Have you ever used hospice nursing? If so, what helped the most?

If you are in need of hospice assistance, I'm sorry that you are going through this, but I am glad that hospice is available to help you with your need.

I have used hospice services twice with different family members. There are not enough good words to describe the work these earthbound angels do.

Most hospice organizations work in a similar fashion, but you should check with your local hospice for particulars. I can outline many of the things you can expect them to do, and you are always free to pick and choose which services you want and don't want.

Medical Care
We had an RN assigned to us that visited weekly and was on call 24/7 to assist with unexpected events. Depending on the event, she would call and/or come out to help. A CNA (certified nursing assistant) came to the house every day for 3 hours to help with personal care, home care, socialization and exercise. We were very comfortable leaving for errands while the CNA was there. Since our patients required 24 hour supervision, it was often the only time I could leave the house and it was a life/sanity saver! A couple of times (after a fall) we had a physical therapist come to the house to help learn to use a walker and practice/exercise. The PT and CNA taught us a lot about caring for the patient without hurting them or us (back injuries are extremely common for caregivers). A social worker visited us monthly, and as needed. They are trained to help with getting extra assistance if needed, and they can help with family issues as well. (example, working with the school officials if there are children involved) All of these people report to a medical director (MD) that was available when our family doctor wasn't to give "orders" for medication changes or treatment that must be ordered by a doctor.

Medications and Supplies
The hospice pharmacy mailed us most of our prescriptions. We had a couple that hospice didn't cover that we got on our own, but the biggies, they provided at no charge to us. When a med change happened, they would get the drugs from a local pharmacy to last a few days until the mail order arrived. Our CNA brought almost all the disposable supplies we needed. (bed pads, antiseptic gel, alcohol wipes, gloves, lotions, depends etc) all at no charge to us. Hospice provided a hospital bed, bedside table, air mattress, oxygen tank and generator, again at no charge to us.

Relief
Our Hospice allowed 5 days of respite care per month. Since we were 24/7 caregivers, we took advantage of this several times. Our patient went to a hospice sponsored nursing facility for a few days for the caregiver some time off. There was no charge for this or the ambulance to carry the patient there and back!

Support

In addition to our "staff" of professionals, hospice has a roster of volunteers from all walks of life to answer questions, support the family, visit with the family and the patient...just whatever need we had, it seems like there was someone that could help. They also have ministers and counselors that work with patients AND family members if they are needed. Hospice sponsors several groups (for different ages, and relationships) that are available for grief support after your patient passes.

In hindsight, I would be remiss if I didn't emphasize the enormous financial impact that hospice made. Caring for a terminally ill person is extremely expensive. They saved us, literally, tens of thousands of dollars that neither of our patients had. But, the care, love, support...the abiltiy to be at home with our loved one in a comfortable manner...that they made possible cannot be measured by any dollar amount.

If you choose hospice, you choose to be blessed in a multitude of ways every day and for the rest of your life. Best wishes to you in your decision at this difficult time.

I believe you must be a nurse...... :) Report It

Hopsice Is the best, they are there not only for the patient but for the family as well. They offer all kinds of different services... Good luck

my Gramma did and they helped her set up her medicine stuff like that. She was on allot of medicine and it would be very confusing to do. They had this thing where they could set it up for a week at a time. They would show her easier ways to do things make sure she was eating right and all that kinda stuff too.


~please excuse the grammar~

Yes, for my Mom. They were wonderful to her and to me, so very supportive and attentive to her needs.
You call them and they are there plus offering assistance over the phone.
In the case of a terminally ill patient as my Mom was, I can highly recommend.
It was a hard decision simply because it acknowledged my Mom's life was drawing to a close, but I won't ever regret it. It allowed me to keep her at home where she wanted to be.
God Bless as you make your decision.

whats great with this organization is the support they lend, they offer help on every level. They walk you thru your journey. God bless! Oh and yes, I am familiar with them because they helped me thru caregiving for my sister when she had breast cancer and the doctors where unable to save her life. So I know first hand how comforting it was to have the help of this organization.

Yes, they have aides and nurses to help you, and you can call them to come in if needed.

A real benefit to hospice is they can get narcotics without a written doctors script. Legally, a doctor can only fax narcotic scripts to pharmacies for hospice patients. So, you don't have to drive to the doctor's office to pick it up. This is a real convenience if you need something in a hurry. Also, even overnight in an emergency the hospice nurse can get you what you need. Pain management is key.