Jim (ESLD since August 2006, alcoholic) has become somewhat stabilized in his dementia. He's been home since the day before Thanksgiving, and we are looking for him to be home at least another few weeks so we can "reset" the Medicare 60 day "clock" on hospitalization coverage. He is only ambulatory with help, and is mentally lost in time and space. But his long-term memory is good. He always knows me, and generally is cordial to me, but seldom thanks me for anything I do.
I wish we could find the "magic pill" to clear up his mental confusion.
The next few weeks will be busier than I would like with DR appointments, not just for Jim (his family DR and GI DR) but also for me. I have my final breast cancer surgery in early February, so I have to be checked out by my breast surgeon, reconstructive surgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, thoracic surgeon, and family DR.
I have found what I think would be a very good Hospice to help us out, but Jim is highly resistant. It's the whole "Will they deliver what they say they will? Home Health Care doesn't!" I can't disagree with his concern, but I can't do this completely alone and with a few hours a week from friends. The Hospice agrees that Jim is not mentally competent to make the decision to sign himself in, and I do have power of attorney. However, I would like to find the magic words to get him to think entering Hospice is his idea.
I also would like to find a way to convince myself that enrolling him in Hospice is not "giving up on him." I am still in denial that his condition is permanent/terminal.