Update on my hospice post

[720L]

Sorry about your Mom. Hospice is wonderful and can keep your mom out of pain.

 

[lookingforward]

My thoughts and prayers are with you! Hospice is a wonderful organization that will support you and your family during this difficult time. They helped my uncle during his struggle with liver failure and really helped our family cope with the intense sadness and awesome priviledge it was to be with him during his last few months of life. We got very attached to his nurses.

 

[arminnie]

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

I am so very, very sorry.

But I have to tell you - hospice is a very generic term - like hospital.

There are great hospice organizations, and there are a few that are not. There is no one "hospice" organization. In most cities there are multiply organizations providing "hospice" services. Just like anything else - choose carefully.

Ninety-nine percent of hospice experiences are great. We had a horrible one with my mother that never did one thing - literally. We never saw them again. No counseling, no help, no support - period. There is so much good that they can provide - wish we'd had even just a little information.

We used the hospice services from a great hospital that we had been very happy with. We had also used their home health services which were top notch. They just had a really cruddy hospice service. My best friend's husband was on the board of directors of this hospital. Sometime after my mother's death, I did let my friend know who lacking the services had been so they could make it better, and I think they have.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I worked as a hospice nurse for 9 years. Is there a specific question you have that I might be able to answer?

Technically, "hospice" isn't a place, but a philosophy of caring for people. Sorta like Mother Teresa's "Die With Dignity" thing. That's what attracted me, anyway. Everyone who does it has their own "take" on how to respect and care for their patients.

Almost ALL of the nurses I worked with really did care about their patients and the philosophy in general, especially of helping people die at home, if that is what they want to do.

Every experience is as unique as the patient themself. It really is hard to lump everything together under that word: "hospice." But if there is anything I can answer, please let me know.

 

[tiggerlover]

I am really sorry to hear about your mom.

Hospice was a God send for us last summer when my dad was sick with terminal cancer. They were with us every step of the way and were a wealth of information. Dad knew he had less than 6 months to live and insisted he wanted to go home so he did, with a hospice nurse in attendance 24/7 until he passed away. Because of the Hospice nurse's experience she highly suggested that I come home a week earlier than I had reservations for because she didn't think dad would make it (he was given 6 months, only made it 5 weeks). I followed her advice, went home and was so glad I did....he passed the very morning I was due to come home and I wouldn't have made it in time. Hospice has so much to offer, they are a great organization for a very difficult time.

 

[Micca]

Hospice services began on Tuesday, and DM passed away today. I think the
hospice people were terrific, but we didn't get to experience the full spectrum of what they have to offer. Knowing what I know now, I would say don't wait too long. They could have done a lot for my mother during the past 6 months or so. Thanks again to all who posted

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

Hospice services began on Tuesday, and DM passed away today. I think the
hospice people were terrific, but we didn't get to experience the full spectrum of what they have to offer. Knowing what I know now, I would say don't wait too long. They could have done a lot for my mother during the past 6 months or so. Thanks again to all who posted

Wow Micca, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope your mom is now at peace.

Godspeed.

 

[kpm76]

Awww, so sorry to hear about your mom. Hospice services and the people who provide them are angels. Unfortunately, we've had a few experiences with hospice but they definitely made our loved ones comfortable at the end of their life. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this tough time.....

 

[escape]

I'm so very sorry. Sending prayers to help you through this difficult time.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I am very sorry to hear this. Please know that you'll be in my prayers tonight.

 

[floridafam]

So sorry.

 

[Holly]

Micca, I'm sorry.

We have Hospice coming every day for my grandmother (she lives with us) and they are wonderful.

 

[SplshMtn99]

 

[4nana]

I am so sorry to hear about your Mom.
You are in my prayers that God grant you strength and faith through this very difficult time.

 

[Maryr1]

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

 

[LBelle]

I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your DM. I will say a little prayer for you all this evening.

 

[eclectics]

So sorry for your loss.

 

[disneyfanforever]

I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. My prayers are with you.

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

So sorry to hear of the recent loss of your beloved mother

 

[meloneyb21]