What's on your mind?

[DerVVulfman]

So far this week....

This Monday, my father's doctor gave me a referral to a Hospice. This so a nurse can come down and check on my father and give the Doctor information on a regular basis. Calling the Hospice, they said that they do not send nurses at all.

This Tuesday, I returned to the Hospital and told the lady at the desk that the referral was no good. They issued another referral, and wanted me to call them to set up a nursing schedule. The agency said they cannot accept patient phone calls and it must be from the Doctor.

I returned to the Hospital immediately which gave them a surprise. They said that they'd tell the Doctor and get it done. It wasn't until later that night that the Doctor's assistant called me to ask how the Hospice responded. Neither she nor the doctor was aware of my return visits that day, of the Hospice's responce, nor of the second referral's requirement of his authorization.

This Wednesday I returned to see how things were going, though I was not in the best of mood. The people at the desk could not respond when I said that the Doctor had no knowledge of the return visits, but gave me a copy of the paperwork saying the second referral was called. They said I had to wait for them to contact me for scheduling.

This Thursday, the Nurse referral told me that a nurse would call tomorrow for scheduling. They have to call a day BEFORE they come out. Again, this is to have a nurse look at my 92 year old Father with Dementia and give information to the Doctor.

This Friday, the nurse finally called... at 9pm. The appointment was set for 10-11am. She was made aware of my father's condition.

NOW... Saturday has arrived, the nurse has arrived, and she did ... nothing. No care at all, and instead said that he needs hospice nurses to come out for him... end of life care as she called it. And who did she recommend? The first Hospice. I told her that I had contacted them and of their response. So much and gave me a number to call to get other services, and said she'd call me Monday to see how things were doing.

The offices were closed. The doctor's office so I could complain about the referral was closed.

So far, the only good news I had was that dad has started eating... if somewhat picky...