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Posted 6/1/2013 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
Don't want to begin a big debate, just everything I see posted is seems so matter of fact, so "one sided". I just want to make this one post and will not reply to any direct posts regarding this. Again I don't want to detract, only to encourage. My feeling and advice to all who consider/recommend Hospice, there are variety of groups,some good, some not so good, so choose wisely. For me and my Family, due to bad experiences, I will not be looking for any Hospice group, I don't disagree with the concept,just disagree with some of the people doing it, it's a personal choice. To all of you in need, God Bless whoever you choose,We are all in this together.
Posted 6/1/2013 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
Wings,
Sorry you haven't had such good experiences with Hospice. Although I haven't had any experiences one way or another, I have seen several in our area. Just like anything else, there are probably some better than others, I don't think this forum is here to sway anyone either way, but possibly share their thoughts like yourself. I get upset about things that happened, but than I think that has passed and I learned from it (I hope). So, in any event, I wish you well with your decisions in the future and hope you will join us in our battle against this disease. They say "strength in numbers" and it seems like we're getting stronger. Never Give Up!
Posted 6/1/2013 9:23 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Wings,

I'm sorry to hear that you and your family had a bad experience with Hospice.  Hubby and I have both had occasion to utilize Hospice services for family members and found them to be compassionate, caring and extremely helpful, especially with personal care and pain control near the end of life.

I'm a retired Registered Nurse and am currently serving as a Hospice volunteer in our community.  I provide companionship and respite care in patients' homes so that their caregivers can go out to the grocery store, doctor appts, shopping or just get a break for a few hours.  In the two years that I've been doing this, I've noticed that patients/families often wait until near the end of life before calling in Hospice.  I think that folks may not realize that Hospice is not just for end-of-life care, but also provides palliative care for patients with many different types of illnesses from which they may not recover.  My current patient called in Hospice herself after being diagnosed with a terminal condition last fall.  She's doing great and does not need any personal care yet, but is newly blind and anxious when left alone in the house while her caregiver is working.  We have a great time visiting each week and I look forward to each visit with her. 

Our community also has a top of the line Hospice House that is comparable to a 4 star hotel.  Patients go there when families can no longer meet their needs at home near the end of life.  It is also available for respite care up to 5 days when caregivers need a break.

I would agree that anyone considering Hospice services should carefully check local references and fully understand and agree with the mission of Hospice and the services they provide before officially becoming a Hospice patient.  This is a highly personal decision that should be made only with full agreement of the patient and caregivers.     

Posted 6/1/2013 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
c'mon Wngs

Here we have a new poster, comes on and trashes Hospice with no details, and will not brook responses.

You do realize it doesn't work that way here.

I have always heard positive things about hospice, and they did fine with my Dad.

Mel
Posted 6/1/2013 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hospice was great for my mom in her last two years. There would be someone there a couple of times a weeks just to visit and play cards with her along with the normal hospice care. Hospice allowed her to live in her own home instead of going to a nursing home.
Posted 6/1/2013 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
Same here. Hospice has been nothing but a godsend to my family members!
Posted 6/1/2013 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
i can't believe that post Wings, you must have had a rare bad experience. Here I am literally tearing my hair out trying to find a way to minimize my mother's pain, literally brutal pain, knowing that I won't be here for her and can't help but wish Italy had something comparable to the US Hospice system. I don't know who is going to help mitigate her pain. Both my grandparents were cared for with unbelievable love and care in hospice. When my grandfather passed my dad asked me how much he should tip the nurse who had taken care of him for a week. She was amazing. I told him you can't put a price on that kind of stuff.
Posted 6/1/2013 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
David, Spark, Complier, sorry for that post and the no reply comment, I realized right after I posted this was not the forum for that comment,and do request this could be withdrawn if possible. I did lose my Mom and my nephew unexpectedly one year ago today.

Eaglekeeper-Great name, please keep me in line,and in mind

I'm in this fight with all of you,need your encouragement and want to be an encourager to anyone that I can help.
Posted 6/1/2013 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
@ FLBeachGal-- Bless you for your compassionate care and service as a volunteer Hospice Nurse!
Posted 6/1/2013 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
No worries wings, we all say and do things we wish we had't . You had an unexpected death, you have advance Pca, you are welcome here unconditionally, well, there are some rules somewhere here. If we are one sided on Hospice that is because the experiences if those willing to post on it are positive. If you have been here anytime as an observer, you know that is rare indeed for any issue to be one sider here.
I welcome you to share your bad experience with Hospice cause as someone mentioned, no institution, is de facto "perfect" I' m sure you weren't bashing the concept of hospice, but poorly framed your frustration with the one you have had experience. If you don't want to share that experience, thats cool in my view. You are a member of this forum, I know that , because it says so under your tag. So partake actively, as you just did , and have done a few times before. If you want to only observe, no shame in my book. Wings you are a brother and will be treated like a brother. If not, you can handle! Take care of yourself…. Logo ps I hope you can turn the corner on a situation, that the framing of your post had a part in creating, I know you know that.don't let that "teensy" mistake keep you away in any way you want to participate.
Posted 6/1/2013 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
Logo-- well stated!

Mel

Posted 6/2/2013 7:15 AM (GMT 0)
Logo,Thanks for your post,I intend to hang in there ,for many , many years to come.
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