Hospice care advice

Hi HW66

So pleased your wife is doing well. 

My dad went into Hospice following a big seizure/fall that made us realise he didn’t have long. The hospital staff recognised this and he was moved into the Hospice where he stayed for just over a week before he passed. 

My dad never voiced where he would like to go in the end, it just wasn’t ever discussed, however my parents house was not appropriate for ‘Hospice at home’ so this seemed the best option. Our experience of the Hospice was absolutely incredible. The staff were responsive, understanding, attentive and such a support for us and my Dad. Walking into the Hospice honestly felt like a weight had been lifted, and he was cared for so compassionately.

I hope this helps in some way :) 

xx

Glad your wife is doing well and fingers crossed she should remain the same. 

My husband was under hospice care from last week of Jan this year. Till 1st week of March, he was cared for at home. Initially we had carers coming in twice a day and later we made it thrice. We also had district nurse visiting us once a week. They were all incredible. Any questions, queries, issues they were just a phone call away. 
In 2nd week of March his condition worsened and we moved him into hospice. It was extremely helpful. My children and I were able to stay there and they were true angels. They were there not just for my husband but also for us. 

HI HW66

glad to hear your wife is doing well but you're right to plan ahead and have all the awkward discussions ahead of time.

We were introduced to our local hospice community team when G was passed into the palliative care phase at the end of Feb 2023. From that point the GP got the community nurses on board and made the introduction to the hospice. Initially we didn't need more than a weekly phone check in but as time went on the community hospice team popped out to see him every few weeks then every week.

The community nurse who first visited us from the GP practice was amazing. With three simple questions she drew the line in the sand about where G wanted to pass away and at what point he wanted care to start. Within 24 hrs we had a DNR in place, knew he wanted to die in the hospice and that he wanted to go there when he could no longer do his own personal care. It was a tough conversation to have but it made things a little easier for me as I knew he'd made those decisions for himself.

When the time came, the community nurses and hospice were amazing. Things unravelled very quickly for G in late October 23. The hospice couldn't admit him for 24hrs due to the lack of a bed but for that horrific 24 hrs the community nurses were in every few hours and the carers were in to "tidy him up". Once he was admitted to the hospice the following day, that team of angels took great care of us all. Knowing them ahead of time made those last few difficult days so much easier as we weren't dealing with strangers.

I hope this helps. As a starting point, I'd speak to your GP and perhaps get the initial introduction as there is all sorts of support that the hospice can offer at this point too including counselling if its needed. Our local hospice also has coffee catch up groups for patients and offers some alternative therapies too.

sending you both a huge virtual hug and lots of positive energy.

love n hugs

Wee Me xx

Thanks this is really helpful. xx

It does. Thank you xx

Thank you, Jyo xx

Hi. My husband was able to stay at home with incredible 24hr support from our hospice. We had carers three times a day and could access the 24hr quick response team at any time, we had daily district nurse visits to change his medication pump and alter the dose if required and it all made me feel that I was not alone. I could be his wife rather than his carer. We had previously discussed him going into the hospice but he was pain free and comfortable at home. He died peacefully with just myself and our dog with him. The care and support afterwards that I received was kind and helped me.

I would advise getting a referral to your hospice well before you need them as they can support you then as well with any equipment you might need

Take care

Sulubee

This is so helpful, Sulubee. Thank you xx