Celeste L.
Unnecessary Hospice Referral
Every human being has the right to be included in their healthcare decisions regarding their care and communicated in a way they can understand. A loved one's plan was for physical, occupational and speech therapy and was expected to make near a full recovery. Additionally, was medically stable and not terminal. Sadly, an unnecessary hospice referral was initiated for Penn Medicine Hospice. She did not want hospice. How is this possible? The plan was for therapy through a different homecare company who knew her, not Penn. This was well documented. Penn social work and COSA dismissed my concerns regarding discharge plan was for therapy not hospice. Additionally, I had concerns regarding visitor restrictions and isolation. I did inform law enforcement who did a wellness check as recommended by primary doctor. Our loved one was making significant progress until hospice was started. I always advocated for her to receive an optimal level of care to promote independence and accompanied her to appointments. Requests to reverse hospice were unsuccessful, despite primary doctor sending a new referral for therapy to a different homecare company who knew her. Sadly, she passed away shortly after hospice was initiated. The phone call description I received, was that she passed away not peacefully and suffered. Heartbreaking, and Horrific circumstances. I have many unanswered questions regarding how someone who was doing so well suddenly regressed immediately after hospice. Our loved one had many fulfilling years left to enjoy. It was not her time. Our family is devastated. I do not recommend Penn Medicine Hospice, 150 Monument Rd. STE 300, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.



