044 – Hospice Medications & What to do if You’re Concerned

In This Episode:

Dr. K addresses a reader’s concerns about the morphine and lorazepam (brand name Ativan) that were given to her relatives with dementia, while on hospice. She covers:

• Common end of life symptoms, and which symptoms are common in people with advanced Alzheimer’s
• How morphine is usually used at the end of life, to manage problems such as pain and shortness of breath
• Why it’s usually possible to use morphine to control symptoms without “hastening” death
• Why it’s unclear that lorazepam should be used as often as it is, in hospice care
• How to choose a good hospice provider
• How to be proactive, to avoid problems and misunderstandings with the hospice team
• What you can do, if you’re concerned about the care a loved one is receiving while on hospice

Related episode: 

043 – How Hospice Helps at the End of Life, & Hospice for Alzheimer’s

Related Resources:

• Q&A: Hospice in Dementia, Medications, & What to Do If You’re Concerned
• Canadian Virtual Hospice: Does morphine make death come sooner?
• National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization: Choosing a Quality Hospice Worksheet
• Initial Hospice Admission & Comfort Med Orders