I contacted hospice and received all care products, a hospital bed with gel mattress, oxygen, a lift, all medications needed, nursing visits. They have many services and you can pick and choose what you want, they have counseling. Nurses aids, volunteers, etc. I didnt get any physical help because I wanted to care for my Mom but it was available. All costs were covered by Medicare.

You must have a doctor's statement that they have 6 months or less till death in order to be accepted on hospice. They do not provide daily care, the family must provide this care. or hire someone privately in their place. Nursing visits for less than an hour usually once a week but can be increased as condition warrants. Aide visits for bathing dressing and personal care about an hour long once a week to five times a week, social services twice a month and volunteers

I didn't need a Drs referral for hospice for My Mom and although I could have had someone from hospice come daily I chose not to. A nurse came twice a week and then whenever I needed them to check Mom. They had many, many services and I was able to choose what I did and did not want. I live in South Jersey.

Do you have a homecare nurse manager from your local health unit. She should be able to walk you through every step of the care needs and adjust his requirements as he progresses. The homecare manager is the key to getting everything together. If I have a problem it's my first call. You are less than an hour away so I don't think it would be much different. The biggest struggle will be to get consistent care from the same people. If you need more support than you are getting contact Alberta Caregivers in Edmonton, (Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators) and they will help you on this difficult road. They have the contacts and resources to get the help you need. Also if financial assistance is needed you can apply for Hilarity for Charity through their office although I don't know how long it takes.

Thank you Melicia. That's exactly the kind of care I am imagining we will need.