Mom's in Hospice care as of today. I signed all of the papers and met with a Hospice Social Worker. I met Mom's Hospice nurse, he is awesome. His energy is so calm, even while I felt like I was on the verge of falling apart, Mom's nurse helped me hold it together in front of my mom.
Comfort measures only. No heroics to keep mom alive, just keep her comfortable until the end arrives. It's all I ever wanted for my mother.
Mom could pass within six months, she could improve and be discharged from Hospice Care. No one really knows. All I know is that I'm grateful for the extra help to care for my mom. I may get to take more time off from visiting the nursing home ever single day.
For three days, my heart has been in my throat. I haven't been able to write, my words wouldn't come as easily as they do when I typically sit down and write. During a rare moment, I was speechless; words choked and unable to come out. Tears. Few flowed but so many more remained bottled up inside, holding them in, fearful to grieve; I believed that I needed to stay strong.
Hospice will help not only my mom but me and my family too. Any of us in my family who may need to talk to someone about our mom, her illness and her impending death; we have someone to reach out for counsel.
Today, mom was out of it when I arrived. She was sleepy and slept during my entire visit from 10:30 until 2:30. She barely recognized me. I couldn't get her to wake up. Driving home, I cried a little. It's starting to set in. Mom's declining, her days are limited.
Already I miss my mom. I miss shopping with her. I miss fighting with her like we did when I was a teenager. I miss her shaking a wooden spoon at me. I miss her hugs. I especially miss her making me soup when I don't feel well. Today would be a day that Mom would have made me soup.
Thank God for Hospice. Mom's end days will be more comfortable because of Hospice. I am grateful. The reality is, the end is coming for my mom, me and this extremely long journey down the road of Lewy Bodies Dementia.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Please Click POST Button below to follow this blog
Posts
Comments
Susan,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for what you are going through. I am glad you are comfortable with the care she is receiving from the hospice doctor. My prayers are with you. Love Sheri
Dear, dear friend,
ReplyDeleteYou have courageously blessed your mother and your family with this difficult and important step. Please feel my blessings on you, your mom, and all who are touched by this. The tears flow, the heart expands. Blessings and prayers always!
Love and light,
Everything I have ever seeen , heard, or read about Hospice has been unanimous in that those who provide care in the Hospice setting are the most caring and giving people in the world. You can take comfort that your mom will receive gentle, loving care for however long she is there, as will you and your family. These angelic people understand sadness, they understand grief, they understand loss and they help everyone through whatever is happening.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I must have missed that your Mom had gone into a decline so quickly. I'm so sorry!This is the most difficult thing children ever go through with their parents. Courage, my friend. Peace for you all is ahead.
So sorry for you and your Mum. Hospice's are really fantastic places for those in need of care at the most difficult times in life.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments of warm support. It's a blessing that Mom has Hospice. Her nurse is awesome.
ReplyDeleteLast night I talked to my mom on the phone. She was excited. "Susie, Marty was here today! He was here for a long time." Marty is my brother... mom believes her new nurse is Marty, her youngest son.
Hospice was a Godsend for us when my father in law passed last year. She woman was so nice, and she stayed in the house watching him during the night so we could actually get some sleep.
ReplyDeletein the end, she was with us for less than a week before he moved on, but having her was a comfort...
Sue ,
ReplyDelete{{{BIG HUGS}}}
I say as I always have that the care you have given your mother has amazed me :)
Any mother would be so proud of you.
Getting Hospice is just another step in her care. you are doing a wonderful job :)
Slyde...hospice is amazing. I wish I knew about it sooner.
ReplyDeleteKathy ... Thank you. You and hubby might be able to benefit from Hospice too. It doesn't mean the person has six months... It means that they qualify because of chronic UTI's, pneumonia, help to do all daily living activities, swallowing trouble.. Few more issues.
The individual in hospice gets amazing care in addition to the nursing home care. In 3 months, if my mom still has infections and losing weight, etc... Showing more signs of decline, she will be continued in hospice... If she levels out, she will be discharged from the services.
No one tells you about these great tools... Takes a serious crisis to make it happen. I demanded comfort measures only.. No tests, no poking and prodding. Mom's got an amazing chair now, it is so much more comfortable and she is less agitated. She doesn't jump up and try to walk. She can not walk by herself, she falls over like a Weeble.
Sue, I just read this post now as things have been a whirlwind here. I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's decline... My thoughts and positive energy are with you. You've always been so kind to me and your emails are so thoughtful. I'm sure things are currently very hard... I am thinking of you and will check back for more updates.
ReplyDelete