Have you had any experience with hospice care -- if you did what was your experience like?

Hospice often comes under criticism by those who fear both invasion from strangers and sharing emotions. I don't think these people realize what hospice is all about. Hospice is a non-profit organization devoted to the dignity and quality care of terminally ill patients and their famlies. Hopsice has supported my
family in more than one trying experience!
During our most recent loss, my family was impressed by the well organized professional staff we contacted. Within a day, my family had access to a team of nurses, social workers and health care aids. Clergy was available on request. The entire hospice staff worked in close association with the primary doctor to carefully coordinate care in the patient's interest. Hospice provided on the spot medical and spiritual support, as well as a twenty-four hour accessline; we called frequently. The daily visits from different team members provided us with peace of mind concerning the care, dignity, and right to a pain free death of our beloved family member! Those who are unaware of what hospice offers may lose a chance to encounter support and enlightenment from a well trained caring group of volunteers. I hope these people will at least talk to a hospice worker before they make the final decision about health care for their termianl loved one. Hospice was a blessing to the end and beyond!
The endless questions they answered and the helpful information they provided eased the confusion my family was going through. We were supported even after the death, with follow-up suport until we could grasp the events put before us. At least, check it out,before you make your very personal and private conclusion.
Respectfully yours,
Sha

ive had experience with hospice care and to me it hurt me to see people sick but i love my job cause i like to take care of people

My mom passed away from cancer in 1999, and she battled it for 9 years. Her last months were very painful and sad. The hospice in our hospital was very good. The nurses were extremely compassionate, and were very kind and took incredibly good care of my mom. They were also open to alternative medicines and treatments, saying everything was worth trying. I honestly dont know how they do what they do year in year out. They must have very strong faith because it is a tough job.

I have worked with hospice patients and their families and I can almost answer most of your questons.
RW

i have worked w/ alot of them, i'm a board and care for elderly owner and almost all hospice agency works the same. you can also get this service from your own home or in a convalescent or in a board and care facility. they are very helpful, they provide a bathing nurse, a visiting regstrd nurse, social worker, priest, volunteers just for a short conversation, disposable briefs, pads, rash creams, hospital bed, commode, shower chair, oxygen, side table and some medications related to the primary diagnosis and more are included. they are also on call 24 hrs if you need anything. they need to work their best, they are paid by medicare $4k-$5k a month.

some...I found that it was very well handled and professionally and honestly dealt with...the subject of death that is.

my experience with hospice was not a very good one my step-son was dying from a brain tumor at 37 yrs old they wouldn't let us feed him or give him water.he was starving to death right in front of our eyes.we made them leave then took him to hospital where they started IV fluids he got better for a while,then went into comafor a week before he died.I don't agree with the way they handle things.I won't use them ever again