Social worker coming .

Sophietucker

Any comments on palliative care ?

sandwichone123

Palliative care is focused on care, not cure. So they are the experts (as far as medicine) on quality of life. Some facilities use palliative and hospice interchangeably, and both are focused on quality of life, but hospice is about end of life care and palliative isn't always.

Rick4407

For me palliative care meant i lost my insurance coverage with my DW's existing Dr's. If I had known that I'd not have accepted palliative care. Rick

SDianeL

here’s the difference between palliative and hospice. Hospice is a form of palliative for patients with less than 6 months to live. Palliative care may mean treatments while hospice usually stops all treatments. Here’s the attachment: https://www.upmc.com/-/media/upmc/services/palliative-and-supportive-institute/resources/documents/the-difference-between-palliative-and-hospice-care.pdf

Miles2Go

Wonderful experience with Palliative Care. We started it about a month ago. The team we have is very responsive, Care Manager’s second appointment was today and I was able to review how meds are working and discussed increase with her without having to go to doctor office. She gave me names of a podiatrist who will come to house to trim DH nails. We have a chaplain and social worker. Social worker is more for me to help me cope and is very welcome. I certainly need help in dealing with this.
She gave me recommendations for a companion/health aide, and even a manicurist who visits the house for me.
Essentially it’s a team to provide the caregiver additional support.
I highly recommend. The team I have is excellent!
BTW. DH is mid stage 6.

CampCarol

I engaged Palliative Care about a year ago after one of my husband’s hospital stays. They are affiliated with our hospital of choice, as well as our doctors so I didn’t have to worry about not being able to see our normal practitioners. I didn’t pursue all of the services that @Miles2Go describes above, but what we used worked out really well. DH has declined significantly in the past week, and they jumped into action to help me. I am more than grateful to know I have their services in my back pocket for whenever I need them. They also have an affiliated hospice care should’ve come to that. @Rick4407 has a good point though…like any other medical team, you need to check to ensure they take your insurance. There are many practices out there, so hopefully you can find one that does. I would definitely recommend looking into it.

Sophietucker

Hi everyone, well I engaged palliative care this week . A nurse practitioner came first . She was very easy to talk to although my DW did not want her to exam her or stay in our home . So that did not go well because I really want her to be checked . Next came a social worker and again my bride was reluctant to answer some questions and left the room for a spell which gave me time to spill my frustration on the failed efforts to help my DW . Anyway I had my worst day , almost just wanting to give up but I love my wife so much I just seem to be able to regroup later at night when she's sleeping . Worst part of this for me is the fear that I will give up .Even though this is hard to talk about I am thankful for this forum .

SDianeL

We understand how you feel. You are doing this for her. It’s mentally and physically hard. Come here often to vent. Keep us posted. She’s lucky to have you. 💜

Sophietucker

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/240635#Comment_240635

Thank You! I appreciate that .

Jgirl57

Thank you ST for sharing your experience. There is always a hill to climb with this awful disease; I have been reading up on palliative care since you brought the topic up .

Sophietucker

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/240650#Comment_240650

Your Welcome .

Kat63

Nice you have palliative care on board to help. Totally understand the feeling of “almost giving up”. I have had multiple times like that, mostly when new behaviors appear and temporarily throws me for a loop, but still have my DH here at home with me under hospice care. We do it because we love them. And this group is always here for support.

Sophietucker

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/240658#Comment_240658

Thank u Kate!