so she was referred to palliative care but the referral went from the PCP to the liver doctor that she already sees. Can anyone explain to me how that changes anything since the LD already knows she refused the transplant? And she really wants to be living alone again in her home but I don't think she can be properly cared for since it's further away. I'm just trying to figure out how this helps her being in PC. Skilled nurses already come by....wouldn't that be the same?
I've personally never really understood the purpose of palliative care when the care offered is next to nothing.
Now hospice is a whole different program with nurses coming once a week to start, aides coming at least twice a week to bathe your loved one, and you having access to their chaplain, social worker and volunteers.
They also supply all needed equipment, supplies and medications all covered 100% under Medicare.
So you may want to wait until your loved one qualifies for hospice care if you're wanting more care for your loved one.
I’m not sure why the PCP sent the referral to his specialist rather than a palliative care provider, usually linked with a hospice. Unless maybe they thought the specialist would have a preferred provider?
At any rate, palliative care changed our lives for the better and I’ve been recommending it here since I joined this site after my husband died.
Then this can be addressed.
If the LD wants to handle referral to palliative, that is fine.
The important thing is that the referral is acted on, not by whom.
Palliative is a medical specialty. If her practioner doesn't participate, isn't trained, he/she will pass your mom to another practioner who specializes in palliative care.
Meanwhile you need to look up "Palliative Care " and "Palliative CARE specialty". This will give you a whole lot of information on what to expect.
These questions you are asking US are best answered by the nurses who are currently coming in.
I am glad this is progressing along for you and I thank you for the update. We always love getting updates.