Don’t want to move!

John is 88 years old. He’s had prostate cancer for years and has received many treatments. These included surgery, radiation, and medications. The doctors say he may not be well enough to receive any more active treatment. He became weak and was hospitalized and treated for an infection. He’s convalescing in a nursing home, but he’s not making much progress and it takes 2 people to get him out of bed. His appetite is poor, and he’s lost weight over the last couple of months. He’s lucid and can make his own health care decisions.

John’s goal is to go back home. His home was built by his father and John has lived there since he was a teenager. He’s a retired university professor. The house is very messy, and John lives at home with his 120-pound dog, Luma. He has some savings, but not much and he gets a small pension. John has an estranged sister who lives in another State, but no real close family. He does have a longtime friend who lives next door.

Some issues and questions that John’s story highlights: 

1. What’s important to him now?
2. Given his declining health, lack of appetite and advancing cancer, how long might he live?

1. If he’s very ill, who will take care of him. He needs 24-hour care and cannot manage on his own. Hired care is very expensive.
2. If he has the means to go home, does he want to go back to the hospital or be cared for at home with an emphasis on comfort?
3. If John is very sick and at home and an ambulance is called, if his heart stops, does he want to let nature take its course, or does he want his heart shocked and maybe a breathing tube? What are his chances of survival if he has CPR?
4. What will happen to his dog, Luma?

John spoke with a Palliative Care specialist and a plan was created to help with what he needs now.