Update on my dad.

[pattrose]

Dad is all signed up for hospice now. He will see a home nurse once a week, get his prescriptions through them and his oxygen through them. He has no more worries about anything. If he doesn't feel good, they just call the number that is on the fridge. It's really a nice program and some of the clients are in it for years before they are close to the end. This is going to help my mom out in the long run, because she kept forgetting to call in his oxygen and his pills. So less for her to worry about. They are going to see about getting mom on it too, because she has congestive heart failure and dementia, but not as easy to get on as lung cancer. So we'll have to wait and see. This is not a sad day for us, but a good day. They will b e taken care of and that's what's important.

Hugs, Patt

Comments

[grey853.livejournal.com]

Hospice is a wonderful program. My mom was on it for 18 months before she passed. They really helped her as well as the family get through a stressful time. They made sure she was clean and comfortable. They could get her to eat when we couldn't. They also made sure that she had someone to talk to, because sometimes she just needed to have a friendly ear that wasn't one of her kids. She was often too closed off with us because she didn't want us to worry so much.

So, it was really a godsend for her and us. I hope it's the same for your father and your family.

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

I'm going to tell my brothers this, because a few of them think it's stupid that we tried to get dad on it. They think he's fine. (sigh) I'm glad it worked so wwell for you and yours and hope that it's the same for us. Thank you, Grey, for making my day.

[briarwood.livejournal.com]

That's a tough call to make, but it sounds like a good decision. I'm guessing from your post that 'hospice' has a somewhat different meaning your side of the pond.

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Yes, here it now means if you have lung cancer, you can get into the program two years before you really get bad. He might continue to do well as he is now, but chances are, he won't. WE want to be ready and have mom prepared too.

[sara-merry99.livejournal.com]

Hospice workers are awesome and I know your dad will be getting the best possible care with them. That's got to be such a huge relief for *everyone*.

::hugs you tight::

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Aren't they awesome? I'm so impressed by the three we have dealt with so far. And they encourage out of town kids to contact them for updates and any problems. I love this program.

[bluewolf458.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a good decision, and it has to be a weight off your mind, that they'll be properly looked after.

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

YOu are exactly right, Sheila. I worry about them so much and this will be much nicer for everyone concerned.

[stargatesg1971.livejournal.com]

Not an easy decision to make but it sounds like a good call as it'll help give you all peace of mind and take a load of pressure off everyone. Fingers crossed your mum is able to get in on it too.

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

He isn't real bad yet, Beth, so this is just something to get us all ready. It's a wonderful program.

[tinnean.livejournal.com]

My Mom was on hospice, and the people were amazing. They had a nurse come see her, an aide to help her, and a priest for comfort, and like your Dad, they took care of her oxygen. After she passed away, on a really snowy night, a nurse came out and sat with me, listening to me ramble. They also offered bereavement counseling, and when the first session didn't work (they'd put me in with surviving spouses), they made sure I got in the right one.

Good luck to you all. {{{Patt}}}

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Yes, dad is going to have all of that too. WE hope to get mom on it too. I hope, I hope, I hope.

[snailbones.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad your dad is going to be getting all the help and support he needs. It must be a great comfort for you and your family. Massive hugs luv. ♥

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Me too. It takes a lot off my mind knowing he'll be taken care of and mom will have less to worry about with someone coming in each week to see him and take care of him.

[caarianna.livejournal.com]

As you say, not a sad day but a good day. I'm glad he'll get the care he needs and, in the medium term, your Mom will, too. It's hard to see them deteriorate and dreadful if they're suffering, but both your parents sound as if they are as comfortable as they can be. It's a path we all must walk but not a journey any of us like to think too much about. ::hugs;:

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

It's hell getting old, especially when sick. So, I'm hoping that this program will help them both.

[mab-browne.livejournal.com]

I know when my my Mum got proper care it was a weight off me. Knowing that people are being looked after is a great comfort, regardless of circumstances. ::hugs::

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

You are so right. :) Hugs back.

[snycock.livejournal.com]

I'm glad that your Dad will be getting good care, and your Mom will be getting help taking care of him. *hugs*

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Jen. I can relax a little bit more. I hope to hear that they will consider my mom for the program too.

[candygram-5000.livejournal.com]

Wow, your dad is lucky! Of course it would be better if he could stay home, but all things considered, he's going to be taken care of and that's a relieve for everyone. We had the same problem at Christmas with my grand-father. He's currently in an hospital but we have to find a place for him, and it's really difficult. Now the only thing better for your dad would be if he could have your mom with him. I cross my fingers very hard!!

[pattrose.livejournal.com]

I guess I didn't word my post well. Going into hospice means, they (hospice) come to his home and take care of him. So he is home. Mom is with him and they are happy for him to be able to live his remaining time in the peace of his own place. They are very happy. I wish your grandfather well and hope you find something suitable for him. Good luck.

[(Anonymous)]

no, you word your post correctly. When I read the comments of the other people here, that's the way the understand you, so it is I who didn't understand. In my country, an hospice isn't a program, it's a sort of hospital where you place old people when they can't take care of themselves anymore and nobody in the family can either. Having someone coming in your house instead? Oh gosh, I wish I could find something like that for my grandparents...