My Mom started hospice in August and it has been amazing. I agree with @A myALZteam Member that it is a good thing to start hospice when you are not in crisis so you can get to know the team that will be on the last leg of this journey with you and your loved one. I was also able to “shop around” and interview a few companies to find one that fit our family and that my Mom and I connected with.

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A myALZte...

Thank you Janbar122. Your words gave me hope that some better days are coming. And LancelotDavis, you are amazing to handle this monster so well.

I too had Hospice Palliative Care for Barry while he was in Memory Care. Straight Hospice care is end of life but living to the best extent, usually a 6 month window. Palliative care long term. Barry got cushions for his bedside after 2 falls out of bed, 1 needing 8 stitches, a walker, and weekly visit by Hospice nurse who coordinated care with the Memory Unit. And Hospice paid for related meds. Medicaid paid for his inhaler for his COPD. At first he was going to get a nurse's aide twice a week, but he would not shower or bathe, so they were stopped. He had stopped showering at home the last 8 or 9 months he was here, and this is not unexpected behavior for many. He rapidly declined and I knew I had to do what Hospice often recommends as death gets close. I gave him permission! I told him I would be okay and he could go when he needed to. That was a Thursday. He closed his eyes and slept but within an hour was no longer responsive and stayed that way until he passed on Sunday. Hospice continues to be here for me! The Chaplain, Social Worker, and his Team leader call to check on me periodically! I can call them 24/7! Hospice was a blessing in dual care at the Memory Unit and continues for me for 18 months! I pray you're able to get this wonderful care too! May blessings surround us all! Jan

Great to hear this, MarkLowery. Thank you for posting.

I’ll just echo what everyone else has said. We’ve been in Hospice care since March 2021. The hospice team are like family now. I believe it’s good to develop that relationship early to get over the awkwardness of new people in your home.
Very pleased with all they do.