This is wonderful news, I’m so glad for you both. Now, when they want to schedule a Hospice volunteer and a chaplain (non-denominational) visit, please say, “Yes”, and use that time to take a walk, wander around Target, meet a friend, etc. The aide can do anything related to Bill’s care, so take advantage of that- separate out his laundry, show her what he likes to eat for snacks and a meal if the aide’s visit covers that time. The social worker will be a big person of support for you- you can vent and cry, no need to be strong.
My dad had Hospice, he accepted care, showers, food, and meds SO much easier from the staff than from my mom.
An aside, he served in WWII in Europe and saw terrible things related to combat and several Holocaust concentration camps, which he NEVER talked about with us. After his death, his main nurse, aide, and the social worker told us that he had spent hours unburdening his heart with what he experienced and his anger and frustration he felt while a very young soldier.They told us Hospice patients will often do this “life review” with staff who become close, they think they are burdening family members to talk about it with them.
We lost him sometime in the middle of the night. I called hospice very early and they took care of everything. In fact Owen had a pillow for his head and he was draped in a Flag as he had served in the Navy during the Korean War.
He looked so peaceful. The last few days had been so hard watching him and unable to help other than to make sure he wasn't suffering pain. From Monday afternoon he never seemed awake or aware.
Thank you all for your support.