My experience with Hospice

[Guest guest]

As I wrote I was NOT happy with our Hospice experience.

I felt they really left us alone to manage most of Phil's care ourselves and

did next to nothing to help US. They did come bathe him and check vitals but

I administered his medications I cleaned him up and in the early days before

we went on full care

(which basically means a few more appointments)

The biggest disappointment was that they would say to call them if we had

questions concerns or needed support but they rarely came. One day my 14 year

old son Tim tried to help Phil to the bedside chair and Phil fell and lost

control of himself. I was not here but Tim Helped Phil in every way, i.e., held

him up changed him and put him to bed. He then called Hospice with notable

upset but Hospice never came.

Whenever we called to report a change in Phil's condition we got the

impression it was an imposition for the nurse to come out.

The night Phil died the nurse was giving my boys a talk on how someone dies

and how we grieve!!! As I was hugging Phil and crying she was standing in

the background as though I was holding her up from watching a repeat of

Seinfeld.

The next day the crew came to get all the medical equipment but left some

items when I called to ask what to do with them I got the distinct impression

that the office couldn't be bothered.

Thank God the members of our church took 2 hour shifts and included enough

nurses that Phil had skilled care as needed. BUT I can't help wonder how

lonely and confusing the journey is for those with no other help.

Bottom line check out the agency

Narice.