Good Morning from the Wet Coast of B.C.
This is the subject I have been wanting to discuss for a long time, mostly at night when I can;t sleep. My husband and family have agreed that there should be no DNR that John wants to pass at home, if possible.
My question that keeps floating in my mind is: What is the procedure to follow when he passes or should pass at home. Whom do I call first, my daughter, my son in law, I know we have the papers for anticipated death at home. I have been putting this off as I feel that maybe I am too involved in the caregiving of my husband and am looking too much for many answers that will come in time, however, I feel to be prepared is better than panicing when the time comes.
John and family have been involved in his wishes. The Nurse came over and as a family were there when he was asked what his wishes were, that he could change his mind any time. He could go to hospice or stay at home. Our family doctor also let John know he can change his mind. We are fortunate to have a family doctor who will visit our home and talk with us. He was over this past Monday checking his meds and decided he needed to be put on longer lasting morphone as the other was on 4 hour and of course John hates meds but I see he asks for it on the time. With his pain in check I realize now that he was bsing us that he had little pain until confronted with 8 out of 10.
Do you have any insight into what to do at the time of passing. We have the DNR on the fridge, the expected death at home papers filled and signed by our doctor. I am well versed with his meds, etc however, wanting to know how to go about informing the family when the time comes, what the procedure is with his passing and waiting for the funeral home to come, etc.
You are both so informative that I was happy to read this email this morning. It was just what I have been pondering for many days and was about to ask about it. Thank you very much and awaiting your informed responses.
Xenia