Thanks again for all your thoughts. And I agree with you Rabbi-Sol
although it hasnt been mentioned at all I suspect $ has something to do with the options they are giving us.

We met with them today, and insisted on including our dad in the discussion as well as his decision. They seemed to be pushing palliation
the most, even though his health has actually improved somewhat since he arrived. He decided and we agreed that its better to give it a shot than give up (after all, he has proven them wrong in the past).

We are not talking about major surgery but basically moving to hemodialysis which may be a stress on his system.
WHen they outlined the various 'risks' of hemo I asked them what the 'risk' of palliative care is. Needless to say I didnt get an answer.

thanks again, all of you.
petr