When do you know to start Hospice?

SolMiles

We have been managing our Dad very well in his home, he has 2 nurses that are covered by his insurance. Before he got bad he put it in writing that he wanted to die at home, and when he stopped eating he did not want nursing home care or pallative. We are following his wishes and we have a family atty. He is at the point now where he does not remember his family members but us, and he forgets anything that happens 20 minutes after. He is well cared for in his home and his day nurse has hospice experience. He does not want to eat anymore. It is getting hard to entice him with his favorite foods. His doctor is not liking the weight loss. He used to love apple pie but says he cant remember how to swallow now. I think this is the end soon... so we are wondering how to start hospice now. Hopefully his doctor will instruct us, since it was our Dad's wish that he die in his home. His wife, our mother, died in the home from a brain tumor, we wouldn't let her die in a hospital, she wanted to pass at home in her bed and we did that with hospice. With Dad it's not so obvious. When do you know?

terei

Hospice should be contacted NOW to do an assessment. They will decide if he qualifies for the program. From what you are describing, H should have been called some time ago.

You do not have to tell him who the new nurses are, just that they are here to help. You will find the earlier they come in the easier it is on everyone…the patient as well as the family.

Please contact them ASAP.

KMcCalla

Hospice is help.

JeriLynn66

@SolMiles Gently suggesting the time is now.

You can call the Hospice agency of your choice and ask for an evaluation. A doctor’s order is not required.

Ask your Nurse if they have any recommendations on who to call. Hospice is a covered benefit of Medicare.

jfkoc

Interview and select a Hospice now. They will be there for your father as well as you!