Get the hospice. This is paid for by medicare and will give your Mom much more support. They bring in needed equipment, even to a bed. If your Mom doesn't pass within the expected 6 month period hospice will decide how to proceed, whether to withdraw from case until needed or to stay if death is imminent. Hospice used to be a case of your having to fall within that 6 months expectation, but is less and less so. Speak with her doctor now about requesting this service. In my opinion it cannot happen too soon.
I didn't know of any particular group, so, I went with a company who already had other patients in the LT care facility where my my LO is in MC. It was a good decision. The rep came to see me within a couple of hours of the call, got everything signed up. It happened rather quickly and in just a day or two she had her new hospital bed, new high back wheelchair, etc. It took so much off my shoulders knowing that she has others checking her status and any changes. From what I'm told the nurse is the only one who is currently able to go in to the facility. Before covid, there was also, the bath aid, social worker and chaplain.
My mom had a long, difficult decline. It was not until I brought hospice on board that things went better. Hospice was wonderful and kept her pain free and comfortable. We just had to put my MIL on hospice and they did the same for her. Hospice is paid for by medicare too, just not the housing if the patient is in a nursing home.
Lori, You have made the decision for hospice care. Many people do not understand that getting the adequate care necessary for your mother's comfort often means bringing in hospice.
Even so, as she declines, what you did is to help her. It had nothing to do with a death sentence, imo, as so many misinterpret. She will have the comfort and care needed at this time. You were very brave.
If your mother is declining rapidly, there's really not much of a 'decision' to make, right? Your goal is her comfort, nothing else, as you want her transition to be as seamless as possible. It's never easy to accept a loved one's mortality, and that they're reaching the end of their life, that's for sure. When my father reached that point, I had hospice come in without hesitation. I'm glad I did, too, because they were able to ease his pain and his anxiety, as well as coach me along the way. Their chaplain was most helpful too. Once a terminal illness has been diagnosed and the end is imminent, hospice is the most humane decision you can possibly make.
I'm so sorry that you are faced with such a decision. Remember: your mom's life is in God's hands now, not yours and not hospice's. All you're doing is allowing them to ease her pain and to have her transition peacefully. Sending you a big hug and a prayer for peace.
Hi Lori, I believe that hospice is ultimately the ones who decide if she qualifies or not. Maybe palliative care will be offered if she’s not quite ready for hospice. These are very difficult times and this forum has helped me a lot. Best wishes.....
You have made the decision for hospice care.
Many people do not understand that getting the adequate care necessary for your mother's comfort often means bringing in hospice.
Even so, as she declines, what you did is to help her. It had nothing to do with a death sentence, imo, as so many misinterpret. She will have the comfort and care needed at this time. You were very brave.
I'm so sorry that you are faced with such a decision. Remember: your mom's life is in God's hands now, not yours and not hospice's. All you're doing is allowing them to ease her pain and to have her transition peacefully. Sending you a big hug and a prayer for peace.