Hospice Care Evolves as Alzheimer's, Other Ills Raise Demand

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I had to put my husband in a nursing home because I could no longer take the staying up all nite while he was moving furniture all over the house, urinating everywhere, not knowing it was day or nite, never sleeping, agitated so that he would not sit for 2 seconds, constant gait, now I feel he would benefit with hospice care, he has lost 20 pounds in 5 weeks, he cannot walk alone he needs 1 on 1 24 hrs. a day. will not make eye contact, cannot speak anything that makes sense, what do you think?

Audrey Stanfill of OH 5:30PM August 22, 2010

I have essentially quit my job so that I can care for my mother. She is on hospice and they are wonderful but they don't offer many of the benefits that I read about. They send out a chaplain, a social worker, people to bathe mom twice a week (45 minutes each) and nurses once or twice a week. There is no respite care and there is no help with our expenses which have dramatically increased with her living here. How can I get respite care? My parents have some savings but the hospice here says that the financial benefits and respite care are for people who make less than $800 a month combined income for the family. Does anyone know how to receive more services?

Judy Sherfey of 9:50PM January 14, 2009

On the 1st page of this article it mentions the daily reimbursement of several hundred dollars per day to hospice agencies for patients that require inpatient hospice care or 24 hour care. Most people don't realize this represents a small number of the patients cared for by any hospice organization since most patients are cared for at home, in a group home or other assisted living facility; this is called routine hospice care. The daily reimbursement for routine care patients is less than $150/day. In case there is any doubt, there is plenty of statistical data (from Medicare) and anecdotal data (from patients, families, healthcare professionals and other caregivers) to support hospice care as the most caring and cost effective way to manage end of life care. Comfort care instead of curative or aggressive treatments that prolong life, but not quality of life. Let's remember this as Hospice cuts are in the offing.

Linda Brown of AZ 10:10PM November 27, 2008

We had the wonderful support of Hospice of the Valley here in Phoenix twice during my mom's battle with Alzheimer's. Their support was invaluable. I could have never cared for my mom in the comfort of her own home if it were not for their help and support. They were faithful, dedicated, and very informative. I can't say enough good things about them! The full staff of caregivers, nurses, and personal doctor were always on hand to answer questions and offer services such as bathing, companion activities, much-needed supplies, and regular check-ups. They were very helpful in informing me of what to expect and symptoms to watch for. I was so thankful to be able to care for her in her home without having to transfer her to a facility. It was a huge blessing.

Nancy LaCasse of AZ 12:16PM November 19, 2008

Hospice assisted my father and my family twice....once in 2003/04 when he was at the Hospice house for 2 months and then in 2007 before he finally died. The 24/7 volunteer nurses that stayed with my father (and us) for the 3 days preceeding his death were amazingly helpful. Our questions were answered, my father was finally pain-free and both his wishes and ours were carried out. PLEASE make sure (if you have benefitted from Hospice) that you GIVE BACK TO HOSPICE. We asked, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to my father's hospice OR anyone's local hospice. Hundreds of dollars was raised due to the mention in his obituary and we are confident the money will be spent to help others that now walk in our shoes.Death takes a toll on not only the patient; hopice is as much a part of the family's life as it is the dying persons. It is a most wonderful organization!

FLNonny of FL 5:14AM November 19, 2008

I cannot praise the Hospice Organization enough for the comfort and support they offered my Mom, and our family. They are, without a doubt a fabulous, and very caring organization.

steve of RI 8:23PM November 15, 2008

Many hospices have support groups for those in Letty's shoes, or if not can refer her. Or she might start one!

Jill of CA 6:48PM November 14, 2008

We see so many stories like this by our members at http://www.caring.com. Many of the members come to us for resources and tools after the initial diagnosis of "alzheimer's" is made and they feel overwhelmed. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, when caught early enough there are many things that can be tried to deter the progression of the disease, but once it gets to the point that they need additional care, that is when it seems to become overwhelming to caregivers and family. By using both local and online resources family members can really find the best hospice care for their relative. Each person requires different needs of course, so a caregiver that works for one person, may not be the right match for another. It is so important for proper research and interviews to find the person that will benefit yoru family during this trying time! No matter what the situation, be sure to take advantage of any and all free resources, both online and in your local area so you do not miss some of the great help that is available.

Jill C. of NJ 7:51PM November 06, 2008

After frustrating, unprofessional experiences finding home help and in a nursing facility supposedly specializing in "memory care", plus 2 hospitals, my husband finally received the loving care he deserved and needed for his final 3 months living with Alzheimers. It was not really living. I cannot say enough good about the Good Samaritan Hospice in Baden, PA. Small, professionally staffed, lovely surroundings, loving care for both patient and family.The staff are very special people.I have heard the same comments from friends in other parts of the country struggling with the same heartbreak.

M.S.Hannon of PA 3:28PM November 06, 2008

My husband has been on hospice for almost one year now. The doctor has extended hospice for another year. He has Alzheimer's and has had it since 1999. The the last 2 years he has become very agitated and was hospitalized in February. I do not know how I would have been able to care for him without hospice. My husband will be 77 years of age the end of November and I am 71 years of age. Our children and grandchildren no longer want to see him in the state he is in. They tell me they do not want to remember him like this. So, we are left alone in our old age without the help or support of our children. The hospice nurses and staff are a God send.

Lettie Alatorre of CA 5:12PM November 05, 2008