Hospice

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

We decided today to transition my husband to in-home hospice care. I’m not ready for this.

Please tell me your good experiences with hospice and I’ll take any support y’all can muster.

2 months ago

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129 replies

Latest reply was from Minaminu

catherine

Veteran

Hospice nurses are the embodiment of Florence Nightingale, in my opinion. I have had experience with hospice both personally and professionally (I am a nurse) and continue to believe that nurses who choose this calling are uniquely equipped to help people through really difficult life events. You only need to ask.
Sending thoughts your way. I’m very, very sorry to hear this.

2 months ago

Peri

Veteran

My mother was cared for by Hospice and they were wonderful. Such experts in what they do, so caring and strong. It takes a special kind of person to choose this work and you really will be able to count on them for the help you need.

2 months ago

Bijou

Veteran

Both my parents were in hospice care and received excellent care. My Mum was in great pain which they managed expertly, she called them her angels.

2 months ago

Style Fan

Veteran

I am so sorry to hear this. This must not be easy. My first husband had cancer, and I was highly thankful for the care he received from the nurses. As Catherine said, they are unique.

2 months ago

Indigoprint

Veteran

I am sorry to know this. My hospice experiences were not ideal.
I have however been reading /watching Hadley Vlahos and she is everything I would want in a hospice provider. Hope she can be a resource to you as well.

2 months ago

avicennia

Veteran

My thoughts are with you and your family, Jenn.

2 months ago

rachylou

Veteran

Oh gosh. No, it’s impossible to be ready. My grandma’s nurse became a real family friend. We still see her. Know her children, who’ve grown up and gone off to college. She was so good with my grandma who was a first class character. My grandma made up *ancient Chinese traditions* and had my mom and uncles snookered their whole lives.

2 months ago

merwoman

Veteran

Very difficult times for you Jenn. I don’t have experience with hospice care, but I wish we had had this option for my mom during the peak of Covid restrictions. Sending you and your family warm thoughts.

2 months ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

I’m so sorry Jenn. I don’t have direct experience with hospice, but my sister-in-law thought they were wonderful when her husband needed them. They provided direction, hands-on support, and made him comfortable with massages as well as pain relief.

2 months ago

Bonnie

Veteran

The Hospice nurses were wonderful when they cared for my difficult mother. One even scrubbed her kitchen floor to earn her trust when mom told her she didn't need to talk to anyone, she just needed her floor cleaned.

2 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Jenn, I'm so sorry to hear this -- of course you're not ready. Nobody ever is.

Hospice was wonderful for my sister in law who had cancer. She was comfortable, easier, the atmosphere was so much warmer and more honest than in the hospital. It was a gift to my brother to be able to deal with staff who were prepared for this and understood her needs.

Sending you courage and strength.

2 months ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all. Last night, here in the hospital, we had a nurse whose husband passed away from cancer in similar circumstances a few years ago, and I learned what a gift it was to be cared for by someone who really, truly understood. Hoping we can go home today.

2 months ago

kkards

Veteran

Jenn -I’m so sorry to read this. my heart goes out of you and your family.

2 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Oh Jenn - what a hard hard time and decision. So sad to hear that but my knowledge of hospice care is that it is an extremely supportive place.

2 months ago

Kate

Veteran

Hospice nurses are wonderful. They cared for my mother and for my uncle, one at home and one in the nursing home. Hospice nurses are such a godsend; they are there not only for the patient but the patient’s caregiver(s).

Sending you strength and courage.

2 months ago

Jules

Veteran

I’m so sorry to hear it Jenn. May you all be held in caring hands.

2 months ago

BrieN

Veteran

I'm so sad to hear this news. This is hard at any age but you are so young. How old is your husband? Too young I imagine.

Hospice for us was a godspend in that we could be home but not entirely responsible for the person’s physical well being. Having hospice lightened that immense responsibility. It made it easier to be present with that person.

2 months ago

Echo

Veteran

No one can ever be ready for a situation like this; my heart goes out to you.

My uncle had home hospice care, and it allowed him to actually LIVE the last year of his life instead of being in constant pain and discomfort. The hospice workers were a tremendous support to not only him, but to my aunt, as well. She is able to remember this time with him fondly instead of with distress. Hospice is truly trandormational for some people, and I hope you have the very best possible experience you can with it.

2 months ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Brie, I’m 50 and Kevin is 52.

2 months ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I’m so appreciating all your positive hospice stories. I’m feeling very alone right now, but reinforcements are on their way from Colorado and I’m hoping hospice will be a huge support as well

2 months ago

judy

Veteran

Oh I’m so very sorry to hear what you and your family are going through, Jenn. My experiences with the hospice nurses who cared for each of my parents was very positive. They patiently and kindly walked us through everything that we also were not ready for. I hope they can provide support for you now. They really helped us not to feel alone.

2 months ago

DonnaF

Veteran

Whoa. Folks I know whose loved ones had home hospice care have had positive experiences. The nurses tell you what to say or do to get hospice care extended because those loved ones lived beyond the original expectations and coverage and were just EverReady bunnies.

2 months ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Oh Jenn, so sorry. My experience of our local hospice service is of incredible dedication and skill. I hope your area will have the same.

2 months ago

Style Fan

Veteran

Jenn, this is such a difficult time. You are in my thoughts.

2 months ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am so sorry to hear this Jenn. Wishing you strength and support.

2 months ago

Helena

Veteran

Jenn, I'm so incredibly sorry to hear this. My very limited exposure to hospice care was that the professionals in the field are driven by true and deep dedication and empathy. I hope you and your husband are going to find all the support and care you need. Sending so much love your way. This must be unbearably difficult. X

2 months ago

Olive Green

Veteran

I have been researching hospice and home care in my rural area, and reports vary widely. The consensus is, that if they are not responsive and caring, move to another service quickly.
The good ones are great, and people are very grateful for the help after what is often a really long slog.
I have had to pay some attention to my mental and physical health to make sure I survive this process myself.
Thinking of you.

2 months ago

Irina

Veteran

So sorry, Jen! Wishing you and your family strength and much love. Love that wraps around you all like a soft blanket. You are not alone!

2 months ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Very sad to hear this, Jenn. You are not alone. We are here for you too. Glad that support and extra love and compassion is on the way. A blessing.

No one is ready for this. My heart goes out to you.

As for hospice care, I only have the very best things to say. My late Mum came home after hospital, and hospice care was set up in my parents house. Day nurse and night nurse. My Mum was relieved to be home. The skill, compassion, and kindness of hospice is incomparable and extremely impressive. The nurses became part of our family for a while. Kevin will be in very good hands. Sending much love as you go through this extremely difficult time. xo

2 months ago

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