Question for Patient Rights

[Canyon girl]

I have been caring for my father for over 2 1/2 years. In April 2006, he was tricked into having surgery (doctor wanted to practice on rare presentation of disease, father on Morphine every 2 hours, Dr. told my father age 81 that he could live another 20 years). Now, he is increasingly confused. We had to put him in a hospice house. They did a bait-and-switch with the rate (100% of his income to 143% of his income). They don't want to take my Power of Attorney. Hospice doctor thinks he knows best what my father needs. My father has told me and and employee of the hospice house that he wants all meds except pain meds discontinued. Dr. says he will look at his chart tomorrow. Hospice house continues to give him all meds. Have you every heard of patients not being allowed to refuse meds? Any suggestions?
Thank you!

 

[kimis]

This is a prime examply as to why everything needs to be written out before we get sick. I am my dads POA and I have learned a lot. The drs do have to listen to you but without any written consent like a living will or DNR the drs are bound to keep him going. However we are talking about an 81 year old man who may not want to live another twenty years. This is a sad situation and I will be praying for you.
An idea I do have is to go to a nursing home in your area and talk to a social worker that knows the elderly rights. I believe most or all of the nursing homes have social workers on staff.
WIthout being rude if he is in a hospice house now then his time is limited so why aren't they listening to him? Even hospice employees have bosses that are over them so go over this drs head to his boss.
Good luck.

 

[Canyon girl]

My POA should be in effect. He has a DNR. The location of his Advance Directive is unknown and out of date if even found. I think the dr. is in charge. He certainly thinks he is God, and everyone at the hospice is afraid to move without his ok. I also think the are in it for the money. I am going to make more calls today. It is really pathetic! All prayers are greatly appreciated!

 

[soonerlpn]

Your father has every right in the world to refuse his medications! Contact your state's health department or the facilities ombudsman. They cannot force him to do or take anything. Best wishes.

 

[mrs_hower726]

I don't have any answers, just want you to know that you are in my thoughts.

 

[Canyon girl]

Thank you all so much! I met with the doctor and head nurse today. My father verbalized to them that he wanted me to make the decisions. They ignored that. The head nurse for the hospice company got in his face and very loudly asked him if he wanted to be dead. She also asked him if he was thinking of suicide. Where do these people get off. He asked the doctor to DC his meds. The doctor kept saying that they weren't giving him anything to keep him alive ( I beg to differ). My father got so frustrated and then said that he wanted all meds including pain meds stopped. We talked him out of that. They are going to add Adivan to the mix to help take the edge off of his perception of things. It is amazing that they thought he was really with it. Before they talked to my dad, he asked me where my kids stay during the day and where I work. I homeschool my kids, and my dad should have known this. Also, he did not remember talking to the doctor just 3 minutes later. Other the fact that they don't take my decisions (told to me previously by my dad) into account, this conversation, and the fact that they pulled a bait-and-switch on the rate, they do take good care of him. He is clean. His diaper is changed regularly, and the facility smells fresh. His forms for VA benefits went in the mail today. He was too proud to apply for these before. So, I am going to wait until the response from the VA comes back until I do anything else. My dh and I really don't think he will last much longer, and we don't want to move him in his last days. But if he goes into a coma or lingers, we will probably move him into a VA facility if he gets benefits. I just can't believe that they put families through this. I thought that hospice took the whole family into account. Plus, I thought that a POA (drawn up to be in full force at signing) would be taken with the intention that the patient intended it. He begged the doctor today to let me make his decisions, and they just ignored him. How sad!

 

[lookingforward]

They are clearly not treating your father or you well on the emotional side. His physical needs may be well tended but hospice is all about letting people die with dignity. Check out some other facilities and I would even consult with an attorney about what rights you have under the law at his POA. You and your dad are in my thoughts!

 

[Canyon girl]

On Thursday, the doctor left me with the impression that they were continuing the meds. I know that he had trouble swallowing meds on Friday. I went in this am and was told that he was only getting Adivan and pain meds. He did not look good at all. He did look pain free though. I had a feeling. I said my goodbyes and left to take the kids out. This evening I got a call from the nurse saying that he was in a lot of back pain this afternoon. They have put him on their "end of life" suppositories. She said that he would eventually just die in his sleep. They will give them as often as necessary to keep him out. She said that his hands and feet already had a blue tinge and that it might not be long. I am so thankful that they finally honored his wishes to be let go. He has suffered much mental anguish for the last 2 1/2 years because he was dependent on us. He didn't like it one bit! I am glad that he will not know his last hours or days!

 

[safetymom]

I am so sorry you are having to go through all of this with your Dad. Doctors and nurses need to learn how to listen.

I will keep you all in my prayers.