topic Re: Experience with Hospice in Wellness

Experience with Hospice

conlt — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 14:35:16 GMT

My 93 year old mother is in the end stages of heart failure. She has pretty much stopped eating and is holding a lot of fluid in her body. I have an appointment to speak to Hospice today with my family. Have any of you had experience with Hospice. We, of course, are devastated and at all different places in the grieving process. I woke up crying this AM.

Re: Experience with Hospice

cherry — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 14:39:39 GMT

My mother had them. I can't say enough about their kindness to her and us. I would not hesitate to use them.

Re: Experience with Hospice

IMW — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 14:42:27 GMT

I had a great experience with hospice and my Mom.

I only wish she’d have had the care earlier, but she

refused.

They did everything to make patient and family as

comfortable as possible. They took care of my Mom’s

pain, that meant everything to me.

I’m so sorry about your Mom. I hope in some small way

hospice provides relief for Mom and family.

Re: Experience with Hospice

vsm — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 14:45:00 GMT

So sorry for what you are going through, @conlt . By all means, consider hospice! We had at-home hospice for 6 months before my 96-year-old Dad died in May, and we will always be grateful for their care and compassion. Their motto is "To gentle the journey" for both the patient and the family, and we found it to be true in every way. Without their guidance and continuing support, I am certain we would have lost my 93-year-old mother in addition to my Dad. Prayers ascending for all of you.

Re: Experience with Hospice

SahmIam — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 14:49:08 GMT

My heart hurts for what you are going through.

We used Hospice for my grandmother. Amazing care, amazing people. Would never hesitate to suggest them to someone. Hugs to you.

Re: Experience with Hospice

cowboy sam — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 14:52:36 GMT

@conlt

I feel sad that that you will be losing your bloved one soon...hugs to you as you meet with them.

I have heard great things about Hospice....

Re: Experience with Hospice

Bird mama — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 14:54:52 GMT

@conlt My sister and her children were very pleased with the hospice care that my brother in law received.

I have been praying for your mother Virginia on a daily basis since last autumn (I believe she fell and injured herself?).

I'll continue to pray for her and your entire family.

Re: Experience with Hospice

Vivian — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 14:58:03 GMT

The people who cared for my father through Hospice are saints in my opinion. They made my Dad’s final days comfortable and pain free. They supported the family with love and information, allowing us to know what to expect. I have had the opportunity to witness the work Hospice has done with other family and friends. They are the best.

Re: Experience with Hospice

judy0330 — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 14:58:19 GMT

My mother-in-law passed away two weeks ago. We brought hospice in at the end. There are no words to begin to express how wonderful they were. A social worker came on the first day -- they delivered a hospital bed -- and a nurse came. These people work so quickly and are so competent. My mil was only at home for a few days and then had to go to in-patient hospice. My sister-in-law stayed there with her for several days until she passed. Hospice even made up a bed for my sil to sleep on. These people are truly angels on earth.

Re: Experience with Hospice

millieshops — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 14:59:33 GMT

@conltI am so sorry you need their services, but I encourage you to move forward with them.

My BIL at 91 is caretaker for my sister and has been for several years now. He resisted and resisted finding help, but the day Hospice first came in - and then just to talk and explain what they could offer - I could hear the relief in his voice when he called to tell me what was to happen. That was a month ago and they've increased their help when they can and when my sister's condition changes.

Can't say enough good about their excperience and do hope Hospice in your area also works well for your mom and you.

Re: Experience with Hospice

gidgetgh — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 15:01:45 GMT

@conlt - I’m so sorry that you’re facing this with your mom.

We’ve used hospice twice, first with my mom and then my dad. We actually used inpatient (is that the right word?) hospice for both.

My mom was in hospice for almost 6 weeks. My dad was only there for about 17 hours.

We were just really glad and thankful to be able to use their services.

This is such a diffcult and sad time for your family. Take care.

Re: Experience with Hospice

geezerette — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 15:04:30 GMT

@conlt

You have my sympathies as well. I remember how difficult it was to deal with all the decisions and emotions when my father was at his end of life.

He was put in-facility hospice. He was in such intense pain that he needed to be medicated beyond what could be done at home. Those people were God-sent. Every single one of them was an angel. They treated him like a baby—much better than we could have ourselves. My mother was in shock and they helped her almost as much as my father.

I highly recommend hospice.

Re: Experience with Hospice

PickyCindy — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 15:12:22 GMT

I'm so sorry for what you're going through! My prayers to you and your family! I only wish I had consulted with the Hospice people when my mother passed. She did pass while in the hospital but I had to make that final decision to let her go. I was a total mess for two weeks straight afterwards questioning who was I to pull the plug and crying nonstop. Had I had Hospice I believe I would have handled this experience much better. My sister told me I wasn't the one to pull the plug. It was the nurse who did it. Did I feel any better? No.

Re: Experience with Hospice

Meowingkitty — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 15:42:04 GMT

We used them for my husbands aunt who passed away in January. They were great. They were always available day or night when we called. We were so grateful for all their help we donated almost everything from her apartment to their thrift store.

Re: Experience with Hospice

mizree — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 15:45:19 GMT

@conlt Hospice is a wonderful organization. They will know how to keep your Mom as comfortable as possible. Prayers for peace and strength to you and your family.

Re: Experience with Hospice

World Traveler — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 15:49:31 GMT

@conlt So sorry about your mother, as it is hard to see our mom go thru something like that.

My mother had hospice for one week prior to passing away last month at the age of 100. She died of cardiac arrest due to congestive heart disease.

Our experience with hospice was absolutely the best. When they were called because mom was becoming agitated or in pain, they came right over and administered anxiety medication and/or morphine, depending upon what was needed. All we asked was that she have whatever was needed to keep her comfortable.

The day she died, they had given her the anxiety medication and within an hour she was very relaxed, breathing easily, and was sleeping. The nurse left to take care of some things and when she returned shortly thereafter, mom had passed away. We were so thankful it was peaceful for her.

I highly recommend hospice, not only because of our experience but because of the experiences of several friends of mine who had the same wonderful care from hospice for their loved ones.

I asked my sister what it cost after she had signed the papers with hospice, and she said it didn't cost at all. I am not sure if Medicare takes care of it or if it was our mother's long-term medical insurance. But we never had to write a check out for their services.

Re: Experience with Hospice

geezerette — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 15:53:17 GMT

@World Traveler

Medicare covers hospice.

My father was in a religious-based facility that was (honestly) like a five star hotel. We never got a bill for one cent. The family did send donations after my father passed because we all were just so impressed with everything they had done for us.

Re: Experience with Hospice

World Traveler — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 16:02:00 GMT

@geezerette Thanks for clarifying that. It was a relief to not have another bill to pay, but had we needed to do that, it would have been well worth it after seeing how well they worked with her.

We didn't know they took donations. I will talk with my sister about that, as we are still working on paying her bills, disposing of her things, and closing her various accounts.

Re: Experience with Hospice

equss — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 16:30:27 GMT

@conlt Experienced hospice with both my parents. Both agencies were great...very compassionate. I live far from my parents, but I did have health care power of attorney so I was consulted on everything. Highly suggest that is in place...!!!

My Dad was on hospice several months but my Mom was on it for much longer. She also had dementia and could be difficult/combative. The hospice staff was amazing in both situations. I want to add I respected hospice so much that when my brother passed I called the hospice social worker and asked her and my moms aide to deliver the news...they were that close and that trusted. The social worker dropped everything and went right over to be with my mom (Dad had passed several months earlier), I think that speaks volumes. I called her rather than a niece, nephew etc! Forever grateful to hospice...do not hesitate but also know you probably have a choice of which agency and there are differences. Hospice workers are committed as they could make more money anywhere else. Their compassion, training and committment are a true blessing.

I know how difficult this time is for you. Wishing love & compassion. Know hospice will ease you moms transition, medically and emotionally.

@World Traveler hospice is grateful for donations. I set up annual donations to my Dad's hospice and after my mom passed they used the donation to buy flags for all the veteran on their service. It broke my hearrt to think they could only buy those because of a donation...funds are tight!

Re: Experience with Hospice

bettinanne — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 16:10:31 GMT

Those who work through Hospice are angels walking the earth. Do not hesitate. You will be grateful for the compassion that is shown to your sweet Mom and you and your grieving family. I am so sorry you are losing your Mom. Sending blessings to all