lexilou

I"ve never heard of Chalice of Repose...is it a CD or type of intervention? I'm familiar with music therapists and music thanantologists (harp players) and we have phenomenal results with them.

What I've found is that these patients have already been refusing food and water and want nothing that will prolong their life. They're more lethargic and confused and need to be reassured that the medication is only the help them become more comfortable and nothing else.

Yes, our hospice does provide continuous care if the situation merits. However, I've found that this facility if offerring this service to the family on our behalf. The family is confused because they are hearing different things from us and the facility. I believe that the facility has had experience with Vitas who supposidly can offer continuous care to all their hospiice patients when they are imminent. I'm not quite sure about that. It's merely what I've heard. Unfortunately, it's not a service we can offer everyone. Like you said, if the situation merits, we can provide it but it is not customary for us just to provide it if the patient is imminent. As I get more involved with this case, I'm finding that the need for more communication and education regarding our particular hospice is required. Thank you for responding. It always helps to get different perspectives and ideas. It is much appreciated.

Thanks for your responses, Just found out that Vitas can provide continuous care . If this is true, facility must be assuming that all hospices can provide this. Does anyone know if this is the case? If so, we'll just need to do some further education regarding our hospice services.

Help- new to hospice and don't know how to approach this subject. I have a patient who is in assisted living and is falling much. We provided temporary continuous care til facility and family could provide back-up plan for safety. Family sits with patient for a few hours a day and then facility does hourly checks. Any other suggestions? Patient remains at a risk for falls and I don't know that this plan is enough.