What to expect with hospice?

One doctor said he doesn't think she has that long - I have spent down some on her assets - my dad was upset that they would take part of his 401 k that's in the bank. We also have home repairs that would have to be done before possibly selling it in the future. They have sent the 'comfort kit' box yesterday. I have had to help the aide turn her for diapers. Yesterday she suddenly started cooperating and actually turned as far as she could. She has dementia but knows that it's hard on me, so maybe she is getting better about the changing. She was yelling out that she might fall at first. Getting more used to the hospital bed maybe. They are both in the system for palliative and hospice care, though my dad does not meet the criteria yet. They did tell me that I could give her some Tramadol if the pain got worse. The hospice here only keeps people in the final few days or weeks of their life. They told me that they could bring her back for respite as long as it wasn't every two weeks or so. Yes, family members wish she could have stayed there - it's lovely.

With her condition, would she qualify for a Hospice inpatient facility? Medicare covers that. I have a friend whose wife went in since he was not able to move her from the bed in a home setting.

With the broken hip and pneumonia you made the right choice about hospice. My suggestion would be to call them and ask them to send a nurse to teach you how to change and turn your mom. I would imagine it would be quite painful for her and you may need to medicate her prior to moving and changing her. Try to get into the habit of changing and turning at the same time. It will be less jostling for your mom.

I read your other post about your moms meds. This doesn’t sound right. She’s in a hospice program, dislocated hip and getting only Tylenol? You need to have a talk with the hospice nurse ASAP.

It seems to me mom needs to be in skilled nursing care. Hospice does not provide 24/7 care. Some facilities will accept her on private pay with Medicaid pending. Your dad must spend the money necessary to get her home care or facility care, spend down and start Medicaid coverage. And you should probably be applying for Medicaid for him as well.