My 98 yr old mom started on hospice this week. I thought that there would be more coverage but Medicare only pays for home health aides 3-5 times per week for 2 hours and visits by the nurse 1-2 times a week. I am looking into some private care so I can get out at night or during the weekend for some respite.
They started mom on low dose of morphine. First time it worked well, she slept all night and had some relief from pain. Second night, didn't sleep and had some pain not as much relief as night before. Gave her more this morning and is now sleeping.
Not sure how long this is going to go on. I just thought that hospice would be around more.
Anyone have any advice or experience with hospice???
PS I live in New York.
oneandonly
Good luck.
Remember that someday when she is gone, this stressful time will be but a blip in the big picture of her life, and you will be glad you did all you could to follow her wishes. I am proud of you!
Jean
As far as when she is gone I have been her only caregiver for the last almost 5 years and I am an only. I know that I have done everything I can possibly do for her. I think she is at the end of her journey so I want to be sure that she doesn't suffer. She is a tough lady and has a problem with outside help so getting hospice is a GIGANTIC step for her. I have never done hospice so I am in the dark about alot of things.
Thank you all and I welcome all comments.
oneandonly
My friend cared for his grandmother at the end of her life. He actually had hospice services for nearly 2 years! Toward the end of her life, staff members were there constantly.
I would start asking around. Get references from people in your area that have gone through this. I also quizzed Mom's Med. social worker. Ask questions the right way, ie: "If this was your Mom who would you contact for her care?" If you are persistent, they will finally give you an honest assessment.
I, too, thought end of life care was more inclusive. Like everything else in life, quality varies.
The hospice nurse came today( I had called her this morning) and explained to her that is not the way it works.
The hospice I am using seems ok. We just started last week. In my state, New York , the services provided seem the same for each hospice in the area.
I am trying to get some outside help so that I can do everyday things and leave her. Hospice only goes so far. It is not a question of money but I thought that they were more involved in the day to day care.
Maybe I should just check to see if there are any other hospices in my area that offer more, but I doubt it.
Basically, if you have no one and nothing a hospital hospice will help .
Any more comments are greatly appreciated.
oneandonly
Hospice has been a life-saver for us.
I guess this will never end..........she is immortal..........
I don't know how much more of this I can handle.....
oneandonly
There is a limit to what anyone can handle.You need help,I hope things turn around for you
I hired a private home aide who came on Tuesday since my mom now has trouble getting in and out of bed. I bet that soon she will find something she does not like about her too.
I feel that it is always a no win with her. Her way or the high way except that she does need my help now more than before.
I just don't know how much more of this I can take. It was bad but not this bad before she moved in with me 5 years ago but as she gets worse she makes my life hell which is where I am going since I keep thinking that I can't wait till this is over but it is not coming any time soon.
There has to be a better way!!!!
oneandonly
http://nihpublications.od.nih.gov/PublicationDetails.aspx?PubID=5346