My sister was diagnosed with a chronic head tumor. It is now become apparent to everyone that we need to prepare for the worse. We were told by her doctors that the best place for her is a hospice center. At the moment I'm about 3,000 miles from her and there's nothing I can do to help.
Can you give me any information on hospice services? Are they good people? Will they take care of her? Any information would be appreciated
2006-08-08 08:57:37 · 9 answers · asked by s_sill 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
She has a great health plan that will pretty much cover anything. I just need to know if anyone experienced this and would we be making the right decision by sending her there.
2006-08-08 09:06:07 · update #1
I'm a nurse and I can tell you that hospice is the very best place for your sister. All the staff are compassionate and caring. Her pain will be well controlled as well as the side effects of the tumor and any medications she will be given.
Those who have been deemed to have 3 months or less to live are referred to hospice. I'm so sorry to have to tell you that.
She will be treated gently and cheerfully. She will be kept clean and dry. Her sheets and gown will be changed daily. She will be fed when she's unable to feed herself. Her personal hygiene will be handled by staff. She will be talked to by her nurses and nurse's aids. Social services will arrange for any consultations she might require. Anything that your sister needs will be taken care of and provided for.
Both she and all family members who wish to participate will be guided through the grieving process and your sister will be assisted in dying with dignity.
In short, she will be loved when her family cannot be at her bedside to do so. Most importantly, I think, she will not die alone.
If you are unable to travel to see her, call her and send cards, stuffed toys and flowers. It will mean a lot to her. If she should slip into a coma, call her. If the phone can be placed to her ear, talk to her -- she'll hear you.
I hope you are able to set your worries to rest. She will be in good hands and good hearts. God bless you both.
P.S. It is possible to care for the terminally ill at home but it can be exhausting work for the family and I would advise having a hospice nurse come in every day.
2006-08-08 09:22:55 · answer #1 · answered by TweetyBird 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It has been rare that I have ever heard negative reports on a hospice program, whether it be a center or home hospice care. The people that work for these companies are usually truly compassionate people. My trust in hospice care is in the 95% range, compared to the 5% I invest in nursing homes. I am so sorry that you sister is in need of hospice care. The services offered are very different from one hospice to another. Investigate what is covered by her insurance and serves your area, find the one that is best for you and your family. Some provide family counseling as well.
2006-08-08 09:04:43 · answer #2 · answered by t79a 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess they vary from one area to another, but my family's experience with Hospice was very good. The local Hospice Care Center is top notch. People who want to care for the terminally ill. God bless them!
2006-08-08 09:30:14 · answer #3 · answered by canary 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for starters i am truely sorry for the pain that you have now and will have in the future. my god mother had cancer of the brain. in the last two months of her life she was entered into the hospice home care so she could die in peace at home. the hospice nurses were there 24/7 for her and her husband. they were the best people that have ever been there for her in her time of need. they understand and honor your wishes. if you can get her into hospice it would be good. they will make her very comfortable in her last few months. i pray that all will be good and that you can soon go to your sister in her time of need and family. again i am sorry.
2006-08-08 09:11:39 · answer #4 · answered by jrsgirl1964 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm sorryu and ur family r going thru this.yes,hospice is good.hospice care puts the emphasis on living every day thats left ,the emphasis is not on gloom,doom and depression,tho its ok and necessary to express those feelings too...mainly,they try to provide not only physical,but emotional support,counseling(if desired),and a nurturing environment for the person and their family.they dont write the person off,or treat them like an object,they do what they can to make the patient feel accepted,wanted,and as involved in various activities as they wish,and are capable of.they also give families and patients time to vent,and treat both with care.u have to be strong to work in hospice,and to have a gr8 heart.live,love,laugh and cry each day-as cancer patient,sportsman jimmy valvano said.take care.ur not alone.
2006-08-08 09:15:26 · answer #5 · answered by Lyn K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes matter of fact volunteered at hospice/palliative care at our local hospital. Most people involved are truly gifted professionals and compassionate people who connect and keep informed and involved with family and friends. You should check thru your local hospital for the area involved and internet and your specialist doctors. Take care and there are lots of people who can help you, check out local community services.
2006-08-08 09:10:35 · answer #6 · answered by muriel-anne a 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes hospice is nice for the ill and you can trust them.
2006-08-08 09:01:28 · answer #7 · answered by John Luke 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is her health plan, as many plans have some hospices that they work with?
2006-08-08 09:00:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will put her on a slow drip of morphene. If you want to give her a fighting chance read my cancer testimonials and info on my page and email me back.
2006-08-08 16:29:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋