drug therapy. My father's hospice team has been a godsend for providing him with comfort care and the additional equipment provided for him.
Did you feel that your father needed pain relief before hospice suggested it?
They may well be right, and your father would benefit, but don't get bullied over this. If you can't see any justification for the morphine, ask more questions first.
hugs 🤗