Pages

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Hospice Care


My SIL remains under Hospice care. Her condition continues to decline, but her attitude is good. She talks about her faith and the fact that she will be able to see their daughter, who died when she was 18 months again.

I was asked to explain what difference Hospice makes in her situation, so I thought I would explain it.
People can receive Hospice care in different ways. There are Hospice homes where the person can reside and receive full time care. We have patients at the Long Term Care facility where I work who also receive Hospice care. They have a nurse assigned to them from the Hospice and usually an aide who comes in twice a week to give them special attention. There are also counselors and pastors who can work with both the patient and their families. People can also receive Hospice at home, which is what Jan is doing. In her case, she has her own nurse who comes twice a week and an aide who comes on two other days. They check her condition, bring medications or supplies she may need and speak to the Dr to have medication changes when she needs them. The counselors are helpful for the family and the whole organization makes it much more feasible for the patient to be at home. I think Hospice is a great organization. They help people to be as comfortable as possible, while maintaining as much quality of life as they can have. The Hospice nurses I have known have been very caring and patient. They also are able to arrange volunteers to do various things for the patient. There is a blog I read which is written by a Hospice nurse. She tells some of the stories of her patients and her job. Her name is Connie and the blog is Little Red Hearts from God. I encourage you to visit her if you are interested in how Hospice works.
~~~
Bob and I are going on a short getaway Monday and Tuesday, so I won't be able to visit your blogs. I'll tell you about that when we get back.


post signature

17 comments:

Jean said...

Thank God for Hospice.

Have a wonderful time with Bob.

Anonymous said...

praying for you and yours -- thank you for being such a faithful blog reader and comment-er!

Kayren said...

God bless Jan and all the family. Praying for peace for all.

Have a safe trip.

~ Kayren

Growin' With It said...

we had a hospice nurse named Linda when my mom was passing. she truly was amazing and i still have such a soft memory of her in my heart. those people are incredibly gifted and i'm grateful for that program!!

and for your sil...i hope and pray for peace this week. no matter what we know in our hearts about eternity, it is still hard.

enjoy your time away!

Anonymous said...

Hospice is a wonderful organization. What special people to do that very difficult job.
Have a great time on your trip!!

BethAnne said...

Hospice was wonderful when my grandmother was dying. I am praying for your SIL and her family ---

Pat said...

I can't say enough good things about Hospice. We had Hospice at home for my Mother and in hospital Hospice for my Mother in Law. They are angels with a very special calling. I will be praying for your SIL and family, for that peace that passes understanding for all who love her.
Have a nice get-away, I'm soooo ready for one myself.

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with your family and you. I hope this get-a-way is just what you and Bob need. Lots of prayers and hugs....k

A Stone Gatherer said...

Have a great getaway Mari! Steve and I are trying to get away overnight this weekend! Connie is such a wonderful lady, and she is so called to her job!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Mari. I will be praying for her, and your extended family as you all walk through her illness.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do other than pray.

Rmomof3 said...

Praying for you and your family! Lots of love,
Renee

Justabeachkat said...

Hi Mari

Remember me? Life has been sooooo C-R-A-Z-Y lately...but a good kind of crazy, so I can't complain even though it has kept me from visiting. But...I'm home now...for a week or so anyway. And wouldn't you know it...I'm back and you're gone. Too funny! I hope you're having a wonderful time.

I've had fun reading all your posts I've missed. Gosh, you've been a busy bee.

Hugs!
Kat

Unknown said...

I say Amen to hospice as well, we had them for my father in law and my father during their last days and they were sooo helpful to the whole family.

Lynn said...

I agree, Hospice is a wonderful organization. So sorry for the pain your family is experiencing, but thankful you will see your SIL again...and she will see her daughter soon.

Have a great mini-vacation!

Sandra said...

I'm still praying for Jan.

Demara said...

have a great time! and please visit me at: http://demarablog.blogspot.com/ when you get back, thanks! (my other blog is truly sick right now and is in the hospital, most of the time...so I will be at my blogger blog for the time being.) ttyl

Kristie said...

My mother in law was under Hospice care her last few months with us and they were truly a blessing.
Still praying.
~Kristie