My dad at his final months-what to expect

Angelina,

Without giving up hope, from my experience with my parents, the plan become to keep the patient comfortable, safe, and engaged. For us, it was a time for having family and friends close as much as possible, making sure that dad (then mom) knew they were loved and appreciated. Hospice help greatly with the daily physical comfort. Hospice needed to be accepted - for a while dad was not ready to accept the inevitability described by his doctors.

From a more practical standpoint, it is time to make sure that the survivors are cared for as well. Depending on the situation, other's lives will change. Easing the change for survivors is also important, even as it may be an uncomfortable task to consider. The primary caretaker(s) need time off to decompress. Lawers and bankers may need to be involved in protecting or transferring assets. All those things weigh on the survivors, but do need attention, sooner rather than later.

Please seek whatever help may be needed from doctors and the care team. But most importantly, take care of yourself so that you can best help the patient. It is a tough time for all involved.

Best,
Jack

I found Hospice to be invaluable along with Grannie Nannies as my mother was declining. My mother was not diagnosis with cancer rather a blood disorder causing very high platelet count and severe anemia. Instead of my mother having to go to the doctor each week for a Procrit Shot, the Hospice nurse came to the house to give it and check on mom. We had their assistance for nearly 8 months. A volunteer came to the house every Sunday to sit with mom so I could have "me" time be it go to check on things at my house, sit by the water or whatever. I had moved into my moms to take care of her and worked all day while mom was with nurse and cared for her at night & weekends. Hospice is typically there for end of life but my mom hung in there for 8 months declining more and more as time went on. When I finally got to the point that I simply could not do it anymore, they where able to determine it was the final days and were there immediately with the hospital bed and a nurse around the clock to keep mom comfortable. Of course by that time I had no clue how to sleep through the night but it was ok with the nurse if I got up to check on her though she encouraged me to sleep, that she had it under control and mom was resting comfortably. Don't know what I would have done without them and am so thankful they were in the picture early on so there was no last minute scramble. Likewise they are there for guidance after mom passed and to discard un-used medicine that must be handled properly. Not flushed and not just tossed in the trash for anyone to rummage through and get their hands on. It was the hospice doctor that made all the death certifications etc. since mom passed at home which in some Cities and States can be a little challenging. I am so thankful I was able to spend those last months with my mom, my best friend, my travel buddy. I know some folks refuse to get Hospice involved simply because that means they are acknowledging they or their loved one may be nearing the end of their life, but they are just so helpful. My hats off to Hospice in my area. Tampa, Florida

Susan Peterson

We are starting hospice next week , but from my understanding it involves a nurse who will visit him a few times a week and some pain medication. I hear people are very happy with hospice usually , I just don't know how much benefit there will be overall .
I've read so many posts here and I truly feel so bad for all the people who have to go through this horrible disease and I admire them for their strength and heroism.

Thank you so much for answering and for your advice . I appreciate the support.

We are starting hospice next week , but from my understanding it involves a nurse who will visit him a few times a week and some pain medication. I hear people are very happy with hospice usually , I just don't know how much benefit there will be overall .
I've read so many posts here and I truly feel so bad for all the people who have to go through this horrible disease and I admire them for their strength and heroism.

Thank you so much for answering and for your advice . I appreciate the support.