Science

Outside evaluation is the smartest investment one could make. It ought to be mandatory. Begun with the best of intentions and resources, caregivers grow tired with despair as the patient declines. Caregivers need independent advice and respite particularly in the last 9 months of life. When increased diligence is most needed, caregivers are most stressed and exhausted. Doctors will be only too willing to run every last test to make money, and the patient will be fatigued by the rigorous routine to the point of asking "Is this necessary?" Professional companies will visit and evaluate - for a hefty fee, and not due to a doctor's recommendation. I don't recall Medicare offering such. And home care is not covered except upon hospital discharge, and private care is expensive. Medicare might save a lot of money if they could prevent falls and shorten hospitalizations.