Hi Everyone,
My Daddy has chose Hospice. My question to anyone that may be able to answer is...
He is a Big Man, weighing about 270lbs. It is just my sister, mom and myself taking care of him. We have a hard time “ Handling “ him physically. Are there any other help or maybe medical lift equipment that we can rent, to give him better care ?
So very sorry that it has come to the point where he had to make this decision. Please know that he’s not giving up. He’s taking control over this phase of his life.
When the case manager does an assessment of your dad’s living areas, recommendations for equipment will be made. Most, if not all, of the things needed will be supplied or leased through them and billed to Medicare or his insurance company.
The case manager will set up an occupational therapy appointment. Dad will learn strategies to get in and out of the bed, showers, cars or chairs in the safest manner. You will also be taught the best way to help him. He’ll also get exercises to help maintain muscle strength so he can participate in his own care as long as he can.
There will be an aide at your home a couple times a week to help with bathing, changing sheets and other personal care chores. Of course the nurse will come by regularly. Ask them to teach you how to make a bed with a draw sheet, and how to use the draw sheet to help him sit up on bed from a laying position.
When he’s ready for a hospital bed hospice will supply it. Also they will place a comfort box in your fridge and explain when and how to use the contents which will include anti seizure medications and morphine drops.
I would stock incontinence supplies, sheet pads and mattress protectors. There are some special sponges that are for use in the mouth and a gentle liquid to help clean and moisturise it.
Bless you for this. It’s the toughest part of being a caregiver. It’s also a special kind of honor to be able to help him.
If it will be too difficult for you to care for him with hospice at home, often they have a hospice facility where he can stay. He will have 24 hour care and you all can visit. Bless you all.
Tammy, I completely agree with everything Denzie said, thanks Denzie! You are doing a very loving thing by respecting his choices and supporting him as he enters this time in his life. Love him, be kind to yourself, let the Hospice people know if you need more help. Please keep talking to us, we care.
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