Do Not Call 911 (Sat, 12 Mar, 2011)

Mom is adamant that she wants to die at home and NOT in a hospital. She has described her wishes very clearly both to family and to Denise and Bob, the Hospice workers.

Now that she is in Hospice care, it is extremely important that all of mom's caregivers remember that if any emergency occurs, DO NOT CALL 911. Instead, call High Desert Hospice FIRST and allow them to manage the response to the situation based on mom's wishes. Typically calling 911 results in arrival of EMTs, who would take her to the hospital. Depending on the situation, this may not be the right response.

Of course if she had broken her hip or something like that, Hospice would then call 911 and have her transported to the hospital, but that call must come from Hospice.