Endgame
Yesterday, Mom had another stroke. I was at work all day so didn't find out until almost 6pm. Ed was with her all afternoon. She was taken to the hospital for tests, but then Ed had the presence of mind to refuse to let them admit her. Her doctor confirmed: if she's hospitalized, they will work to prolong her life, and we all (Mom included) agree that would be a bad thing. The doctor believes without hospitalization she will die within the week.
I called Woodland Park (where Mom lives) today and spoke to David, the administrator to ask if the caregiver can administer morphine. No. We need to arrange for Hospice Care, which has to be ordered by Mom's physician. David was kind enough to call the doctor, who approved hospice. Ed then spoke to the hospice people. They will do nothing until after they have counselled the family (me and Ed). And the earliest they can see us is Friday afternoon, which means the earliest Mom will receive their care will be Saturday. I plan to call the doctor tomorrow and ask if he will okay a visiting nurse ASAP so Mom can get more immediate attention.
I called Woodland Park (where Mom lives) today and spoke to David, the administrator to ask if the caregiver can administer morphine. No. We need to arrange for Hospice Care, which has to be ordered by Mom's physician. David was kind enough to call the doctor, who approved hospice. Ed then spoke to the hospice people. They will do nothing until after they have counselled the family (me and Ed). And the earliest they can see us is Friday afternoon, which means the earliest Mom will receive their care will be Saturday. I plan to call the doctor tomorrow and ask if he will okay a visiting nurse ASAP so Mom can get more immediate attention.