My mother recently relocated to South Carolina. She suffers from congestive heart failure & CKD. She had a recent consultation w/her new nephrologist. Test results show that her kidney function has worsened. Her nephrologist recommended that she get hospice care to better manage her condition.
The thing is, my mom can still function — she cooks, dresses herself, and she’s alert mentally, though she has mild dementia. How would hospice work in this case?
We found hospice very helpful in our situation. Through hospice we were able to get oxygen and many of her medications at no cost. She also qualified for an aide for three hours a day, five days a week. The nurse visited once a week and monitored her. It made things a little easier for us.
When my mother was hospitalized for Covid we took her off hospice because we wanted her to be placed in a nursing home.
Instead, we brought in palliative care through Kaiser. An md did house calls. A pt came. There was, then, still hope that my dad could retain his gait and his mind.
For our family, this deteriorated very quickly once dad was found on the floor upstairs. He hadn’t broken anything, but he was delirious. And stayed that way. And couldn’t walk.
That’s when we involved hospice.
So far, it has been a huge relief.
My parents started hospice two weeks ago, (92, both w dementia, plus my mom has chronic kidney disease, stage 4).
Because of hospice, my parents no longer have to be taken to drs appts. The RN case manager has come to their home at least twice a week. This alone has been a huge plus, because we no longer have to coordinate driving one parent to the doctor while another stays home. No more convincing my parents they need to go to the dr. No more getting my parents up and ready for their trip to the dr. Plus no more making drs appointments, period. No more dealing with drs offices, receptionists, messages not being delivered to the dr, etc.
A social worker visited. First she spoke to me to ask how I was doing. That has never happened with their former doctors. She asked me what my specific concerns were regarding my parents.
The RN removed medications that my parents were taking that were, at this point, no longer necessary. They have their medications ordered and delivered by hospice now. No more trips to the pharmacy or requesting meds from their drs and having to wait.
Hospice gives me access 24 hours a day if I have any questions or concerns. They give their assessment of how my parents are doing, instead of at the doctor's office, in front of my parents.
We have 24 hour caregivers, so hospice also guides the caregivers in their care, specific to each parent's situation.
Also, after 6 months, they are re-assessed, and either taken off hospice, or it is continued.
So for me and my specific situation, it has been very helpful.
I hope you find what works best for you.
most people look on hospice here as end of life
we have them as backup for my dad when I need advice or help in addition to the nurses here. It kind of depends if mother has care and support around her maybe?
if she’s functioning well then I’m not sure a place surrounded by end of life people would be ideal ?
I think you should make an appointment and go visit and discuss with them fir best option advice then make your decisions on the info and feel you get of the place
in the meantime - hospices:
Not just for the dying:
While some people might stay in a hospice to receive end-of-life care, many people utilize hospice services for symptom management and support, even if they are not nearing the end of life. ( In The U.K. they are viewed as end of life and ensuring person gets best quality of life as they go. The hospital did a good job on my dad! And he left in critical condition. We were referred to hospice- by their visit- at home we had turned dads health around and when they saw that they said they would hand back to nurses so they clearly demonstrated why they are here- that says theyve never abandoned us- call up to check how dad is and how we are and visit and say anything you ever need call us.
Palliative care focus:
Hospices provide a variety of services, including medical, nursing, emotional, and practical support, all aimed at improving the quality of life and well-being of those with a terminal illness.
Holistic approach:
Hospice care takes a holistic approach, addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of both the patient and their family.
Variety of settings:
Hospice care can be provided at home, /in a care home,/ in hospice
The consultant can give an estimate if her end is close or not and whether they would accept her at this time. After speaking with the consult, you both still get to decide if she is ready.
Do ask doctor this question as regards this recommendation: "WHY?"
Ask around and/or look at reviews and find a hospice group in your area. You will be so glad you did, even though your mom is independent. The fact of the matter is…between CHF and kidney disease, she is in decline…
Ask for a Hospice evaluation. If she does not meet the qualifications for Hospice she can receive Palliative Care and as she declines she will meet Hospice guidelines and the Palliative service can be transferred to Hospice service.
Hospice does not necessarily mean a person has "6 months or fewer" after the initial period a recertification is done if she still meets the Medicare guidelines for Hospice she will remain on Hospice. My Husband was on Hospice for almost 3 years. He continued to decline and continued to meet the guidelines at each recertification.
Hospice does not care for conditions. What does this doctor think they can do for kidney failure. Dyalisis would be the next thing I would think. When that is not an option and kidneys shut down, then its Hospice because you will pass. Hospice is end of life care. Extraordinary measures are stopped. Life giving medications are stopped.
Doesn't seem to me Mom is there yet. You could have a Hospice consultation to see if it is something Mom could use.
She spent 2.5 hours with us and made sure that my dad understood how he needed to eat and drink to help himself feel better and not end up on dialysis.
I would be concerned that her new doctor doesn't want to deal with an elderly person and just gave her a death sentence because of his personal choice. Get a second opinion.
Hospice would supply any and all needed equipment, supplies and medications all covered 100% under your moms Medicare.
Other than that, they really don't do much, and 99% of your moms care will still be on you or other family members if she remains at home.
It can't hurt to bring them on board early as most people wait too late to bring hospice on board. Just don't expect much from them at this point.
I work/live in another state. I was able to set up home health/home care services for mom. My brother & I plan to discuss this with her-not sure if she’ll be receptive to it.