How do you cope with an elderly parent in hospice care with no help?

Feb 14, 2011

It is a very difficult job as you already know. My mom and I just went through this. I can say that the hospice nurse was great but we did need more help. Many hospice facilities have volunteers that will come in and sit with the patient. That way you can take a nap or shower even. You can leave while the aide comes in to bathe and care for the patient. Well, we could anyway. speak to the social worker at the hospice company they can offer resouces also.

Angelblessed2

Feb 15, 2011

Thanks, I will be in touch with the Hospice Soc. Wkr. My mom is actually having hospice come out to the nursing fascility to do the hospice.

warreng

Dec 14, 2011

im taking care of my mother at home hospices comes and gives her a bath thay stay only one hr my father is here to help but he is in a wheelchair so im doing for him also and it sucks

Prayingdaily

Dec 14, 2011

@Warreng, no one ever said it was an easy task; it is definately a labor of love. I don't regret one single second I spent with my dad while he was in the hospital or at home on hospice. I gave up over a yr of my life to help my parents and I would do it again. Although, I was not asked if I wanted anything of my dad's belongings and I was bitter/angry over this for a while, I realized that the most valuable things I had of my father were not material items but a lifetime of memories and moments we shared during his last few months.....these can never be taken away from me by any of my hateful family members. These moments are time I spent with my dad that my brothers failed to do....too busy living their own lives.That was probably TMI. Sorry. And yes it does suck in so many ways........it is a hard job.

useraccount

Dec 26, 2011

I remember when Hospice included something called Continuous Care in which either a Home Health Aide or a nurse would each spend 12 hours each taking care of the hospice patient as they were clearly approaching death. I don't think this is still a service of hospice. Too bad. It means people without private means go to nursing homes for their final days.

195Austin

Dec 27, 2011

Thank you for your commets-I had thought when you had hospice they brought in people to do most of the physical care so the family could concentrate on helping the sick family member. I think most hospice groups do-maybe you could find another hospice group-there are so many around these days and it must be profitable they have to be getting paid well for them to be croping up everywhere-I would check with my county social service office or the office of the ageing which we have where I live. Is your Mom in a nursing home if she is they are responsible for her daily care and meals and meds.