Who to listen to? Patient or nurse?
My MIL enrolled in home hospice this week. She has lived alone for years and I’ve been her part time caregiver for the past couple of years, at most a few hours per day when I’m in town.
I recently moved to be near her.
Hospice nurse asked that someone be there 24/7. This is a big step for both of us compared to just a few weeks ago. My MIL is social but never really liked visitors in her home. I’d see her for a few hours at a time at the most.
Now I come see her she (politely but firmly) asks me to leave after a short visit. Nurse is worried about her fall risk. Which is real. She has a phone, a panic button, and daily visitors. So I’m comfortable with leaving her for now.
So is the nurse just doing her job and being conservative? Do I have a moral or ethical responsibility to be there 24/7?
Or, do I just take the risk of upsetting her and making her uncomfortable with my presence? (I do keep my distance when I sense she has tired of me).
Feeling conflicted. Thoughts?