Hospice and another fall

Cat K · November 8

Well, I did it. I signed DH up with hospice. Early this morning, around 2:00 am, I woke up to go to the bathroom and found DH at the end of the bed, sitting on the floor. That makes his 10th fall this year. It's impossible for me to get him up. So per the hospice instructions, I called them first to report the fall. Then I called the non-emergency number for a lift assist, which I've had to do with each fall. The two volunteer firemen arrived first, and they got him up and back into bed and left. Then the nurse arrived about 30 minutes later to check him out. No injuries, vitals good. So this morning another nurse came to check on him. It's so strange to do things this way, but it's the hospice protocol. It seems like such an intrusion to me, people coming and goin, but there are always trade-offs, I guess. Has anyone else experienced this with hospice?

SDianeL · November 8

so sorry. Your post is the first I’ve heard about Hospice protocols for falls. To me it’s a good thing. I understand the intrusion but what would be the alternative? Glad they check him over after. 💜

jgreen · November 8

Hi Cat,

First - I am glad you signed up with hospice. It sounds like this was the right time. New adjustments for you.

I am not there yet in our journey with DH. Posts like yours are helping me steel myself for the inevitable, so thank you. I learned there is a non-emergency number to call for help with ‘lifts’. Good to know

As with all medical/health care, these agencies have to have standards and protocols for their staff. So the check ups are a good thing. Don’t worry about intruding on these folks. As SDianeL said, it beats the alternative.

Sending virtual hugs

Karen711 · November 8

Cat- Sounds like a very rough night, I’m so sorry! You’ve shared a lot of new information because of it though, that is useful for all of us to have, so thank you. Keep us posted. Sending you a hug!💜

Maru · November 8

Your post really struck home this morning. Following our daughter's suggestion, we are going to have home health come and do physical therapy exercies with DH who has ALZ . It may strengthen his muscles and give him better balance, but your post is a reminder that weak muscles are not the problem. It's the ever shrinking brain, and for DH there is nothing that is going to stop that. Your nightmare today amy be mine in a distant tomarrow.

As to the hospice protocol, it sounds good to me. There are falls that are easy and do no damage and then there are falls that cause injuries. Your LO is on hospice, but I know that you don't want him to suffer from hidden injuries. Sending hugs.

Maru · November 8

I just wanted to add a comment about hospice. You are feeling that they are intrusive and I can appreciate that as i have a cleaner come in twice a month now to help. Each hospice situation is different but having seen them first with my dad and then with my brother, I have nothing but high praise for them. They were so very helpful, managing meds, comfort, bringing in supplies, a special bed, and in the dying and death. If my DH lives into the final stages I won't hesitate to bring in hospice.

Vitruvius · November 8

Just a comment on falling.

When my DW was in the phase where she was falling, even when I was right there holding her hand(s) while slowly walking, she would occasionally just start to "crumple" down. It was all I could do to guide her carefully to the floor. It wasn’t really a case of imbalance or tripping. We did try PT to try and improve her balance but that proved completely ineffective. For her, it was really a brain thing.

Scooterr · November 8

Trust me Cat K it may seem like an intrusion now, but later you will be grateful. I was like you at first I thought what the heck, this is going to be a circus in our own house. Now I see as a blessing.

Cat K · November 9

Thank you all so much for your comments. It has felt like a circus. They swooped in and took charge and I was overwhelmed with nurses and a social worker, forms to sign and reading materials to look over. But it is a comfort to know I have a team helping us right now and I'm not alone, because it's been awful feeling alone and helpless. I know I'm going to need that chaplain before this is over too. Maybe giving up control won't be such a bad thing 🙂

PlentyQuiet · November 9

Our hospice doesn't have a protocol where we need to call for every fall. If DH takes a tumble without injury I get a short video of him in position on the floor and scanning for obvious injury. If there is no blood or swelling of note I text it to our nurse during the day. Maybe this is possible for you?

Cat K · November 9

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/258068#Comment_258068

That's something I definitely should ask them. Thank you.

Robertb857 · November 10

I'm new here. I read your post and I think hospice is the best step you can take. My DW suffers from VD (that doesn't sound right, does it?). Anyway, she has been under hospice care for about a month and I think they are great. There are a lot of intrusions but they are welcome ones.

harshedbuzz · November 10

It's an adjustment. Late-stage dementia care requires a team.

The positive of in-home hospice is that the team comes to your LO. The downside is that it can feel like living in a single bed SNF rather than home. There are those who opt for placement because of this.

HB

Hospice and another fall

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