When to suggest palliative care

Iris L.

My neighbor is age 91 years, with congestive heart failure, arthritis and macular degeneration, no dementia. She complains often of difficulty breathing. She spends most of her time in bed, getting up only to eat small meals which her housekeeper sets out for her, and to go to the bathroom. She refuses to go to urgent care for her shortness of breath. I think palliative care could be suitable and I would like to suggest this. Then she could at least have a nurse visit periodically. She has Kaiser in CA. I am not POA, only the neighbor. What do you think?

Iris

M1

Absolutely Iris; and you don't even necessarily have to call it palliative care to her face. You could tell her there are medical services that would make house calls. You could offer to discuss it with her doc--because even if you don't have hippa priveleges, you can always talk to them of course, as you know. Worth a shot.

eaglemom

I think that's a great idea Iris. My concern is, she won't be receptive to the idea. I know your concerned about her, and have been for quite sometime. If she refuses to let anyone 'help' her, you will be even more concerned.

Does she listen to the housekeeper? Can you mention to the housekeeper your concerns? Which I bet you've already done. But if the housekeeper can mention it and then you mention someone coming in to check her maybe she'll be more receptive?

Let us know what happens.

eagle

Iris L.

Thanks for responding, M1 and eaglemom. I have to think about how I can approach this idea. I'll let you know what happens.

Iris

ladyzetta

Iris. You have been so good to your neighbor I think she will be thankful for your concern and listen to your suggestions. It sounds like she only has you and her housekeeper. Just tell her your concerned and having someone come in and check on her would give her another set of hands and eyes. You're a good neighbor. Hugs Zetta

Jo C.

Iris, her local Kaiser in Downey has an entire Geriatric Services Dept. with nurses, social workers, etc. One could call Kaiser and ask to speak to the Inpt. Social Services Dept. and get the contact number for the Geriatric Services Dept.; the various depts can be hard to find in the Kaiser system. You can then call and let the GSD know that your neighbor is lonely and alone and not well BUT NOT in a dangerous reportable state to APS. Perhaps they could make an appointment with one of the outpt. Geriatric Social Workers to make a home visit and format a care plan from there . . . . AND also keep your call confidential. Kaiser is very, very big on preventive care to avoid increased expenses from uncontrolled illnesses and unmet needs situations and to avoid inpatient bed days.

J.

Iris L.

Thanks for this suggestion, Jo C. It sounds like it would be feasible.

Zetta, I'll try to phrase it that way.

Iris