Hospice, any tips, guidelines or experiences you can share?

@margitdill, just posting a quick message to say I'm thinking of you. I'm not sure if you're still checking message here. Today was a beautiful day where I live. After a big downpour overnight, the sun came out and all the gardens in the neighborhood look radiant.

Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you.

I was my Mom's hospice care at the end of her life. The help I received from the Hospice nurse was immeasurable. It is important to have the Health Power of Attorney, signed and notarized. You have to make decisions on medicine.
The greatest problems were from relatives and my Mother's friends. I had to be a strong gatekeeper because people would come at all hours, give huge amounts of advice, and stay too long. Be prepared for visitor's behavior because even the strongest people can react badly to someone dying. My Mom just wanted peace, she wanted to talk to her Pastor and rest.

Hello @dlspires,

Welcome to Mayo Connect. I appreciate you sharing about your mother's hospice experience. You have shared some important observations about end-of-life needs. I agree that a Health Care Power of Attorney is very important. There will come a time when many of us will not be able to make medical decisions for ourselves, and we will require assistance to carry out our wishes. So, it is important to name someone we can trust to help us with those decisions.

I like that you described yourself as a "gatekeeper" for your mom when she was in hospice. Often, people are uncomfortable with this transition, and setting boundaries with family and friends is essential to maintaining peace and quiet.

How long ago did your mom pass away?

I, too, began home hospice this week. Though unneeded thus far, there's morphine in my refrigerator.
All three folks my husband and myself met have been exceptionally kind and charitable. Hospice folks are angels on Earth, I believe. Wishing you the best while you enter your journey Home.
Blessings.

Sending you thoughts and hugs electronically. My mom and brother did hospice and they were wonderful.

Thank you. I arranged hospice with my mother at her assisted living facility. I knew back then when it was my time I'd rather have home hospice than die in a hospital setting where you're just another cash cow to most of them.

I am so sorry! There are no words I can offer to ease your sorrow! I prayed for you! I will continue to pray for peace and comfort to you and your family.

I have worked with Hospice as a caregiver for my dad and mother in law. Write questions down that are swimming in your brain throughout the day. So you have them on paper to remember when the nurse comes.
Check reviews for the different organization to choose one. You can interview them if you want. Ask them what resources they have available to keep you comfortable, and to assist you when you cannot do things for yourself. What meds for pain and other symptoms you are experiencing, do they supply aromatherapy (if you want to use for nausea, headaches, sleep/relaxtion? Hospice usually supplies everything you need, when you need them. Walker, cane, wheelchair for in house or when out to appts or family get togethers etc. ❤️ Adult Pull-ups, to adults diapers, chux/pads, wipes to clean personal plus areas, bandages, dressing supplies, lifting belt for others to help you and not hurt themselves, when in bed, hospital bed, special recliners to lay back with legs up for naps or sleeping and it lifts the seat up so its easier to get out of the chair,; massage therapy; chaplain for spiritual cares who are trained to work with hospice patients., social workers, an aid to assist you with lite house keeping n helping you bath, sit with you while family goes to run an hour or 2 of errands. Very important to know how to reach them and what their response time is n when to call the number again when you do not hear back. This is very important. Check how their nurses are scheduled? Is there enough for weekend calls? How do they cover the short staffing days/nights/weekends. Make sure they know you do not want to suffer and get the meds you need, especially the last weeks. If you do not feel comfortable with the staff you are working with request different staff. If the primary nurse has recently, i mean within the past 6 months, lost a loved one close to them, question them if they will be able to clearly able to focus on your needs...especially if they say you remind them of that deceased loved one. Ask nurse if they can provide what you may need Before you go buy it! Saves money n time! Hope this helps.