DOES THIS INSURANCE PLAN AND ITS DOCTORS
TRY TO SAVE MONEY AT YOUR PARENTS’ EXPENSE?

Have you had this experience? If so, please respond with situation and resolution (or not) of problem using our blog email: helpagingparents@gmail.com or simply comment below. 6 children in their 50’s-60’s and two elderly, ailing parents will be eternally grateful.

Details: Father and his wife (92 and 90 respectively) have been paying for Kaiser Plan Health Coverage for 25 years. Father’s prostate cancer of 20 years has metastasized to his ribs and tail bone, making it difficult for him to bathe himself and perform other normal daily functions. He just returned home after 6 days in the hospital and 12 days of rehab due to a fall. Other health problems: dementia, COPD and asthma.

The wife, at 90, has mobility problems, walks with a cane, can’t help husband’s physical needs.

The family interviewed caregivers before their father came home, some of whom didn’t want the job because–after hearing the situation—didn’t think he’d live many more months. That said, his Kaiser doctor refuses to give permission for Hospice. She says it’s “too early” and they can talk about it later.

Specifically, the children met with the Kaiser doctor last week and inquired about hospice or palliative care. The doctor said “when the time comes” it would be addressed and, according to the child who inquired, doctor looked puzzled that they knew about palliative care.

The Kaiser doctor further says if the kids don’t get their parents into assisted living or get home care help, both will end up in a nursing home. They have hired a caregiver, but funds are limited. They don’t understand why Hospice–or at the least–palliative care isn’t being offered.

This blog follower and her siblings are hoping you will respond asap with suggestions. They don’t know where to turn next.