When my mom died under Hospice care, the nurse came out and declared/called it, so I could then contact the cremation service. Since my mom's death last December, my dad's health is declining fast. He isn't in Hospice care and I don't know who I'd call if he gets his wish and dies at home in his sleep. Seems like calling 911, with all the folks they send out, isn't warranted if he's already gone. As an aside, he does have a DNR. Even with Google, I can't figure it out. Please advise and thanks.
talk to his doctor and insurance... call armstrong cremations, and get him set up with them if you are in the area, otherwise they will tell you who to call.
you may want to have hospice just for yourself to not fall under criminal investigation.
In addition to the DNR, fill out a POLST form and have it next to his bed. It's kind of the "DNR and I'm not kidding" form. I think they're more universally recognized by emergency personnel (it's all about the wording), and both the nursing homes my mom's been in have required them.
You can download one, and they recommend you print it on bright-colored paper and keep it on the bedside table so it's easily seen.
So, talk to his doctor and have him evaluated for palliative care and/or hospice. He can still be living at home while on hospice.. they just need to know your needs...
It will work out for you and dad.
DOC'S phone number, your phone number, No reason for anyone needing to dig around for it.. It's on the wall.
GET HOSPICE ON BOARD, THERE IS NO REASON NOT TO. THEY WILL EVALUATE HIM AFTER 30 DAYS, BUT USUALLY THEY WILL FIND A GOOD REASON TO KEEP HIM ON HOSPICE... HECK MY MOM GRADUATED OUT OF HOSPICE 2 TIMES, THE THIRD TIME SHE DID GO "HOME". I miss her dearly.. :(
Thanks to all of your great advice, I signed my dad up for Hospice today.
I appreciate the benefit of your collective wisdom, and the time you took to share it with me. Grateful and humbled,
R27