Hospice or home... this is coming close

I will be as blunt and honest as Wee Me and say that the hospice would be a better and safer environment. You wife can spend as much time as she can with him. There is not always a guarantee of a a space being available when he deteiorates so being offered a bed now should be grabbed with both hands. The staff at hospices are amazing and make a stressful time a bit more bearable and can react to any symptoms straight away. I am so sorry that your family is going through this, you are not alone.

Sulubee

Hi Edmumd.  Glad your reaching out to us, whose taken the exact same path as what your family is now going through. We took him home, his mother had hired a 24 hour care aid, an aunt, and government care workers came to the home 4x a day - but to be honest, I think it was still too much for my sick family and for the ones supporting him at home.  Like the rest of us, we suggest please take him to hospice and promise us, you guys will visit your father in law daily.  Cause one day, this daily will cease it comes fast. Take care. 

Hey 

Another positive hospice experience here too. The weight that lifted off our shoulders once he was set up there was unimaginable. It allowed us to spend time with him whilst he was looked after so thoroughly and he was just my dad again. The staff were angels, and they treated him with such respect. 

He didn’t question where he was or why he was there, it was absolutely the best thing for him and our family. 

Saying all this, you do what you feel is best for your family but I just wanted to share my personal experience in case you do go down the hospice route :) 

Hi All, 

My FiL had a suspected stroke, caused by an edema cause by chemo interacting with radiotherapy on the brain. He has stabilised significantly, no longer nil by mouth, communication good with some limitations & confusion, limited mobility but  hecan walk with assistance. His tumor is stable atm, They are going to discharge him home, we believe they are no longer going to offer him chemo(the hospital communication is poor!). 
I wondered what your experiences have been like from home, and care, would he be considered palliative? Is the bulk of this care free?

Thanks for your comments as always.
 

Hi

Good to hear that your father in law has stabilised for now.

It sounds as though you have been passed into the palliative phase of the journey (ie the drs are no longer proactively offering treatment) During my late husband's GBM journey that was the most supportive phase for us. Our oncologist linked in with the GP and handed over care to to the local team. The community nurses kept in touch weekly, we were introduced to the local hospice community team. For me the key thing was I now had a number I could call 24/7 for help. The GP also arranged the "just in case" medication that is kept at home just in case the community team need quick access to them. 

If your father in law has mobility issues the GP may also arrange for carers to come in to support. 

I hope that helps.

Love n hugs 

Wee Me xx

Re your question about free. Ensure an assessment for continuing health care has taken place as this is the passport to free carers and a nursing home place should that be necessary. There are pitfalls in the chc system as it can remove some elements of choice