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?”
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