OT: In Praise Of Hospice, Home Hospice In Particular

dbCooper

My FIL and more so a close friend, passed on Tuesday.  I knew Allen for only 16 of his 90 years and cherish all of them.  He had no regrets, nor reason to have any and was at peace knowing his time had come.  Contrary to his statements over the last year or so that he had outlived all his friends, he was surrounded by family (including multiple foster children) and friends over the past several weeks.

We got the diagnosis of a failing heart valve with no viable treatment about three weeks ago.  Al did not wish to die in a hospital or assisted living facility, he wanted to be at home.  To that end we engaged a home hospice provider, which ensured he would maintain comfort and dignity until the time came.  We had the same arrangement for my mom about five years ago.  I can not praise these hospice workers enough, they do beautiful and wonderful work.  That is my main point for this post, if you find yourself in similar circumstances concerning a loved one, give consideration to what hospice has to offer.  Know that if you go the home route there are physical and emotional challenges that must be met, discuss with the provider so you're are prepared.  Fortunately in my cases, family members were available and willing to accept those challenges with us.

Going to miss my buddy, especially on our various trips.  Angie and I took him on most of our travels over the last five years.  So glad we did that.  Pic below of a lady he fell in love with in Ecuador...

 

Canugghead

Our deepest condolences to you, your wife and family. Thanks for sharing your fond memories with Al.

lkapigian

Peace be with you and your Family,thank you for sharing 

caliking

Very sorry to hear of the passing of your FIL, and friend, but glad to hear that some of those he left behind are finding some comfort that he was well cared for at the end. 

From a random guy on a bbq forum - much love to you and your family.

lousubcap

Condolences to family and friends. 

Thank you also for the home hospice comments.  Remarkable people who fill that role. 

Langner91

Condolences. I am sorry for your loss.

I am glad your hospice experience was positive.  I know I couldn't do what they do.

WeberWho

So sorry dbCooper. Prayers for everyone your way. It sounds like he created an awesome foundation of a family and friends. 

Ozzie_Isaac

I am sorry for your loss, I am thankful you shared.  Sounds like a wonderful man, and I am glad home hospice allowed his last wishes to be met.

Fred19Flintstone

My condolences to you and your family.  It sounds like he lived a great life.

Home hospice care is great indeed.  My first wife went that route at the end of her cancer journey.  My MIL would stay with her during the day while I went to work and I took care of her afterwards.  The hospice folks would come regularly and make sure we were doing well and offer advice.  We got her pain meds through them as well.  I never heard of a morphine suppository before, but they seemed effective.

My wife passed after four weeks.  During those weeks, she was able to be home with our nine year old daughter.  What an incredible gift hospice made possible!  That was one of the very few bright spots in a very dark time for us.

Ozzie_Isaac

Fred19Flintstone said:

My condolences to you and your family.  It sounds like he lived a great life.

Home hospice care is great indeed.  My first wife went that route at the end of her cancer journey.  My MIL would stay with her during the day while I went to work and I took care of her afterwards.  The hospice folks would come regularly and make sure we were doing well and offer advice.  We got her pain meds through them as well.  I never heard of a morphine suppository before, but they seemed effective.

My wife passed after four weeks.  During those weeks, she was able to be home with our nine year old daughter.  What an incredible gift hospice made possible!  That was one of the very few bright spots in a very dark time for us.

Thank you for sharing.  I don't have the words, but that must have been a incredibly terrible time.  I am glad there was a tiny bright spot.

Ragingirishman2

I’m so very sorry for your loss and our condolences to your family. My wife was a home hospice nurse for a few years. She loved working with her patients and the families. I agree with your comments in home hospice. 

MaskedMarvel

So very sorry for this loss. What a lucky 16 years, and all of his 90…

johnmitchell

My condolences to the whole family. A loss is never easy🙏

nolaegghead

Hospice is a service that’s vastly misunderstood but an incredible resource for mental and physical palliative care for patients and family alike.  

(SWMBO does hospice admissions)

sorry for your loss….sounds like your FIL had a full, satisfying life.  

If anyone has questions about hospice guidelines (eligibility, care or anything, really) feel free to reach out and l can put you in touch with an expert.

bubbajack

Wonderful group of people! Blessings to you and all affected!