New to this board(5)

full time

Hello and an introduction. I'm Gary and my wife is Michele. I'm 72 and Michele is 66. She was diagnosed with ALZ 3 years ago after having an MRI . Before that was progressive dementia for about two years. It's now progressing noticeably from month to month. With our last visit, a few weeks ago with her Neurologist I was told she is almost, but not quite, ready for in-home hospice care. I'd like to hear from anyone who has experience with in-home hospice care as I'm afraid it's coming within the next six months. It's all terrible. Thanks.

terei

Dont be afraid to invite hospice in for an assessment.  You will find that they want to help you + they will.   If you are not ready for that, simply calling + asking for a description of what to expect from them should put your mind at rest + give you information about exactly what their service entails.

The sooner hospice comes in, the better.  Too many people wait til the patient is at death’s door + will have not received the support they needed for six months or more. 

AD is a terminal disease.  Hospice was a godsend to me + my family with my mom’s AD + my stepfather’s cancer.   I have nothing but good to say the support we received for both of them.

full time

Thank you for your input Terei. I'll call her doctor's office on Monday to find out who I can contact. gary

loveskitties

Gary,

Depending on where you live, you may find that you have several to choose from.

Cynbar

In home hospice care can be a tremendous help and source of support. They will provide needed equipment like a hospital bed and wheelchair and commde, you will have a nurse case manager to oversee your wife's care, medical issues can usually be handled at home instead of a MD or ER visit, and there are nurses available to you 24/7 for concerns or problems. Medications related to her hospice diagnosis will be paid for and delivered. You will also have the benefit of the auxiliary services such as home health aide visits for personal care, a social worker and chaplain, sometimes other things like music therapy. Different hospice companies do differ somewhat in what they cover, for instance some cover incontinence supplies and some don't, so be clear what is covered before signing on (most communities have several hospice organizations to choose from.) Be aware, however, that hospice philosophy is comfort care only. There are some exceptions for comfort, but in general, you will agree to forgo hospital admissions, testing like MRIs, and treatments or procedures that are intended to be curative or lead to improvement. Symptoms or issues such as a UTI would be treated at home.  Some people are not ready to agree to that, even when they can benefit from hospice services.

full time

Thank you to all who helped me with in-home hospice care advise. I found the website for our county's hospice organization (small rural county). I discovered that my wife's Neurologist is the director. It's all coming together now. Gary

mommyandme (m&m)

My mother has been on hospice since February.  She’s not near death, she’s level 6E of Alzheimer’s and I foresee her being here for many many months.  It’s a wonderful resource and they are available at all hours if needed. Dementia takes on a different scope with hospice than just the last six months of a patient’s life.