An elderly couple lives independently at home. The husband is having increasing arthritic pain and will be hospitalized for surgery. Wife needs assistance with applying a sleep apnea device at night. According to the principles of palliative care, which of the following will be planned for this family?

Question

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The elderly couple is independent; however, the husband needs surgery and the wife only needs assistance with the application of a sleep apnea device at night. According to the principles of palliative care, support is provided to the patient, family, and friends. The best plan for this family would be to provide support to the wife each night for the application of the sleep apnea device at home. It would not be appropriate for the female wife's physician to be contacted regarding the inability to use the device for a week. The wife does not need to be admitted to a long term care facility while her husband is having surgery. The home situation is not unsafe and the family does not need to be relocated to an assisted-living facility.

An Elderly Couple Lives Independently at Home