My mom is currently under Hospice. The only regular set appointment we have with them is the nurse, who at our request, only comes 1 time a week. Last week the social worker called 1 hour before the nurse and wanted to know if she could come at the same time as the nurse. On the message she said if she didn't hear back, she would just come. She didn't come nor have I heard from her again. Yesterday, when the nurse was there (at 4:00), she told me the "ONLY" time the Nurse Practioner could come was today @ 9:30 a.m. That gave me less than 24 hours notice. Not only am I the only caretaker for my mom but I provide the insurance for my husband and I which requires I work 30 hours a week. I feel like I had no choice but to adjust my schedule since it was the "ONLY" time she could come. Am I wrong in expecting they should work with/around my schedule? I understand due to the nature of their work, their schedules may change and I am okay making the changes when a family is in a crisis situation. What are your experiences with Hospice. Is it normal for them to give such short notice? I'm about as stretched to the limit as I can be.
I am about at the point where I am looking in to hospice for myself & I am so glad I'll have it there when I make the transition..
Because there are so many people in the end stage of their lives, Hospice must fit all the visits into a certain schedule of work not of their making. They have no choice. So if your mom needs their service they must fit her into the schedule. Once that happens they will try to fit her in on your schedule but I say that with reservation.
Perhaps there is a neighbor or friend that can be present?
They have tried to work around the schedule and seem to always blame the office for the scheduling, but I get different answers to the same request.
For example, I called and requested the nurse who comes out once a week also, to come in the afternoon. She called 10 minutes before she was coming and arrived at 10:00am.
When she left I followed her outside and explained again, that afternoon's were better for us. Next time she came she called 2 hours before hand and came in the afternoon. So far so good. We live in a very rural area and there is only one Hospice in this area.
Good luck and just keep requesting and calling. They are pretty understanding, but I think the schedule making is actually in the field nurse's hands.
Is anyone at home with your mom during the day? Must YOU be there?
Of COURSE you're going to try to be accommodating. But don't hesitate to offer alternatives for your convenience and sanity.
Perhaps you could give all of them an idea of what works for you Mon thru Fri. Like afternoons after 1 PM are the best.
You might also call the supervisor or director of the hospice program you're using and tell them the problem you're having...asking at the same time if he/she knows of ANOTHER hospice program that has more flexibility. Be ready to provide your best times because, believe me, she isn't going to refer you anywhere. She'll solve the problem.