Hospice and more

I understand that at the appointment on Wednesday, Dr Kirk told Mom that the treatments that are available to her are extremely uncomfortable and have very little chance of success.

Mom has chosen quality of life over aggressive treatment.

Mom called me Friday and asked if I could come and be at the apt while a person from Faith Hospice came. So I did.
Faith Hospice was highly recommended by both Kirkpatrick and St. M. That was good.
The hospice rep was an RN named Grace and she spent over an hour talking to us about the process and what to expect. At the end of the hour Mom signed the documents. Grace spent another hour going through the process of getting Mom admitted. Taking vitals, reviewing prescriptions and so forth.

First, what hospice will do and what Mom has to do to be in hospice care.
1. Mom will stay at home.
2. Mom will no longer pursue aggressive treatment for the cancer. That doesn't mean she wont continue to take the meds she takes, just that she won't have a biopsy, chemo or radiation.
3. If a crisis occurs, the first call will be to hospice not 911.

Hospice will provide:
1. A person who answers the phone at the hospice number 24/7. A doctor is on call 24/7.
2. Because the hospice is associated with Presby they can reach Dr. Kirk and can communicate directly with him regarding Mom's care. They are the "eyes for Dr. K."
3. All meds on their formulary the rest will come from CVS as usual.
4. An RN who will Mom's main caregiver (consistency) will come 1-3 times per week as needed. .When she wants someone to help bathing, etc. they will provide someone.
5. Oxygen. That means they will change out Mom's current oxygen with theirs. BTW This happened today, Saturday. They brought a new condenser, a humidifier, more small tanks and a large tank in case the power goes out.
6. A "comfort kit" in the fridge with some very strong drugs that can be administered as directed by a hospice representative. (Like in the middle of the night, Mom needs something. Dad can administer drugs.)
7. A social worker and a chaplain.
8. If there is a crisis, hospice will send licensed vocational nurses for 12 hour shifts. If the crisis passes, then they will back off. If not, they are there.
9. Faith hospice is not for profit, but their expenses are paid by Medicare.
10. There is no set end to hospice. It can go on for as long as the patient does not pursue aggressive treatment.

Mom is very concerned about housekeeping. Grace was not really able to help with suggestions but Susan came by and suggested that the husband of a couple that works for Marilyn needs work for 2-3 days each week. Not only will he do laundry and beds, etc. he is a professional cook and could do the food prep that will allow Mom to continue to cook meals. By the end of the evening, Mom was really leaning in this direction. I hope she will, he sounds perfect.

The goal of hospice is to allow the patient to live life to its fullest (their words). They "take the patient as a whole". Mom said that she wants to be "As comfortable as possible and as pleasant as possible to myself and others."

They do have volunteers who will come and help go through stuff. Organize photos, etc. In their book, they talk about helping the patient cull their most important, favorite photos and make a CD of them. Mom rejected that out of hand, of course, but I think that it might be a good idea.

Hospice provides 13 months of bereavement counseling after death. That might be a good thing for all of us especially Dad.

Grace and a person who works for the apartment witnessed the DNR and I made copies and distributed. (I have one for you, Mary). They need to be readily available to all.

I think that overall Mom feels a weight off. The rest of us may feel a weight on.
Love to all. xxoo