Is it time for Hospice?

ssfbeagle
ssfbeagle Member Posts: 50
edited March 2014 in Caregivers #1
I think the time may be drawing near to get hospice for my mom. What is the process and how does it get started?

Comments

  • Barbara53
    Barbara53 Member Posts: 652
    #2
    maybe just one phone call
    Depending on what's available in your area, you may be able to call a hospice agency directly and get things going by phone. When the agency gets your mother's official diagnosis, they can get a referral from her doctor. You can also start with the doctor, but the hospice people are stuck with the paperwork anyway and they will quickly get it done. Once you call, a nurse will schedule an evaluation visit right away, and from there the ball will be rolling.

    I've heard that there is rarely a problem qualifying for hospice with advanced cancer, and it covers a long list of services. Most surviving caregivers here seem to wish they had called them sooner.

    If you live in a city with many hospice agencies to choose from, ask around to see if friends or relatives have heard good things about certain ones. Good luck. Hope everything goes smoothly.
  • grandmafay
    grandmafay Member Posts: 1,633 Member
    #3
    Hospice Sooner
    I am one of those who wishes we had called hospice sooner. I especially appreciated the 24/7 phone number that allowed me to talk with a nurse any time I had questions. They can provide a lot of services, but will only do what you want. They got us a hospital bed within a couple of hours and also supplied oxygen and meeds for pain. We live in a small community and the hospice that serves us had just changed. I understand that some other hospices are even more helpful than our was. Our dr. made the referral and they contacted us very quickly. Best wishes, Fay
  • angelsbaby
    angelsbaby Member Posts: 1,165 Member
    #4
    grandmafay said:

    Hospice Sooner
    I am one of those who wishes we had called hospice sooner. I especially appreciated the 24/7 phone number that allowed me to talk with a nurse any time I had questions. They can provide a lot of services, but will only do what you want. They got us a hospital bed within a couple of hours and also supplied oxygen and meeds for pain. We live in a small community and the hospice that serves us had just changed. I understand that some other hospices are even more helpful than our was. Our dr. made the referral and they contacted us very quickly. Best wishes, Fay

    Dr suggested
    That we contact hospice this was in feb 09 and they came 3 x a week or how ever much you do or don't need them we had hospice at the house for about 2 months. anything that you need they can get it so don't hesitate to ask the nurses anything.It was a simple set up . Take care

    michelle
  • bingles
    bingles Member Posts: 120 Member
    #5
    angelsbaby said:

    Dr suggested
    That we contact hospice this was in feb 09 and they came 3 x a week or how ever much you do or don't need them we had hospice at the house for about 2 months. anything that you need they can get it so don't hesitate to ask the nurses anything.It was a simple set up . Take care

    michelle

    Hello....Sadly I will admit
    Hello....Sadly I will admit to being a "hospice" pro...I had their services for my late husband...who passed away 04/21/10.
    Set up waas incredibly easy...all of his needs were met as well as mine...all equipment and all meds were supplied without question.
    They were wonderful nurses visit 3X/wk...aides available...Social Worker and Chaplain.
    All was provided 100% under his medicare...no out of pocket.
    They also offer berevement after care for surviors, which I am taking advantage of starting next Monday...
    Don't hesitate....earlier the better.
    Without them I doubt I could have provided such wonderful care and I am forever in their debt.
    Blessings to you and your family.
    Pat.
  • ssfbeagle
    ssfbeagle Member Posts: 50
    #6
    Update
    I called an ambulance this morning to bring my Mom back to the hospital. She has had a rash under her abdominal folds (from weight loss) which we thought was a fungal infection. It has been quite painful and open the last few days. Also progressive weakness over the last few weeks despite in home PT/OT. They put in a Foley catheter and will be giving her diuretics to help get the swelling in her legs down. H&H is low, so she will be getting blood. IV antibiotics for the rash. Her oncologist has not been in yet. I will suggest Palliative Care Services for her. Thank you all for your help and good wishes. I hate cancer!

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