I have a question regarding hospice nursing which I've wanted to ask for a while, and I'm hoping for a little insight on the usual care for patients in hospice.
How often is it that a patient is d/c'd from hospice? From experience, I know that the patient has a life expectancy of 6 months to a year and will not be persuing methods of treatment for the given disease. Hospice is geared to comfort measures during the patient's time in hospice. I'm wondering if I'm understanding this correctly.
I'll give you this scenario: said pt. has been receiving hospice care for three years after physicians counsel that nothing further can be done for her eating disorder. Pt states she is in her late 30's. The physicians involved in her hospice treatment have ordered Duragesic 150mcg along with an unspecified amount of Dilaudid. All of the sudden, pt states that doctors are withdrawing all her meds and are recommending an ileostomy (and beyond that I'm not sure).
I've been following this patient's progress and it seems like she's been on and off hospice in the past and states at times that she has no longer than a few weeks to live.
This is not a question for myself, family, a friend, or a homework assignment. Somehow I started following this patient's story online and I'm truly beginning to smell a rat. If it was just someone going on with a story I wouldn't be so suspect and let her fantasize or whatever. However, in the past she has stated that she doesn't have the money to pay bills (medical, utility, etc), people have raised money for her online, sent her gifts, and hinted how she doesn't have $$$ for Christmas, etc.
I feel that she is taking advantage of people and I'm truly wondering if the above scenario is possible in hospice care. Why would they put her on all those strong meds if there is no hope of recovery? Why are they now withdrawing these medications stating there is treatment? In the very recent past I have fallen for an Internet scam (more emotional/friendship, not financial) but was suspecting that the story wasn't straight. Once again, I'm beginning to think that this is not on the up and up.
If someone could please help me with my questions, I would appreciate it very much. :)