What to expect from hospice?

[pinstikfartherin]

69. I'm so very sorry, GiveMeFreedom

Hospice can be a very helpful, wonderful service. I worked for hospice, my mom managed a hospice, and I currently work with hospice companies helping the residents in the assisted living facility where I work. Hospice provides nursing care, social workers, chaplains, aids for bathing, and volunteers to help fulfill your needs. They are only a phone call and visit away any time they are needed and they work directly with your doctor to make sure you are comfortable and well-taken care of. Hospice will bring in any medical equipment you may need, cover any medicines related to your hospice diagnosis, and take care of other needs such as catheters, wounds, etc. Not all of them, but the hospice I worked for/my mom managed and a couple others have a crisis team so when the time comes, you or your family needs a nurse there to help take care during the final days and hours, they will send someone to stay and provide care. That is something I would ask about when finding the right hospice for you. All you need to do it contact a hospice in your area or ask your doctor to refer you to a hospice and their staff will walk you through the process.

It's a scary thing, but hospice staff can be wonderful, compassionate individuals that provide more than physical care... they often provide emotional support for everyone involved. It takes special people to do their jobs.