My father was admitted from a 30 day stay in hospital for surgery re: cauda equina symdrome to a short term rehab nursing facility. He also has mestastized cancer. It has been 5 days in the nursing home/rehab center and the rehab isn t working. Beginning with the afternoon of his third day he was finally given some Lortab for his back pain (he gets it about 2 -3 times every 24 hours, depending on if he requests in when questioned about his pain level, and ever since that first Lortab he has been sleeping for more of the time, very lethargic, eating only liquids (soup) or some drinks with assistance. He even eats with his eyes closed and has begun to resist food and drink. How will we know when the end is nearing for him? The nursing home he is in doesn t have an agreement with Hospice and won t allow Hospice to come in. We could take him home with Hospice, but it would be very difficult, as my mother is almost 80 herself. If it was for a short time, we could make it work, but my father doesn t seem to know, most of the time, where he is, and the move from the hospital to the nursing home was very jarring and confusing for him. we want to do what s best for him, to get him the comfort support he needs, but we don t know how to tell how long he may linger. He was always a very strong man, and very strong-willed. Please help with any suggestions.