Answered a nuisance robocall - Claire wanted to know why (we were eating). Explained it could be something time-sensitive related to Pat. We’ve lost the luxury of screening.
The next call was from Pat's doctor's office. Annual physical was done and they were letting me know they weren't going to do the mammogram/colonoscopy, etc. due to advanced dementia. I said "good, because that would be RIDICULOUS" at this point.
I suggested they consider a hospice referral since Mom can't walk, talk, feed, dress or toilet on her own and they just called again to report the doctor agreed. Part of me wants them to deny this request because Mom doesn't have anything else physically wrong. The other part hopes they accept because Pat cannot express any discomfort or anomaly, and the hospice team is trained to minimize suffering and maximize the patient's dignity. We'll see what happens.