Info on Hospice

[CalvertNewbie]

As some of you know, my Dad isn't doing well. We've heard that Hospice will be a big help to my Mom, up in NY. I know many of you have dealt with Hospice. Can you please give me some info on what they do for their patients/patients families? Mom & I have been doing some research on it and have spoken to Hospice & social workers at the hospital but we're still a little unclear on exactly what role Hospice plays.

We're in process of trying to get Dad home to their house in NY. He's been in the hospital/rehab center up there for a month now but there's really not much that they can do for him. His cancer took another turn for the worse. It had already spread to his brain a month ago but we just found out that it's now in his lungs & bones. Needless to say, his oncologist sees no point in doing anything else for him at this point except trying to keep him pain free for the few months he has left.

My family will really appreciate any info anyone can give regarding Hospice. We're trying to be as prepared as possible before my Dad gets released from the rehab center so that it's easier for everyone, especially my Mom. TIA.

 

[Jameo]

When I had hospice come out to help with my mom, a nurse come out once a week to check over mom. A nurse tech (I think is what they are considered) 5x per wk to bathe mom and change her bed. They checked her vitals. Hospice also covered all of mom's medication. We also had a volunteer come out a few times to sit with mom if we needed an hour or some to catch up on a few things. I was completely overwhelmed with everything that was going on at the time and a hospice social worker came to my house and I talked with them for over an hour. Any time of day/night when had a question about something, they were there. Mom was at home when she passed and all we had to do was call the Hospice nurse and they came out and handle everything.

They will help with just about anything you need. Running errands. Picking up medications. Doing dishes. Talking to someone. Really just about anything. They are absolutely WONDERFUL!

 

[CalvertNewbie]

When I had hospice come out to help with my mom, a nurse come out once a week to check over mom. A nurse tech (I think is what they are considered) 5x per wk to bathe mom and change her bed. They checked her vitals. Hospice also covered all of mom's medication. We also had a volunteer come out a few times to sit with mom if we needed an hour or some to catch up on a few things. I was completely overwhelmed with everything that was going on at the time and a hospice social worker came to my house and I talked with them for over an hour. Any time of day/night when had a question about something, they were there. Mom was at home when she passed and all we had to do was call the Hospice nurse and they came out and handle everything.

They will help with just about anything you need. Running errands. Picking up medications. Doing dishes. Talking to someone. Really just about anything. They are absolutely WONDERFUL!

Wow, thanks so much. I didn't know they did all that! It's really overwhelming, for sure. Especially because I'm here, my brother is in SC and my parents are in NY. I'll feel better knowing that Mom will get such great help. Luckily, my Uncle & Grandmother are also up there to help. I'll get up there as much as possible, as will my brother. We went up last week and I'll be going up again on Thursday for a few days.

Again, I'm sorry for your loss. I know it's not easy.

 

[Pasofever]

I just had them for 3 months with my mom...she graduated hospice and they terminated their services for her..I never asked them to change her bed but they offered..by the time of the day they got here all my work was done. So they checked her and bathed her.. 5 X week was too much on me so I had them drop to 3 X. I never got a sitter from them as the one lady that came out was afraid of dogs and you all know how that went here. The nurses and the social worker and aids were just as nice as they could be. Yes they cover meds. They are their for the comfort of the paient for their last days. I did sometimes run out for feed etc while the nurse was here if I would be back in less then an hour..They were great..

 

[baileydog]

CN, Ive never had to use hospice, so I know nothing, I just wanted to let you know Ill be thinking of you and your family and I hope everythng goes as smooth as possible. God Bless your family.

 

[KAT20619]

You will never regret calling Hospice in to help. I had them with a roomate and also with my father. I can not say enough good things about them. They are there for the patient and the family and when the time comes they make the passing easier. They also offer family support and grief counseling for a full year after the loss of a loved one.

 

[CalvertNewbie]

CN, Ive never had to use hospice, so I know nothing, I just wanted to let you know Ill be thinking of you and your family and I hope everythng goes as smooth as possible. God Bless your family.

Thank you so much. We need all the thoughts we can get!

It looks like my Dad may be going home tomorrow or Wednesday. My Mom is meeting with a Hospice nurse tomorrow at 10 am. Luckily, she loves the nurses at the rehab center my Dad has been at and many of them are Hospice nurses so she's gotten a lot of insight and info from them. One in particular would like to come help my Dad at home so that's really comforting. They've all been so great with my Dad the entire time he's been there (about 2 weeks) and also been great with my Mom, making sure she's ok as much as possible.

I'll be heading up to NY on Thursday for a few days to help out. Unfortunately, I have to be careful because I'm pregnant so I can't really lift my Dad. He's so weak and needs help getting up, just to move from the bed to a recliner or wheelchair. My Uncle will be spending a lot of time at my parents house, I think. My brother will go to visit within the next couple of weeks, also. I think Hospice will be such a huge help in so many ways.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and the info you've provided me. It means so much more than you realize.

 

[Jameo]

Thank you so much. We need all the thoughts we can get!

It looks like my Dad may be going home tomorrow or Wednesday. My Mom is meeting with a Hospice nurse tomorrow at 10 am. Luckily, she loves the nurses at the rehab center my Dad has been at and many of them are Hospice nurses so she's gotten a lot of insight and info from them. One in particular would like to come help my Dad at home so that's really comforting. They've all been so great with my Dad the entire time he's been there (about 2 weeks) and also been great with my Mom, making sure she's ok as much as possible.

I'll be heading up to NY on Thursday for a few days to help out. Unfortunately, I have to be careful because I'm pregnant so I can't really lift my Dad. He's so weak and needs help getting up, just to move from the bed to a recliner or wheelchair. My Uncle will be spending a lot of time at my parents house, I think. My brother will go to visit within the next couple of weeks, also. I think Hospice will be such a huge help in so many ways.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and the info you've provided me. It means so much more than you realize.

Hospice will be VERY helpful to you and your family!! And if you ever have any questions or anything, you can call the local chapter and they will help you out.

 

[Nanny Pam]

We had Hospice for my Mother. I can't say enough about them. What a blessing they were, especially at the very end. I don't know how we would have done it without their help.
.... Thoughts & prayers for you & your family.