the Price of Hospice Care

My father was diagnosed with cancer that had spread throughout his body before being caught, the doctor at the hospital referred us to Hospice care located in a separate wing of the hospital. The nurses explained that the diagnosis of his cancer was terminal and he would only be given a 30% chance of living longer than 3 months. They offered in home care and also offered around the clock care if he were to be admitted in a Hospice center. In house care lasted about 2 weeks with a nurse coming once a day to give him his medication, bath and change bedding. After 2 weeks the responsibilities were too large for me to handle during the hours the nurse was not there, so he was admitted into the Hospice care center near our house.

The nurses and other staff of Hospice were great, the center was set up to feel like home, with a kitchen and sitting areas outside the rooms. The room was decorated with my fathers belongings and felt more like home than a hospital. I really liked the fact that you could come and go as you please while visiting the patients and they would allow you stay all night if you decided to. They were very experienced with these terminally ill patients and knew how to pin point the time of death to the day. The staff would notify you that this would be the best time to get the loved ones around and say your last goodbyes. The patients were always kept comfortable and were allowed the dignity of drifting off peacefully, and the families were given the respect from the staff for their loss.

Spend as much time as you can with your loved one, the Hospice centers really do make it comfortable to be with your loved one. The in home care nurses are great and are extremely helpful but do not get frustrated with trying to handle too much on your own, your loved one will be more comfortable once admitted and it really does feel like home.