He is 94. Sleeps most of the day, eats a fraction of what he used to eat, but still insists on going with me on outings even though he finds them confusing and tiring. I’m willing to take each day as it comes, but wondering when it’s time to ask for additional help.
My opinion is that the sooner you call in Hospice the better.
The improved attention, the improved care from the Nurse, the CNA and the rest of the Team is immeasurable.
After my Husband broke his hip I happened to be passing by a Hospice and I stopped in to ask questions. I spoke with a Nurse, she asked me who my Husbands doctor was, she had me fill out some papers while she made a few phone calls. She came back and said after talking to his doctor he was approved for Hospice. He died almost 3 years later all the while on Hospice.
So...yes the standard is 6 months or fewer BUT as long as there is a documented decline that meets Medicare standards a person can be recertified and remain on Hospice.
So
Make the call to Hospice. If your LO does not meet the criteria for Hospice Palliative Care is an option and in many cases the Palliative Care Team will let you know when Hospice criteria has been met and the transition to Hospice would be easy.
Explains a lot of changes in the last months of life.
Let me know if you cannot find I will post few important points.
We have people coming on here crying that Hospice hastened a LOs death. And what they complain about is part of the process. Your nurse should be available 24/7 by phone. She orders any equipment needed, meds and Depends, wipes ect. If you don't care for a certain nurse or aide, you can call the agency and ask for replacements. If you don't like the Hospice, you can fire them and hire another. And remember, they are coming into your home. We had a OP complain about a Nurse who seemed to take over. They are there to guide you thru. If you feel they are overstepping you have a right to complain.
My Dad had hospice in the home. They were good to him and Mom. His last day was Thanksgiving and his family was there. He could not talk but he ate his dinner and watched Football with my brothers. Sometime during the night he passed. Mom called the Nurse about 8am. She was there finishing up what she needed to when .I got there and then called the funeral home who was out in no time, but then they were just down the street. Equipment was picked up the next day.
Hire a caregiver occasionally if you need a break....and you will need a break.
Respite care was available that hospice pays for.
Our mother was in hospice 4 years. The first months, we didn't think she had months to live. Our family gave 24 hour care and it was her strong will to live, our incredible family and the hospice care that kept her with us. She was reevaluated every 90 days.
Our mom recently passed at 97 and the support of the hospice staff has been a blessing.
Wishing you the best!
If his condition improves, then Hospice may terminate their services, but can re-evaluate again at a later time.
I recently did this for my husband. It provides more services for him and more help for me. He seems to be pretty stable for now, but I'm going to accept the extra help from Hospice for as long as they will provide it.
I called hospice when Mom became bedbound, eating very little and did not speak. She was in hospice for 18 months.
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