Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Hospice

   It as been a busy day.  The hospice coordinator came at 9 and we filled out the paper work and found out what all the services are they offer.  We are going to have a bath aide come twice a week to help my MIL with her shower as we just found out it has been hard for her.  They will get a shower chair to help her out.  The nurse will come twice a week also.  I hope they both come different days because that will give her something to look forward to 4 days a week. 

   She loves company and always does better with the mental stimulation.  Her nurses name is Julie.  I thought that was great as it was help her remember, but when the nurse left she asked, What was her name again?  I thought she was kidding but she wasn't.  Anyway the whole thing went pretty well. 

    My MIL is doing pretty good, even joking around alittle.  She even ate some soup I heated and some woman dropped off more soup for her.  People are so nice. 

   We have been hearing from different relatives and some of her favorites nieces are coming next week to visit.  They always spoil her rotten and she loves it.  Cook gourmet and bring her See's candy which she loves. 

   Also went to the bank and got some paper work done and the lawyer is coming to go over the will.  Rick needs to be named the executor of the estate and then everything is taken care of.  All that will be left is taking care of her.

   Tomorrow I start my long stretch again.  I am thinking when she gets sicker of hiring a aide to stay at night while I work.  My husband will be there, but he is a very deep sleeper.  I should be able to find someone who is looking for some extra money.

   Hospice also could havesomeone come in to do light housekeeping, but I should be able to handle that on my days off.  They also have a respite care where once every 9 weeks for 5 days she can check into the hospital so we can get a break if we need it.  Wouldn't that be great if they had that for all the care givers out there?  There are alot of people who get no breaks from the daily job of being a care giver and if you think it is an easy job your wrong.  We get these very elderly couple where one is the care giver.  I don't know how the do it when they are elderly and frail themselves.  Love can make you do many things you wouldn't think your capable of.  They all look so tired though.

    So that is where we are now.  The first awful shock has worn off and the numbing acceptance has taken it's place.  Plus worry.  Worry she might suffer.  But I am fairly certain hospice will do all in their power to keep that from happening.

   It snowed all day off and on and not a single flake as remained as it is warmer out.  We shall see what happens over night.  I am definately taking a sleeping pill tonight. I only slept an hour or two last night.  I need to be rested for work tomorrow.

   Night all and once again, thanks for listening and thanks for the support.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awwww....Hospice people are SO nice.  I wish I lived close to you.  I'd offer to come in and help.  I worked in nursing home for 9 years in nursing department- then a hospital for year and a half.  Take care.
Hugs,
Gina
http://journals.aol.com/motoxmom72/GinasWeigtLossJourney  

Anonymous said...

This is just one of those times I'm at a loss of what to say.    Please know I'm thinking of you.   (((((((((Julie))))))))))
~Meg

Anonymous said...

i am so glad hospice is there:) they helped my grandma when gramps was sick and dying. and they also helped my former boss when her husband was dying. have a good evening

Deb

Anonymous said...

(((((((((((Julie))))))))))) You are in our thoughts and prayers...your whole family.
God Bless and yes, I know how hard it is, and thank God for help, nurses, senior care, all of them!  :)))))))Doreen

Anonymous said...

I think this stage is the worst.  After you get things all lined up and a routine going, I think you will find everything much more manageable.  I hope it becomes that way for you.

Greg

Anonymous said...

Everything seems to be coming into place Julie.  You are doing a grand job.  It would be my worry too that she would suffer silently whilst your husband slept. But perhaps that wont happen if he is watching by himself. Its not easy to switch off responsibility when you are alone with an ailing person.  I pray for your MIL comfort and peace and your familys too through this transitional time.  God Bless (((hugs)))  Jeanie

Anonymous said...

You seem to be getting everything into place. No, hospice won't let her suffer if it's at all possible for them to do so. They will also pay for all the drugs and supplies it takes pertaintaining to the cancer itself if you can't afford them. Close to the end someone will come everyday to bathe her and change her bedclothes if you need them to or at least they do that here except on the weekends. They are a great organization. Hopefully you can find a sitter to be with your hubby and your MIl at night otherwise you will just worry about them. Helen

Anonymous said...

Julie, it does seem like everything is falling into place, and your MIL will be kept comfortable.  I love that her nurse's name is Julie also.  I'm glad you are finally getting some sleep.  Chris

Anonymous said...

Wow Julie, reading this is like reading my own experience with my Mom's illness and passing.  We had her on Hospice as well. Unfortunately, my experience wasn't so good. I wasn't a nurse yet and didn't know a lot that I know now.  I hope your experience is good with Hospice.
Hugs...Pam xoxoxox

Anonymous said...

Glad that hospice came out and is getting everything in order.  I worked with Hospice a week or so ago when I had those codes.  The elderly patient was a terminal lung cancer and hospice coordinated a lot of different things for me making the "death packet" easier.  They were wonderful with the family.  I hope your experience is just as good.  De ;)

Anonymous said...

Sorry I haven't been around hon, had my daughter here for spring break. I'm glad hospice is stepping in to help. At least it will take some of the burden off of you, albeit not all but every little bit helps. I'm keeping your MIL and you and your husband in my prayers on the smoke! (Hugs) Indigo