Hi guys,
My question is regarding hospice. My father has stage 4 pc with mets and a newly diagnosed aortic dissection with aneurysm in abdomen. The dr told us he has 6 months. What is expected from hospice? So far my mom and I are not convinced this is the right choice by our current hospice company. He had a bad reaction to methadone they put him on and they seem to be making my father worse. Please any thoughts or advice on hospice.
I’m sorry you had a bad experience. When my dad used hospice, it was the home type. They were very caring and paid attention to our concerns. You asked what to expect, I think that’s what you deserve.
My wife has advanced Alzheimer's and has been on hospice. They have been great, they provide weekly nursing visits all medical supplies and equipment and even a social worker. I don't see a downside, if you don't like the program, you can always go off it anytime. I have Medicare and secondary insurance.
Which one of his doctors told him that?
Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.
j-o-h-n Monday 01/21/2019 12:50 AM EST
The hospice doctor at the hospital told him 6 months. Now we know only the man upstairs knows when its time. But i was glas that finally one of the drs at rhe hospital was honest with us about everything.
The Frontline Public Broadcasting System video "Being Mortal", based on the Book by Dr. Atul Gawande might be a helpful thing for the whole family to watch as you continue to plan for hospice and other end of life matters. The bestselling book is also available in most libraries and book outlets.
pbs.org/video/frontline-bei...
Another possibly helpful video is here:
"Passing On"
See also:
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Charles
Thank you i will check it out. Theres so much stuff that you have to do. Im mostly worried about my mother. My parents have been married 38 years. I worry how she will be when he passes.
The worry for those who are left behind is very often a deep concern. In my experience, what many older people may lack in former physical capabilities they sometimes surprise us with their life experience, resilience, and inner stability and strength. Perhaps not always, but often.
For some practical advanced planning options:
The Social Services/case workers at the hospital might be able to provide references to local support groups and/or loss & grief counseling resources as the end of life nears and after it occurs.
There are many "Death Checklists" and Estate Planning checklists available for preliminary planning ideas available on the Internet. Here's just one example.
aarp.org/home-family/friend...
Besides the loss and grief support aspects of it all, all the links at this "Caring for Your Parents" website might help in organizing and getting started with many aspects of your mother's future care.
pbs.org/wgbh/caringforyourp...
One thing at a time.... just starting the conversation is important in and of itself.
Just as patient care & treatments can be made easier by a "team" approach, so can all the many other aspects of life toward the end of life.
Big Hugs to you all.
Charles
Hospice care is wonderful both as a nurse and as a widow
Hospice
Now in hospice
No Medicare and on hospice
Started hospice
