WEAPONS

Medicare monitors all hospices. They are very strict about policy and procedures.  We routinely have training to keep us updated.  One thing we ask at every admission is about weapons in the home.  Most folks just answer yes or no and we move on.  The majority who have weapons keep them locked up in a safe. A lot of guns are used for hunting etc. 

 

This past week a patient spoke about two guns from the 1880’s that his grandfather had.  His wife added that they were somewhere in the back of the closet.  I suggested that they put them out for display as they are antiques.  A while back, I walked into a living room where there was this amazing looking rifle hanging above the fireplace.  It was the patient's great-grandfathers rifle that he had fighting in the Civil War.  Amazing. It sure is an interesting question to ask.   

WEAPONS 

 

 

Medicare monitors all hospices. 

We need to follow their policies. 

Many questions are required to be asked. 

One specifically is about munitions; 

“Do you have any weapons in the home?” 

 

Most folks will simply answer, “No”. 

Now and then, one may get defensive; 

as I had a family member once say, 

“I don’t have to answer that question”! 

I then thought, “That must mean yes”. 

 

My humor often arises to keep it light. 

"Do you have any AK-47's?” 

They will have a laugh and then answer; 

“Yes or No” in a more relaxed way. 

 

I met an extremely funny 98-year-old. 

When I asked if there were any weapons; 

with a brusque and crusty response said,  

                    “Just my mouth!”  

 

Meeting a patient’s daughter yesterday, 

I again asked about weapons. 

She then put both hands into fists; 

while raising one up said, 

                    “I have a stiff upper cut!” 

 

I was so surprised, as again, today, 

a thirteen-year-old granddaughter 

also raised up two fists 

                    while laughing. 

 

I will continue to follow procedure 

and I will continue to again ask them all; 

“Are there any weapons 

                              in the home?” 

 

NEED A MOM

 “Bonnie” called me yesterday to get information about hospice support.   Her mother, “Julie”, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease four years ago.  Bonnie shared stories about Mom’s aggression, hurtful words, and behavior.    Bonnie and I spoke for over forty-five minutes in that call.  I counseled her on self-care while actively listening to what she was telling me.  

It was a late afternoon admission. I normally don’t attend the late admissions, but I personally had to meet Bonnie.   She so lovingly spoke about her twelve-year-old son.  She gave him unconditional love.  I assured her that she learned about love from someone other than her mother.  She then shared a story about the mother of the eight children with whom she babysat.   I told Bonnie today that she broke the cycle of aggression and negativity as she was given a “Mom’s” love from the eight children’s mom.   

 

My spirit led me to meet up with Bonnie.  She has so many loving gifts that she shares.  It was an honor to meet her. 

NEED A MOM 

 

She called me yesterday 

asking about hospice for her mom. 

“Mom suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease. 

I so want her placed in a facility.” 

 

“Her behavior is way out of control. 

She is emotionally and physically violent. 

She verbally hurts everyone. 

She is not a kind person at all.” 

 

“Grandma was also mean to my mother; 

so, my mom never learned how to love. 

I babysat for a mother of eight. 

She loved me like a mom would. 

She taught me unconditional love.” 

 

It was a late hospice admission today, 

but I had to be there to support the daughter. 

She has a young son, whom she so dearly loves. 

I needed to go out and give her a warm hug.  

 

Mom showed aggression in her words. 

Whatever the daughter said or shared, 

Mom would continue to verbally attack back, 

while wanting to assure me,” That is not true”. 

 

I was drawn to be there this evening; 

to give the daughter unconditional support. 

I was driven by my heart to comfort her naturally 

as it was I, 

                   who needed to be a mom.