In my opinion, many hospice programs are based on the idea that someone is old or very sick, so there's no reason to spend any more money on them than they have to but to keep them just comfortable enough that they don't complain. Or, as Obama once said, "Give them a pill." I could be wrong, though. More likely, there are probably situations in which that makes sense. That's my perception, but I don't know a whole lot about hospice.
My top nurse and I have discussed hospice twice. Two nephews are coming from the Austin area to see me today. Will arrive around six-thirty. They have heard I was bad. I’m sure they’ve heard I’m worse than I am or I perceive myself to be. What can you say? My condition has worsened, I can see that. Worsened to the point I am about totally dependent. I am waited on, hand and foot. I know it is harder on my good wife, harder on my son. Hospiceis as much for the family as it is the patient. I’ll think on it.
Then maybe the NP is thinking more in terms of an arrangement that will allow you to stay at home with at least a limited degree of care or monitoring, but which will not cost you an arm and a leg. Medicare will pay for hospice for 90 days. Supposedly you can decide to go off hospice at a later date, if you choose. I don't know enough about it. If you go for it, just be careful of what papers you sign, and when.
The few times that I have known people that had hospice, they were very good. The families had nothing but the highest praise for them.
The last doctor I have seen was seven years ago, a lung doctor, who said they had done all they can for my lungs and to keep doing what I’ve been doing. I’m on the VAs home health care program, a preventive medicine program. The only medical people I see is a nurse monthly and a nurse practitioner. I’ve been happy with the program. But my family and my medical people think it is time to bring in hospice. I’ve been checking into it. @Teresa Levitt
I hate to hear this, Bill. How do you feel about hospice... do you agree that it's time? What about palliative care?
@Bill Boggs - so sorry Bill you are getting worse. I hope and pray you do not suffer in pain. Glad that you can at make decisions about your care.
I guess I hate for hospice to snuff me out. Rather my light flicker out on its own. Depends on how hardit is on my family.