Update on today's events.

[LostFairy]

Managed to keep my anxiety under control, but got some news from the doctor that came to see my mother in law. On a while new stress level now. The doctor is suggesting I look into getting her in hospice care. She said it doesn't mean end of life just more options for her medically. I know this, but automatically my brain goes into defence thinking, no she bbn isn't that bad yet. So I guess now begins the figuring out my next step. Any advice would be appreciated because I'm totally scared at this point about her condition.

[brokenlight]

🧡

[LostFairy in reply to brokenlight]

Thank you for the heart here and on my other post. It is very thoughtful and much appreciated. 💞

[brokenlight in reply to LostFairy]

You’re very welcome ✨

[Dolphin14]

Hi what is she suffering from? How is her quality of life? Is she actively seeking treatment for this illness?

[LostFairy in reply to Dolphin14]

She has alzheimers. I have been her full time caregiver for 8 years now. They are suggesting hospice because her weight has dropped significantly because she is beginning to lose the ability to swallow most solids. She is almost 88 years old so her quality of life is diminishing quickly, unfortunately.

[Dolphin14 in reply to LostFairy]

LostFairy:

I'm sorry about your mother in law. It's a horrible disease.

This situation is a little different. The doctor is probably offering for your benifit? Care continues under hospice and treatment is not withheld. The first benifit I see is having a medical pair of eyes on her in the home. That can help with safety ideas, all the way down to having that nurse be the one to make phone calls on the patient and family behalf. Social workers, home health aides etc are there to help you

I'm not sure where you live? Hospice care is free in US. Meds and equipment are delivered right to your door.

What are your thought? Have they listed the benifit for you? All the above is knowledge from my sister being on hospice for a year.

At any time you can change your decision.

Your mother in law is probably not enrolled in any major treatment plan. For instance there's no chemo or anything like that for Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's basically comes down to custodial care, safety, routine meds etc

Again, only my opinion. But to me I see a lot of the day to day struggles with the disease being unburdened a bit. Your mother in law will have exposure to extra types of care, some stress will be taken off you. Nurses assessment can pick up on things sooner, eliminating extra trips to the md if a treatment plan is discussed nurse to md in your living room. Trying to get an Alzheimer's patient to the doctor for minor things like example a UTI... the nurse can get the specimen and deliver it to the lab.

I do want to clarify that my dealing with hospice was for my sister who ultimately died of lung cancer. These were things they did for us. I'm projecting the same things would be part of your loved ones treatment plan. I also know in my state in USA it's free care. I have seen end stage cancer patients as well as cardiac patient on hospice. Patients can be sent to the hospital at any time if they choose.

There are many mis conception about hospice care. It doesn't mean with hold all treatments and watch someone pass.

Sorry this is so long. I hope some of it is helpful.

[LostFairy in reply to Dolphin14]

Oh, it is very helpful, thank you. Yes that is why I have put a call into her pcp. The decision of hospice is in her best interest at this point in time, so I got the ball rolling today to get the referral from her doctor in order for hospice to come in and evaluate her. It is a free service with insurance and I know in the long run it will make her more comfortable and improve the quality of her life.

[Dolphin14 in reply to LostFairy]

Excellent

Keep us posted. Remember to squeeze in time for you. It's so difficult being a care giver. You have to take some time and put yourself first.