My dad lives with me and I'm his only caregiver. He's nearing hospice in his decline. I'm overwhelmed and find myself crying for so many reasons. Could use some advice.
I am so sorry you are facing the end of your dad's life, and all the stress and emotional turmoil that comes with it. I really feel your pain when you say you're overwhelmed....thats exactly how I felt when I had to call hospice in for my dad 4 years ago. Once you get them on board, they should be sending over a hospital bed and lots of supplies along with a nurse to administer comfort meds and a CNA to help with bathing. Since hospice won't be with you all the time, you might want to hire a care giver to come in daily to give you some respite and help dad with his needs. Be sure to take time for yourself during this stressful time and come here to vent and get support. Lean on family members and friends as well.
Sending you a big hug and a prayer that your dear dad will transition peacefully and with no discomfor or anxiety.
You are not alone. We can relate to your despair and exhaustion. Hospice care can be very positive, use them sooner not later. Can you say specifically what it is ("so many reasons") that you are looking for advice on? Hugs to you & your dad.
Please call hospice tomorrow. If he is nearing hospice, I suspect he could already benefit from them. My father passed away two weeks ago, and I wish I had called hospice months earlier.
I wasn’t his only caregiver, and I too was overwhelmed. I cannot imagine doing this alone. Along with hospice, would it be possible to hire some professional caregivers to help you during this time? It is so important that you not be alone in this.
You are crying for good reason and for no reason. I did the same. I felt like I was five years old and losing my daddy. I also cried over the extreme vulnerability of my father approaching death.
One call to hospice, and before the day is out, your father could be assessed, and the team put together. They will not be there 24/7, but you should be able to call them at any time. Your father needs this extra care and you need the support. Also, take time to leave your father’s side every day and get out, even for an hour. Go to lunch with a friend, talk about anything but what is happening. I had to do this when I realized that by the end of the day I was getting sick to my stomach from the stress, tension, and adrenaline. And breathe! Deeply! Pause frequently throughout the day, and breathe deeply and evenly. This will calm your mind and body.
I prayed with my father and over him when he could no longer talk, and I read to him from the Bible. Sometimes I just sat with him in silence. I’m sorry, I’m jumping all over the place in my thoughts. Tonight was rough for me. I hope I have helped. My prayers are with you and your father. You are not alone.
Call doctor or insurance for referral for : Hospice, palliative care, and another caretaker, See what they will do for you. Let them evaluate how long Dad needs hospice. Hospice is there for you. Take it. If they say no to hospice, then ask for palliative care. Get your resources together, ask friends, relatives, church, Social worker, hospital to help you get help for you and dad.. You need to be able to take a 5 minute break, take a walk, or something. It is hard. Breathe.. Talk to hospice. They will tell you straight up...
YES, please call hospice. We called hospice for my father when he was first diagnosed with cancer. He lived with the cancer for 6 months. He was able to stay at home with my mother but hospice was their to help every single day. Please call hospice. They can help!! We did!!
Sending you a big hug and a prayer that your dear dad will transition peacefully and with no discomfor or anxiety.
Please call hospice tomorrow. If he is nearing hospice, I suspect he could already benefit from them. My father passed away two weeks ago, and I wish I had called hospice months earlier.
I wasn’t his only caregiver, and I too was overwhelmed. I cannot imagine doing this alone. Along with hospice, would it be possible to hire some professional caregivers to help you during this time? It is so important that you not be alone in this.
You are crying for good reason and for no reason. I did the same. I felt like I was five years old and losing my daddy. I also cried over the extreme vulnerability of my father approaching death.
One call to hospice, and before the day is out, your father could be assessed, and the team put together. They will not be there 24/7, but you should be able to call them at any time. Your father needs this extra care and you need the support. Also, take time to leave your father’s side every day and get out, even for an hour. Go to lunch with a friend, talk about anything but what is happening. I had to do this when I realized that by the end of the day I was getting sick to my stomach from the stress, tension, and adrenaline. And breathe! Deeply! Pause frequently throughout the day, and breathe deeply and evenly. This will calm your mind and body.
I prayed with my father and over him when he could no longer talk, and I read to him from the Bible. Sometimes I just sat with him in silence. I’m sorry, I’m jumping all over the place in my thoughts. Tonight was rough for me. I hope I have helped. My prayers are with you and your father. You are not alone.