How much do you know about Hospice?

[chell]

Are you aware of all the services offered by Hospice? I wasn't until recently. I had no idea that they offered such a wide range of services to anyone and everyone. All these years I thought Hospice was simply for coming in to take care of people during their last days and helping their family through the process. That isn't so because they do so much more.

They have grief support groups and classes, counseling (even for people like me who didn't loose a loved one in their care), special programs for children, etc. It is amazing to see what all they offer.

 

[Zoiebear]

There are alot of great resources thru hospices and also there is a site on the net called something connection, dont remeber the name and grief.net is good too
Stacie

 

[tar heel]

Since I posted that you should call your hospice about grief support, I know quite a bit. I'm so glad you're going there -- hospices really are the experts in grief services.

I worked for our local hospice for five years and have continued to do its quarterly newsletter since leaving. The children's grief camp remains the most amazing thing I've ever been a part of. Even so, one of my best friends ignored my suggestion that she enroll her kids last summer after their granddaddy died. If I had not worked for hospice, there's no way I would be aware of the scope of services.

One of the biggest misconceptions about hospice is that they should not be called until the very end. The family that waits that long misses out on a lot of help they could receive during the MONTHS before their loved one's death.

 

[NMAmy]

Hospice was an incredible resource, not just for my dad, but for our whole family when my father was dying. Those people are angels. I now make regular donations to the local hospice that was so good to my family at that awful time so that they can continue to provide their services to others in need. I never realized everything they did until that time, either.

 

[Regina]

My big surprise was their providing all of the equipment we needed in order to keep my Mom home. Hospital bed, portable commode, oxygen, you name it, they got it there within a day of being contacted, and at no cost. Our costs were minimal.

They also took care of the constantly changing prescriptions. The best part was they use a pharmacy that delivers so we didn't have to pick up a thing. I never knew that they don't use needles since their goal is to manage the pain as painlessly as possible.

My FIL is currently under the care of Hospice. Part of his many health issues is that he has trouble holding anything down. His wife is very happy that Hospice found a way to administer the meds he needs to make him comfortable, and in the process, he's able to eat a little again.

 

[Mishetta]

.....and if I may add that when my Mom was dying & I was constantly in the hospital & so stressed that my kids & DH were eating fast food every night since we couldn't afford for them to go to a restaurant (my DH just learned how to use the toaster, okay?)....they brought us food! Healthy food in fact since that was my issue that my babies were eating junk night after night. My Mom went to our local hospital which has a hospice wing. If I didn't have small (very impressionable) children, I would have preferred my Mom be home with us but the last couple days were really bad. So I was staying with her all but about 4 hours per day. I'd go home to sleep for a few hours & get right back to my Mom. Hospice even offered child care services but I had friends taking turns watching my children (I didn't feel comfy leaving my kids with people I didn't know.)

Hospice is a wonderful service. They heal those left behind with the big gapping holes in their hearts.

 

[chell]

Tar Heel thank you for suggesting them for me.

What was very strange was that while I was reading the responses on this thread my counselor from there called. Does anyone else hear Twilight Zone music?

Once my life gets calmed down a bit and I get settled into my new home I would like to volunteer at Hospice. It would be wonderful for me to be able to give them something back that they have given to me. Also, I would like to help spread the word about their services so that so many people do not miss out.

 

[4cruisin]

One of the biggest misconceptions about hospice is that they should not be called until the very end. The family that waits that long misses out on a lot of help they could receive during the MONTHS before their loved one's death.

After having first hand knowledge, I agree completely. But, that being said, it is so difficult to actually admit that hospice should be brought in. It was almost like I was giving up on my mother...saying that she was going to die (obviously) but I didn't want her to think that I was giving up on her. Does that make sense? I am a strong advocate and supporter of our local hospice. The services they provided to my mom during the 3 weeks we had them were absolutely wonderful. They also helped my dsis and I during that time and for quite a while after my mom's passing.

 

[PaulaSue]

They are great!

They helped my GM keep my GP at home and also with my other GM while she was in the nursing home. They came to her nursing home 2 times a week for over a year.