When do we call for Hospice?

[johns65]

My question today is: When do we as a family, call in for Hospice for our PSP patient already in the nursing home and on a PEG tube feeding? Someone suggested not to wait too long - what is too long - days, months, years? Any suggestions would be most welcomed. Thank you this morning from snowy Minnesota. Joyce

[Hidden]

Sorry I can't help you,if dealing with PSP it even tougher to figure out but I think you will know .I copy a link for you.

agingcare.com/articles/when...

Hope you find your answer

Dee in snowy BC

[easterncedar]

I'd suggest calling the hospice service and talking to them about what help they offer and what they recommend. It does vary from agency to agency. What do you want from hospice? And what do the folks at the nursing home say? My Henry was at home, and hospice was invaluable for us. I could not have kept him home without them. They sent a massage therapist and a music therapist. A nurse came every day to help with medications and to advise me how to keep him comfortable. They arranged for meds to be delivered to the home. When there were emergencies in the night they sent someone out right away. A social worker helped me make funeral arrangements and told me what to do when he died. The nursing care and medications I imagine are within the purview of the nursing home, although perhaps the palliative medications provided by hospice might not be? The extra therapies might be worthwhile any time.

That's a beautiful picture.

Sarah in snowy Maine.

[johns65 in reply to easterncedar]

This is good information, thank you so much Sarah. (My granddaughter's name is Sarah also.) Joyce

[Duffers]

Just call them. Tell your story and they will advise you about any worries you have. Great people. I nursed my husband until the end at home and they were invaluable. Good luck.

All the best. Have as good a new year as you can.

Marie.

[Joandbear]

Now! I had my husband at home. They were wonderful. In a home at least they could elvauate and give advice, options. I’m praying for you.

[Reidallison]

Hello, I apologize I know this was 5 mo. Ago that you was asking for advice on hospice. I do not know why I didn't see this until now. My mom is now in an assisted living home,which has been great! She is also now on hospice.. they have been wonderful!!! It is like having twice the care!! The nursing home does not have any conflict with them coming to see my mom at all. Hospice told us, if anyone was been diagnosed with a terminal illness no matter how long they have left, hospice will gladly do anything for them to make the life easier... my mom gets around her apartment in a wheelchair, but needs help getting dressed, showering, which she wears a pendant around her neck that she presses if she needs assistance with anything and they come running. So hospice also comes and helps her with showering, getting into bed.. Anything she needs, it is great!!! If my mom gets sick, I don't have to load her up and take her to a dr, I just call hospice, they are on call for us 24/7 and the hospice nurse is 20 minutes away!! I would highly recommend getting in touch with them. You may have already, its been 5 months. I am so sorry!! But I hope this has been some help to you and I hope all is going as well as can be for you!

Love Alli

[johns65 in reply to Reidallison]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, it has been a while since I posted this. Unfortunately, after putting my husband, Jim in Hospice, it was only for 48 hours before he died on March 9, 2018. Surely didn't expect that happening so soon. Hospice was very kind and attentative to him during this short time and maybe I should have done it sooner, who knows. I wish you well in your journey with your mother. Again I thank you for your reply. I used this forum many many times seeking information which really helped when we were struggling with Jim's journey. He's resting in peace now. Take care. Hugs, Joyce

[Reidallison]

Oh Joyce, I am so sorry!! I never put my two cents in on post and the first time I think I have info that may actually help someone, I pull something like this. I am so embarrassed!! Enough about me!! I hope you are doing ok, I know it must be hard, but living with psp is also. He is no longer suffering!! Please take care!

Love Alli

[johns65 in reply to Reidallison]

Oh Alli, do not feel bad, you were only trying to help, like we all do on this forum. We are here for each other. I am doing okay. Trying to finish up all the estate stuff. It is comforting to know that there are so many people who care and kind to us during the last few months. So Alli just keep being a good friend and offering your help to the next person in need. Hugs, Joyce