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Spouse with cognitive problems and finances

Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Dec 30, 2022 | Replies (290)
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@billchitwood

We did contact them and the nurse who assessed Bill said he qualified but the doctor on duty that night said he wouldn't authorize it as he didn't have something like cancer. They have another branch where the doctor/nurses/labs, etc., come to the house and he is being shifted over to that (those doctors can also qualify him for hospice). It has been very slow getting anything accomplished.
Last night was terrible in the bathroom as he has almost no control over not only his bladder but his bowels as well. Earlier in the day he had another fall (I used our Raizer to get him up).
He is hardly eating or drinking at this point. Very weak.

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Replies to "We did contact them and the nurse who assessed Bill said he qualified but the doctor..."
janet7 | @janet7 | Dec 2, 2022

So sorry Bill is not doing well and prayers for you both. This happening during the Holidays is very difficult for you and your family. A lot of people are happy and celebrating the Holidays while you are grieving and sad. I know the feeling and have experienced it more than once. Many years my Holidays were just another day, and not happy ones.
My heart goes out to you.

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 3, 2022

@billchitwood
Hello Julie,

I am so sorry to hear that your husband's condition has worsened. This is a very difficult time for you and your family. I understand your predicament with one doctor not qualifying him for hospice. That doctor must not have been very familiar with hospice care, if he thought that only a cancer-type disorder was a qualifying factor for hospice. I encountered a similar problem with an elderly relative. She very much needed hospice care in order for her to have a more peaceful homegoing, however, her PCP would not make that call.

I did call a hospice organization in our area and their doctor felt very strongly that at her age and with her multiple health issues that hospice was the right decision for her. I hope that you continue to reach out to the organization you are working with and get the support that both you and your husband need right now.

I'd like to know how you are doing. Will you keep in touch?

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