Update on my hospice post

[Micca]

Unfortunately, I need to ask: What can you tell me about hospice? My DM's doctor said it's time to call



UPDATE: Pg 2, post 26

 

[meloneyb21]

So sorry to hear that I hope this can help you some: http://www.hospicefoundation.org/hospiceInfo/

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

I was helped by Hospice about 14 years ago when caring for my mother who had Terminal Cancer (Lung to Brain). I sadly don't know what your situation is , but Hospice is reserved for those who have been diagnosed with 6 months or less to live...a terminal condition. There are 2 types of Hospice that I know of ...one is in home care (as in my case ...I cared for my mother in my home )and Hospice care in a seperate Hospice facility ,cared for round the clock by trained Hospice staff. Back 14 years ago there were no such "free standing" Hospice buildings in my or my mothers areas. The majority of care is done by family members and you need to commit to 24 hr care of your loved one . I can say they were WONDERFUL to me in helping support me and my mother while I cared for her those last 3 months. They are special trained nurses and pastoral care and have such a "special gift" for helping those of US who are caring for the dying . I was a trained nurse myself , but they taught me so much about caring for my own mother. Alot of what they do is support the caretakers as well as the patient themselves. The RN came in 2-3x weekly for a visit and I had a Home health Aide come in 5 days a week(for 2 hrs.) for the last 6 weeks or so . Pastoral Care also visited my mother a few times.Much love to you as you start this journey...Hospice is there to support you.

 

[LoraJ]

Sorry you are going through this.
Maybe this link can be of some help (assuming your mom is also in Kansas).
http://www.lifeproject.org/akh.htm


We're on a waiting list to get into an inpatient hospice facility for my boyfriend's dad. Hopefully you will be able to find something quickly. I hear nothing but good things about Hospice care.

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

I have so many warm memories of Hospice as they helped support me while caring for my mother. They were right there every step of the way with any questions or concerns I had ...and I had many. They were always just a phone call away if I needed them. I truely could not have cared for my mother alone ,without them. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me or PM me .

 

[Dan Murphy]

Very sorry, Ron.

 

[AC7179]

I'm sorry you have to look into it.......but I also have heard only good things Best of luck to you, and peace for your mother.

 

[Micca]

Thanks for your responses. You all have already been a great help.

 

[drgnfly30]

We had to call in Hospice when my Dad was terminal with brain cancer They were unbelievable & not only helped with his care but helped my Mom cope with the inevitable. We only used their services for a couple of weeks before my Dad passed (5 yrs ago this past Monday). I'm so sorry and I too wish you peace.

 

[DawnCt1]

We had hospice when we cared for my mother in the last six weeks of her life, (breast cancer). She reached a point where her counts were so low that she couldn't tolerate another round of chemo. She signed all of the paper work but with the understanding that if her counts came up and she "felt better" she could change her mind. You can always change your mind. They were wonderful to her and to my family. My mom passed away at our home and they spent that last day here with us.

 

[jennobrn01]

My Poppop died nearly 3 years ago from colon cancer. We were able to honor his wishes and bring him to the comfort of his home to pass on. Hospice was integral in that process. My mother and I had the priveledge of caring for him in his last hours. Something I now cherish. Your mother and you will be well cared for.

May you know peace through this hard transition.

 

[LoraJ]

Micca,
I was wondering how things were going? I was just thinking about you because we just got a call that they're moving my boyfriends dad from the hospital to the hospice. They gave us last minute notice and we won't even be able to get to the hospital before he is transfered. That hospital room has been his comfort zone. I sure hope someone is explaining everything to him.

 

[snappy]

No info here, but I hope that you receive the help you need from this wonderful organization. Also sending you and your family my best wishes at this difficult time.

 

[Robinrs]

Ron, I'm so sorry... it's a word I've heard too many times in my life and hope I never have to hear again....

God bless you,

Robin

 

[eclectics]

So sorry you will have to be going through this. Hospice's are wonderful places and it is indeed a comfort knowing your loved one is being taken care of so lovingly. They are indeed staffed with angels. They made my sister's last days pain free and comfortable with as little stress as possible. Prayers go out to you and your family.

 

[jrpatter]

I'm so sorry for what you're going through. I know how you feel. We called in Hospice for my Dad last year. They only were involved for a week as he went downhill very quicky at the end but they were wonderful. I can't imagine what it would have been like without their support. I know they were a big comfort to my Mom and my whole family.

 

[decaff38]

A year ago my father passed away from throat and colon cancer. Hospice was a blessing. They did so very much to help in the final days of his life. They helped emotionally, physically and medically. They were such a good resource for my mother. I don't know what I would have done without them. Call them, they will come and help. You need them!!!

 

[chyam]

Hospice is a wondering group of people, when my mother was diagnosed with colon/liver cancer they were there every step of the way, they provided in home care and took care of many other issues, when the cancer spread to her brain they moved her to a facility that was far and above any hospital or nursing home that I have been in. At the facility there was always someone near by and there was not the rush that hospital personal are under, they took their time and did things far and above for my mother and for my dad and myself, these people in my opinion are angels on earth, they welcomed us like friends, and were still contacting my dad 2 years later to make sure he was doing well.....I wish you peace and hugs, alot of times it is harder on the relatives and friends than it is on the patient but always know Hospice will be there for you and your loved one, they will comfort you as much as the sick one.

 

[Micca]

You guys are too good LoraJ thanks for thinking of me. I don't know too much more than I did. Mom is back at the nursing home and is very weak. She is eating a tiny amount of food, and complaining about pain in just about every part of her body--both from major issues and small ones. She also doesn't stay awake very long, and tends to drift off about every ten minutes. Hospice reps were to evaluate her today, but I haven't heard the results just yet. I have seen her bounce back from this scenario before, but at age 92, and to "bounce back" to chronic pain, and the low quality of life she would have, is nothing to hold out hope for.

Thanks to all for your thoughtfullness and helpful info about hospice. I'd ask everyone to think about LoraJ's boyfriends' father too. I'll let you know what develops.

 

[Kitty 34]

Sorry about your Mom.