Mom doesn’t quite qualify for hospice, and is due for a new pacemaker

Posted by tschierk @tschierk, Apr 3 1:40pm

Mom is on the verge of qualifying. There’s something about saying too many words and not losing weight enough to qualify. It could change in a month. My question is whether she should go ahead to have a new pacemaker put in this summer as it will be due. Under hospice she wouldn’t get one. But if she’s still not there, but “almost” (6e scale), should we consider it or not? She said in the past she wants comfort care vs longevity care.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 10 2:26pm

@tschierk, how is your mom doing? What and how did you decide? How are YOU doing?

tschierk | @tschierk | Apr 11 1:53pm

Thanks for asking ❤️ My mom will most likely be on hospice when it comes time to the procedure, so I will be calling the cardiologist to cancel. She is doing ok, but failing day by day it seems. It just doesn’t make sense to have it done, especially when she seemed to be in agreement with my dad that palliative care is more desirable at their stage in life.

1995victoria | @1995victoria | Apr 13 9:48am

My brother was near end, and I was afraid I would be criticized if I said no to new pacemaker, so I agreed. It is a relatively easier procedure, they don't have to put in new wires, just replace the device. His last 2 years he didn't know who I was, in some ways it was like he was preparing me for losing him.