Decisions for husband's care.

Katie, the point I'm trying to make is, people should understand that hospice does not take over the complete care of the patient, whether it's in a facilty or at home. For most cases there will still be the cost of in home care or facilty charges. And yes, long term care insurance may cover costs if people have coverage. It's not clear that the original poster does.

The long term in-home health insurance would pay for in home care...but not if it was hospice.

So..the flat statement that the current level of care for the patient must be maintained is not true..all depends on the wording in the policy.

Hospice can be done at home, in a hospital or nursing home. The current care for the patient and associated costs still must be maintained. Medicare will cover the additional cost of hospice.

I understand completely. I would not consider hospice for my Dad because they would provide less in home care than he was already getting. In exchange for a hospice nurse once a week....he would have lost his in home aide.

We got a trapeze. It was a swing from a platform that rolled under the bed. He could lift himself enough so that he could either pull himself to sitting and then bring his legs out for transfer....or enough so that the aide could do it with ease.

I know the choice is really hard to make..... For myself, I am glad he stayed home. I have comfort now that he was at home with family when he passed.

The situation is different for everyone. That was the choice I made to my Dad, for him it was the right one.

If he is mentally competent he would have to authorise hospice. It sounds as though he may be a candidate. I think it may be a good idea if someone from hospice spoke with him about what exactly hospice is and does. Most hospice organizations have social workers or case managers who are good at this.

It is not a death sentence. Many times patients will improve with the care hospice provides and "Graduate" from hospice, and return to hospice care later on as illness progresses.

Do you have medical power of attorney? If not, you should talk to him about this so you can make decisions for him when he is no longer able.

Good luck to you. I know this is such a difficult time.