it’s been a difficult process in many ways because I, the primary caregiver, am not the primary decision maker. Additionally, as she is not my own mother, it was very important that my spouse arrive at this decision without feeling pressured.
I think DH needed time to process the terminal natures of his mom’s two serious diseases (stage 4 lung cancer and severe dementia).
We also had a dear friend who just broke a leg. She was the primary caregiver for her own mother. This brought home the reality of our impossible situation if something similar happened to me.
We still have an appointment with a doctor who specializes in palliative and hospice care. But the PCP is going to have the hospital’s social worker call me. The plan is to interview various hospice providers and then have MIL accepted into hospice care. Per her PCP, there’s no doubt she’ll qualify. MIL’s oncologist also recommended hospice.
I’ll admit being able to call a doctor 24/7 will be a tremendous relief. While her PCP is amazing, she is not our personal emergency services. And for the last few months, that’s how I was feeling.
The difference in how medical professionals approach their work has been eye opening. MIL’s PCP genuinely cares for her. She calls me on weekends and holidays. I try extremely hard to not take advantage of the good doctor’s generosity.
On the other hand, her oncologist works with avoiding liability as his chief goal.
Thank you to all of the forum members for your encouragement and support.