What has been your experience with Hospice?

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   teaches12345posted 11 years ago

   What has been your experience with Hospice?
   
   I have friends who are considering placing their parent in a Hospice center.  How do you know when this option is a valid or final choice?

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   kelleywardposted 11 years ago

   I have worked with hospice nurses throughout my career. I think hospice can be a wonderful experience for the family. They are knowledgeable about the death process and can help family members prepare for the final stages of life. Personally my grandfather used hospice when my grandmother died and he attended follow-up support meetings for a year after her death. I highly recommend hospice if it is a reputable agency with a strong set of professional RN's.

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      teaches12345posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Kelley. This is comforting and I will pass on your information to the family.

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   Tmonicaposted 11 years ago

   I am a nurse myself and I have worked for Hospice before. I have to say everyone is extremely caring and you know that your loved one will be taken care of. My father was also in Hospice before he passed away and it really helped my family and I through a very hard time.

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      teaches12345posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Tmonica, I have heard it is so supportive of family during the final stages of life. I think making the decision if hard when you don't know what to expect.   Thanks.

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      Tmonicaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You welcome

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   Blond Logicposted 11 years ago

   My sister had to make this decision for our mother. Our mother  had been in the hospital and the doctors told my sister, there was no hope she would survive. My sister, said it was the hardest decision she had ever made.
   
   The hospice was a small one I believe with only 6 beds. My sister said the nurses were so caring and explained the process to expect as our mother faded away. Our mom was only there for a few days and I don't think she realized she was in a hospice because she was medicated. I know for my sisters, the hospice offered the support they needed as well.

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   1. 78

      teaches12345posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I can only imagine the difficulty of deciding on hospice care. It sounds like it was s welcome relief and blessing to both your mom and sister.

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   Mekenzieposted 11 years ago

   Hi teaches,  When my husbands mother declined physically to the point that we could no longer care for her alone, we had her evaluated by Hospice.  Hospice told us that she did qualify and we began that very day to be blessed by these wonderful caring people.
   I cannot say enough about the care they gave to mom or the kindness and practical help they showed us.  I even had a housekeeper twice a week to take some of the responsibility off of me. 
   Even when it came to the point that we could not care for her in our home ... they followed her to the wonderful home we took her to.  She knew these workers and so it helped with the transition. 
   I say, by all means, do not wait - call today!
   Mekenzie

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      teaches12345posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks MeKenzie.  I am passing on information to the family.  I believe they have decided to follow through with hospice at this point.  They are torn, but it is beyond them to assist with the intense care their father needs at this time.  God bless.

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   PurvisBobbi44posted 11 years ago

   I have to be honest and say the word Hospice scared me, especially when it is concerned someone you love so much and for a lifetime. I rejected the very thought of it until I finally had to give in to the idea and I can tell you I am thankful I did.
   
   I checked out several places before I decided on the best one---I made sure there were no complaints against them and I visited uninvited first and watched and listened to how the employee treated everyone. I had a million questions for them and each one was answered to my satisfaction.
   
   These people are skilled Angels---that was my experience with them. I had two doctors to validate it---and when the time is necessary for the best care for your love one---your love for them will let you know when it is time.
   
   I will not lie and say it did not break my heart---it did---but I wanted the last weeks for our father to be comfortable, with excellent medical care, good food and friends and family dropping in to see him.
   
   And we visited everyday and even when he no longer knew we were there---we still came and talked to him and held his hand.

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      teaches12345posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Purvis, this is comforting to know.  Your sharing highlights the reason hospice has made such a difference in other people's lives.  Yes, they are Angels.  So glad your father had this comfort.

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   LauraD093posted 11 years ago

   Just came across your question. The hospice choice is a deeply personal issue. When my Mother's condition worsened her fear level also increased-she didn't want to be put in a facility (who really does) but had I been working it may have been something I would have had to do. Hospice care is extremely intense and with the emotional factor as well can be difficult for family members. In my case I had cared for my Mom the last twelve years of her life (leaving my job for the last three) I also had a medical back-ground so it made some things I had to do for her less difficult. Regardless when it is family you cannot emotionally detach as it is possible with patients. Professionals can be brought in to the home but major upheaval is unavoidable. Your friends should not feel guilt if they go with a facility they will be able to spend quality time without the high stress levels, I at times thought I was really losing it-and exhaustion often made me irritable and short with my Mother-I do not regret my decision I gave to her the only thing I could my devoted attention but it was hard.

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   1. 78

      teaches12345posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Laura, thanks for your thoughts of encouragement.  They decided to go with the hospice because they were unable to care for their father at home.  AS you said, the stress is now alleviated and they can love freely.

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