I have a family member who is in a NH's memory unit and is at the latter stages of dementia. The person barely speaks, can't walk or stand, has lost significant weight, is in pain (back) from inactivity and arthritis.
I've spoken with Hospice and since they've never been allowed to work in this NH, I'm planning to speak with the intake person at the NH to ask the NH to allow Hospice in. I feel, although the NH offers palliative care, that Hospice is more specialized, and can provide a broader, more comprehensive range of services and that their interest is focused on "comfort care, " as opposed to sustaining life, which I feel is a NH's focus.
What points can I use to encourage the NH to agree to allowing Hospice care in?
NH's should welcome hospice people in.
While I worked at one HMO, they has their own Hospice unit, but welcomed hospice volunteers to come in and help.
Other NH's I worked in, also welcomed hospice workers in.
Peace and luv,
-SS
Blessings to you and yours.
Perhaps it is simply a case of no one having asked for this particular hospice service at the NH before. I hope it is all routine for you!
And I am sorry that your family member is at this point in the journey.