Several years ago my wife and I were facing a tough situation. Joyce’s mother was in a nursing home in failing health. We informed the nursing home staff that we no longer wanted Edith taken to the Emergency Room every time something went wrong. She was ready for hospice.
About a week later we got a call from the nursing home and they informed us she had been sent to the ER due to complications from diabetes. We were surprised and dismayed that the nursing home had disregarded our instructions. Even the nurse at the hospital asked, “What are you doing to this woman?”
We called the doctor and asked why she had been sent to the hospital. The doctor replied that he was following protocol. He then said, “Look, I need some direction here.” We replied, “We want her placed in hospice care.” The doctor said OK, and soon all athe arrangements had been made.
Edith spent the remaining 30 days of her life under hospice care. The hospice nurses were able to get anything they needed from the doctor with no pushback.
As I reflect back on this experience, the words, “I need some direction” linger on my mind. If we are not clear on what is expected from us, ask questions until we are absolutely clear in our understanding. Things will move forward, and expectations are more likely to be met.
