Hospice patients who refuse pain meds

[Blackcat99]

I am fairly new to hospice and it seems most patients will gladly accept pain meds. However, I have noticed a few of the patients who are grimacing and appear to be in pain and will refuse pain meds. I would like to "force" these patients to take their pain meds. However, I feel I shouldn't since they are alert and oriented and have the right to make their own decisions. What do you usually do if patients refuse their pain meds? Thanks :)

[leslie :-D]

This totally scares me. I think this is how my father is going to die. They say people usually die as they have lived. How true.

I hope when the time comes for me, I can be at peace with it...

thrashej,

your dad is willingly taking pain meds....don't despair, the fight's not over. i think he will try the xanax and be surprisingly pleased with its' effect. once he's in a relaxed state, this will enable alot of meaningful conversation.

leslie