Distant cousin was diagnosed with advanced cancer

[Marthe48]

Pancreatic, to liver and gall bladder. As far as I know, she just got the news last week. She refused chemo and radiation. Her daughter made arrangements for her Mom to come home with hospice and some nursing care. Even though she is 78, her daughter says she didn't qualify for any assistance.

When I heard the news last week, I refreshed my knowledge of Medicare. If you are discharged from a hospital to a care facility, Medicare is supposed to cover a certain amount of days 100%, then the next phase with a copay. It sounded similar to the coverage when my husband was ill and then when his Mom needed care. I did read that if you refuse treatment, Medicare can refuse to cover you.

I don't know if my cousin refused to sign up for Medicare, or if by refusing chemo and radiation, she was denied. She is already heavily sedated, and hardly conscious, so it doesn't make sense to me for her to agree to treatment that more than likely won't do any good and then be refused coverage by Medicare.

I'm getting all of the information from another cousin. It is as accurate as I can make it. Probably won't have any direct contact.

[John1956PA]

1. Here are my wishes that the family finds solace and remains strong.

[marybourg]

2. The post-hospital days are usually for rehab. Hospice and nursing care

is for people who are not rehabbing. Can’t do both.

[Marthe48]

5. That makes sense

But it sounds to me like her nursing/hospice care is going to be out of pocket, with no help from Medicare. I have assumed that if you're over 65, you have Medicare and it'll help you. Kind of shocking that Medicare might not be helpful for everyone.

[marybourg]

8. If she's over 65 she should be on Medicare. Medicare pays for hospice care,

that is, all meds and supplies, a nurse 2x a week or as needed, an aide to bathe patient 2x /week, help from a social worker and a chaplain. The only thing it doesn’t cover is room and board, either at home, if there’s someone to help or in an in-patient hospice or a nursing home. That cost Medicare doesn’t cover. They will do their best to make her comfortable and ease her journey. Best wishes to her and you.

[ChazII]

3. Sending positive thoughts for your cousin. n/t

[Marthe48]

6. Thank you

N/t

[Diamond_Dog]

4. I'm sorry your family and your cousin are going through this.

I wish for strength and for peace for all of you.

[Marthe48]

7. Thank you, Diamond Dog

[Thunderbeast]

9. Very sorry to hear of your family's loss

That being said, a focus on paliative care is not a defeat. It is a rational choice for quality of life.

I am glad that I live in a state where I can address my last days with a final gathering of close friends and family, a couple of shots of Laphroig single malt, and a final trip to my bedroom where cup of pudding is available for my last adventure.

I have friends who made this choice... leaving with a smile on their face and the warmth of loved-ones in a final act of grace.

[Thunderbeast]

10. Sorry for your family's loss.

That being said, a focus on paliative care is not a defeat. It is a rational choice for quality of life.

I am glad that I live in a state where I can address my last days with a final gathering of close friends and family, a couple of shots of Laphroig single malt, and a final trip to my bedroom where cup of pudding is available for my last adventure.

I have friends who made this choice... leaving with a smile on their face and the warmth of loved-ones in a final act of grace.