End-Of-Life Comfort Drugs Can Be Confusing

Photo credit Brandon Wong Dear Carol: My mother, who has advanced dementia, went into a nursing home six months ago. She’s received excellent care but is now declining quickly so that she no longer swallows any type of food. Her doctor has determined that she is ready for hospice and I'm glad for their help. Hospice took her off medications that didn’t seem to be helping and then prescribed some occasional Ativan for agitation and low-dose morphine for pain. Her response has been satisfying to watch since she’s more alert and far more peaceful than she has been... Read the full column to learn more about drugs during end-of-life comfort care: Support a caregiver or jump-start discussion in support groups with real stories - for bulk orders of Minding Our Elders e-mail Carol                    Related StoriesTreatment For Older Adults Must Consider the Whole PersonVerbal Abuse Stemming from Dementia Tough On CaregiversThanks to Pharmacist Who Alerted This Family To Possible Complications 
Source: Minding Our Elders - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: blogs