He has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and they have already called in hospice. He is getting weaker by the day, We need to make arrangements so we can be closer to my husbands mom when this does happen. I know all things are in Gods hands, but any one out there that has experienced this, I would surely appreciate any information. We live 4 hours away from them.
2006-09-23 12:07:33 · 13 answers · asked by Cathryn C 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
I am sorry to answer your question this way, but a hospice is simply a place that eases the suffering of somebody who is about to die. But as one poster said - none of us are experts - so you should really get an expert medical opinion.
2006-09-23 12:11:54 · answer #1 · answered by Techguy2396 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is not much you can do for his condition - Hospice will send in health care workers to see about your father in-law. You need to check with your mother-in-law, as to how frequently the actual medical help comes in...CNA's may come in daily, an Rn wil show up weekly or more often ( perhaps once a day), depending on what they think is needed. You mother in law is surely stressed by this and maybe even confused. I would call the Hospice in charge and talk to case manager nurse and find itu EXACTLY what services are being provided. Most Hospices EXPECT the Primary Care Giver (PCG) to be immediate family and don't offer at home private duty nurses until the last 72 hours of patient's life. This proves VERY stressful for family (wife/husband) and they are often too overwhelmed to ask for more help. Go there and visit/HELP for a few days - that is really your best way to assess what the actual situation is - and you can contact the Hospice when you are THERE to request more help/ask questions.
2006-09-23 21:22:57 · answer #2 · answered by weezyljm 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should talk to your hospice nurse. Hospice can be called in at anytime someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, or in a situation where someone is very ill. They are not just for the patient, but the whole family. He could be close to death, or he could live a year...or more. This is something that you have to ask. I've known people who lived for years after being diagnosed, and some who lived months. It depends on how bad he is. It's very hard. Hospice workers are trained to help you through this time. They're who you should be asking this question. God bless you and your family.
2006-09-23 19:46:56 · answer #3 · answered by BRUCE D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, he will probably not live much longer. If the doctors agreed to let him go home and let hospice take over his care on a daily basis, then they believe the damage he has incurred is irreversible and fatal. Take the time he has to make it the best possible. This is also the time to prepare the family for the possibility of him dying. As far as moving closer. if that is what the family thinks is best, then do it. My father has recently gone through this scenario twice in the last 6 months with his brothers. He could not move closer as he had obligations where he was. However, he did try evverything in his power to enjoy the time he had.
2006-09-23 19:20:28 · answer #4 · answered by DLUVDAIMPERIAL 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hospice isn't necessarily a place. My husband is a patient in a hospice program. He is definitely dying, but it's difficult to know when that may happen. When his illness was diagnosed, he was given a 3 year outlook. It's been six years. We asked to be placed with hospice in the summer, because it's become too difficult for him to go to a doctor. Now they come to us. We've seen the chaplain, the social worker, and a hospice nurse comes once a week to check on him. A lot of other services are available if we should need them.
I wish you well with your father-in-law. I agree that your mother-in-law will be comforted if you're close by.
2006-09-23 19:18:46 · answer #5 · answered by barbiehow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mama had the same thing, CHF and then hospice was called in, we were so close she did not tell me what they had documents about her condition, she looked great, I would have never known she had CHF, but being an R.N and knowing the disease, in my experience 6 months in the time, and I have yet to see it last longer, after my mama died I found the paper work from hospice, it said prognoses less than 6 months, exactly to the day, she passed away in my arms. But sweetie, be as Strong as you can, I'm here for you. God bless your family.
2006-09-23 19:30:38 · answer #6 · answered by DONNA'S NIGHTMARE COME TRUE 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dad passed away on the 23 july 2006 from the same complaint. Sunday morning (23) i phoned the hospital and they told me he was laughing and making jokes with the staff. My mother went to see him that afternoon he grabbed her hand and said "something is wrong". That was his last words. I am sorry to say that the end comes without warning. Take care and have a plan in place. Good luck and may your God be with you in this time.
2006-09-25 16:27:25 · answer #7 · answered by cheryl l 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i too had a father in law that was diagnosed with congestive heart failure he got really weak and was put in the hospital stayed 10days and went home was taking blood thinners done really good for 2 years he then became sick and decided to go and have surgery he had a lot of fluid on his lungs he was to have surgery at 6.30am the next morning but he didnt make it he passed at 3.30 am he was 68 years old had retired at 65 not much of a retirement but he had all of his family with him the last 2 years and we all were there for him i hope the best for you god bless all of you
2006-09-23 19:24:58 · answer #8 · answered by sassyone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
usually when the hospice people are there its getting close go be with him he needs you i stood by my grandpas side till the end it hurt but he held my hand and knew i was there and he wasn't alone I'm glad i was there for him no one else in the family cared
2006-09-23 21:35:42 · answer #9 · answered by harley w 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So - all of a sudden you think we are all experts on this website?
Look, we're good for "My boyfriends mum fancies me. What should I do?" but that's about it really.
Surely you've asked at the hospice?
2006-09-23 19:11:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋