Whacked Family Dynamics

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Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice, Home Health.

I have a sweet little elderly patient, ovarian ca w/mets. Husband is primary caregiver and appears to be extremely attentive. he now understands the purpose of hospice is comfort, and not cure....here is the thing, there is a daughter that calls the hospice-w/ slurred speech- claiming she has POA--we request her to fax it to the hospice...she says "my stepdad is taking her meds and drinking beer." she STILL hasn't sent POA (patient said there is no POA).

it's been years since i've done hospice, i had forgotten all the odd/different family dynamics.

i just want to keep patient comfortable.

linda

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Slurred speech? Who IS taking the meds and drinking beer???

Seriously, you can't take anything for granted. But if the patient says there's no durable power, there isn't. Even if she made it years ago, it is her right to withdraw it.

Yep, just work on keeping her comfortable and ignoring the crazy people.

Best of luck to you.

Beki

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Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice, Home Health.

found today, daughter has POA, but it's related to financial matters; not healthcare.....

It's just AWFUL when NO ONE TALKS...dysfunctional family dynamics + terminal illness = greater dysfunctional family dynamics...

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Are you counting your narcotics and anxiolytics at each visit? Family discord does make everything more challenging, that's for sure!

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Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice, Home Health.

Went to see my dear patient today. Two daughters are now present, and one of those daughters has taken a leave of absence to help take care of patient.

:)

linda

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