Mom has been in hospice about a month...have not had any communication from hospice unless I initiate. I am there almost every day and have only seen a volunteer chaplain once...I was told nurses would check on her twice a week, social worker every week, etc. When I signed her up, I agreed to their offered complimentary therapies such as music therapy, pet therapy, massage , etc and have yet to see that happen. ...unless they come at night when I leave. AL is not providing activities either unless I transport mom to bingo, etc. Granted, she is getting very weak and may not want to participate , but it would be nice to know if they are at least trying. Every day I find her depressed and staring out her window. If you have a loved one on hospice , how much communication have you had with hospice agency ?
It sounds like you don't live with your mother but stop in to see her every day. Does she mention any visits from Hospice or is she unable to remember things like that? My MIL lived with us while on hospice so we were always there when they came and we definitely spoke up when we had questions. I'm not sure how much communication they would have initiated with us if we weren't right there. If they are fulfilling the basics, that may be all you can expect.
I’m enrolled in a 7 week bereavement management course, and now in my 3rd week of meetings, we’ve begun discuss ways that we can sometimes consciously or unconsciously divert our feelings about our losses by using attempts to release them using tools that don’t ultimately work.
Just last night, as I was doing my weekly homework, I ran across the idea that “anger” was on the list, along with several other recognizable distractions, like food, alcohol, shopping, too much TV.
Reading your comments it’s so apparent that you are angry, and you express it.
I thank you for that, because as I first read the comment, I didn’t immediately realize that I was angry for quite a lot of my recently deceased LO’s residential life.
My LO’s first experience with a hospice was VERY comforting to me, and that nurse was in contact every time she met with LO.
In her last contact with hospice, her residence was in and out of COVID precautions, and I was often there when she was bathed and changed. The care and concern I observed was meticulous, but “communication” was always brief and by word of mouth.
You have provided exemplary care for your mom. You are stating that you want to know if your mother is receiving the services that you (and she) were promised.
Here’s hoping you get the information you’re looking for without having to resort to any reactions that will be upsetting to you.
It’s really hard waiting for a cancer diagnosis. My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was fortunate to catch it early. He had the choice of surgery or radiation. He chose radiation and is in remission now.
Will be thinking of you during this difficult time. Sending many hugs your way.
This is such a difficult time for you.
Sending many hugs your way. Please keep us updated.
Some Hospice have Apps that can be used to communicate with the Team. They are secure. General Texting is usually not secure.
But you are entitled to answers to your questions. If you are not happy talk to the Supervisor and if that does not work you can contact another Hospice.
You are a wonderful advocate for your mom.
I wouldn’t hesitate to ask for clergy to visit again. Yes, they are busy but they should respond to you.
My mom’s hospice was extremely responsive to our concerns and my mother’s needs.
Best of luck in getting this situation resolved soon.
As for them calling you, what do you want them to call you about? At the very least they should be giving you an update on Mom's condition after every visit.
I'm a big advocate for putting your wants/needs into writing so it's really clear what your expectations are. Put it all down, send it to the hospice caseworker in an email and ask for some clarification on your expectations and what they're providing.
If they still fail to step up, fire them and hire someone else.
another aL any now. Im
documenting every time I have to
reach out to get basic info. Tomorrow will be requesting ,
in writing, a joint meeting with AL Mgr, DON for
facility and Director of Hospice.
Its hard enough to deal with
loved ones imminent passing
without people who claim to care not doing their jobs.😡
The AL facility does not sound that great either. Can you speak to a director? Ultimately it is up to the resident to partake in activities but it would be nice if staff could make suggestions to residents. It may be that Covid affected the level of activities but it should start to open up. You really need to speak to a director to get better answers.
If your mother is receiving hospice is she still able to attend activities? Please reach out to get better assistance.