Hospice Question

I'am just wondering if anyone has had any dealing with hospice. my MIL has cancer and we were told to call hospice I'm not really sure what to excpect from them? any insite would be great thanks in advance.

Re: Hospice Question

Both my aunt and my grandmother had hospice. My aunt was in home hospice for cancer. The nurses delivered a hospital bed, came every day to wash her, made sure her medicine was dispensed and generally were comforting. Made her as comfortable as possible and she was never in pain.

My grandmother was in hospice at the hospital. It was basically the same thing - the nurses were so nice and always made my grandmother as comfortable as could be.

Re: Hospice Question

You have FM

Re: Hospice Question

My grandfather had hospice in the hospital when he was dying of cancer. From what I saw, they just made sure he was always comfortable, pain free, came to visit, made sure my grandmother was okay and taking care of herself. They also gave us reading material that gave us all different signs that the end is near, so we would be prepared. We all pretty much knew when it was going to be our last time seeing him.

The people that dealt with my family seemed to genuinely care.

For your MIL.

Re: Hospice Question

My grandmother had in-home care and was cared for by my mom. Towards the end, she was transfered to the Hospice House and was there 2-3 days before she passed. I know that we all wouldn't have had it any other way. She had everything she needed, everyone she wanted and it was the way she wanted. Good luck to you.

Re: Hospice Question

We had hospice come to my parents house when my Grandmother decided she wanted to stop chemo and pass peacefully at home. We only had hospice in the home for 2 days before my grandmother passed but I know they came and bathed her and made her comfortable for those 2 days.
While I don't know the logistics of it (as my Mom dealt with it all) I can say from a grief/mourning side that it was very peaceful. My grandmother died in her home (they lived with my parents) in her own bed. We all (her children, brothers and sisters and grandchildren) got to "say goodbye" to her once she passed, before the funeral home came to get her body. As morbid as it may sound to some, my younger cousins got to lay in the bed with her, hug her and kiss her goodbye-something that you really can't do in the funeral home.

So sorry to hear about your MIL, and good luck to you.

Re: Hospice Question

My mom was just on hospice. They pretty much just keep the patients free of pain and comfortable. We had 10 days of hospice at home and then she was transferred to the hospice facility for about 6 more weeks. The place where we were was unbelievable. The nurses and aides treated my mother like their own mother/sister/friend. If you are in Suffolk County and need a recommendation FM me.

Re: Hospice Question

Hospice Care is usually just to keep the patient as comfortable as possible and no extrodinary measure can be taken.

Each state the hospice laws are a little bit different, but when my grandfather had hospice home care (in NJ) they were wonderful.

Re: Hospice Question

Years ago my Mom was in Hospice. She started out in the hospital & then came home for the holidays. Shortly later back in the hospital for her final weeks. They not only help the patient live pain free in their final days, but they also help the families during & after the passing.

Recently my Grammie was on Hospice here on LI, but it was not even a full 24 hours. Still, they gave both of us tremendous support with the hospital staff & emotionally.

Re: Hospice Question

Thanks everyone. My MIL has cancer and last week the Dr. said she is 6-8 weeks to live she is having hospice come to the house. thanks for all the information