Calling on Hospice

Wednesday, 27 December 2006

Now that Christmas is over, it's back to the grind. But this time, I can sleep in later, wake up later, and finally clean the house (hopefully!). Today, we had a family meeting with two people from Hospice Hawai'i. Since Dad has decided not to get a feeding tube or to get a tracheostomy/ventilator, we have called on Hospice to help us make him comfortable. His ultimate wish is to die at home, not in a hospital or nursing home.

A social worker (who is actually a friend of Jay's, his age) and a nurse came. They will provide social support for the family if we need someone to talk to and nursing assistance. They even provide respite care for caregivers if needed, as they have volunteers that can do 4 hour shifts. The nurse will be the main liasion between doctors now. The bi-pap is seen as "comfort care" so he can still use that, but typically patients do not see doctors once they sign up for hospice or get any procedures done as that would revoke hospice. They will be helpful. In the end, they will aid with pain medication and such so that he can die with dignity in the home. So, we don't call 911 in an emergency. We call hospice. They will even help with funeral arrangements and such. Both Joy (the nurse) and Joanne (the social worker) will check in with us weekly or as needed.

Dad can eat better and has more energy to talk and breathe with the bi-pap, so he uses it often. Still, he chokes easily when eating and cannot cough or rid his body of the mucus. But, he managed not to get sick this Christmas, so that is good. I got him the Magic Bullet for Christmas, so perhaps that will help to blend his food.

Hope everyone was able to spend time with their loved ones this Christmas. As for us, we take each day as it comes.