Looking at hospice options?

I am sorry you are facing this.  While I'm a fellow Stage IV, I'm doing well enough right now that I'm not seriously exploring hospice.  However, I have attended information workshops at the local senior center (I'm sure they thought I was there for my parents) just to gather information.  Here is a link to a list of questions to ask when checking out places for hospice;  http://www.hospicenet.org/html/questions.html

Does your health insurance have a case worker option?  If so, I would contact the insurance company and have one assigned.  I have only used mine a few times, but that would be the person who could answer whether you need a referral.  I know my insurance covers hospice, so you might check your plan. 

Hugs to you as you make these difficult decisions.

Kellke, I've gone through this myself in this last year. I'm in Canada so I'm not sure things will be the same where you are, but my family doctor referred me to hospice. Because I still have young children, I really didn't want to burden my family with my illness. Hospice makes sure that doesn't happen. They deliver my meds, send a nurse once a week in case I have questions and to do I.V's, provide meals if I ask and so on. Please keep in mind, just because you sign up for it doesn't necessarily mean it's "curtains" or anything. They just make things easier....they take away from the stress of having to figure everything out for yourself. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Both of my parents used hospice and I can't say enough good things for their support. There are a lot of options, so you need to find out what is available in your area. With my mom, we had my sister and I and my two aunts and my dad at home so we had the nurse come a couple of times a week. They were available via phone 24/7 and answered questions from all of us. With my dad, we used the service within the hospital. And I had an uncle who went to their facility. This was all in Pittsburgh.



In my mom's case - 20 years ago, I wish we had engaged them earlier. Mostly it helped the caregivers. But they were always there for whatever we needed.



As Monica said above, talking to the hospice and palliative care folks can be really helpful. I wish this was not something you had to even consider, but considering it now can be good. My mom also had a great priest who came to visit her in the middle of the night if needed.



I can't presume to know anything of what you're going through, but I have found that in these situations sometimes people are waiting to help, but afraid to upset you. As Gracie said too, just organizing it doesn't mean you need it, but it can be a huge relief.



Best wishes and strength.



E.

Kellke, I am a hospice nurse and I truly believe it is better to start the process early on. You get to develop a relationship with the nurses, aids, social worker and chaplain that will be involved. If you have children working with a breavement counselor early on may be to your advantage. One thing to remember about hospice is they are not all created equal. Some hospices will not let you go to the hospital for anything others will, some offer palliative care which means that you can be followed by a team no matter where you are health wise In the disease trajectory and then transition to hospice care when it it is time. Palliative care allows you to have a team similar to the hospice team, but you can still be seeking curative care, if and when yèou decide you no longer want to seek curative treatment then your transition to hospice is smooth and seamless you may even have the same nurse. I believe hospice services allow families to not live with regret over would of, could of should of. It also takes stree off of the patient knowing there family will not be alone and the patient will be cared forexperience, kidness and compassion. I often say I have the best job in the world, I have witnessed some ofnthe most extrodinary passings that 1) have confirmed my faith that there is something next, 2) God doesnt let people die alone. 3) That in the worst of situations hospice families are at their best. I am on my second round with BC and know that if and when I neednto make a choice about my final care hospice will definitely be a part of it If you have any questions that I can answer please let me know.