Just called Dr. to see if I could get my Mom on hospice. Am I making the right choice?

A good hospice organization will help with bath aides, volunteers, nurse visits and management of her pain. With rest and good care, she may improve.

I think you did the right thing making the call. The worst that can happen is they say " not yet".

You've started out with the right choice. The PCP, or whoever you've called, would presumably know her condition and be able to script for hospice, as well as advise whether or not it's appropriate.

Something to consider now is whether or not you would want hospice at home or in a facility. At home, you'll have a lot of heavy responsibility, and hospice isn't going to be able to help 24/7.

For what is she taking antibiotics?

And was there some reason she didn't go to rehab directly from the hospital?

They are coming Friday for a consultation and see if Mom would qualify. Thank you for the reassurance! This site has been a godsend. I don't feel so alone.

This is my life as well. Have seen a huge decline in my mother. I called, and Dr ordered it. I question myself daily but it is at home and just having supervision of Drs and nurses is very reassuring. They will reassess every so often and your team should let you know if they believe she no longer needs their care.

She lives with me Garden. I would like to keep her at home. She is taking antibiotics because of a UTI and "mild pneumonia" She is bedridden so rehab wouldn't help, and they did ask me if I wanted to bring her home, and I said yes. I figured, we made it this far.

onlychild82, it is so scary and every day I second guess myself. Once Hospice gets going and established, I think you will find it very helpful. I am just beginning 3rd week- I was told also that after 6 months they reassess and you now can have it up to a year covered by Medicare. Realistically - my mother is refusing food, eats a miniscule amount and I have seen a daily decline like never before. I have been her caregiver 8 years now. What makes it so hard is the emotions attached.... hang in there.

rwbpiano

Her PC Dr had suggested it about a year ago, but I was scared. Her visiting nurse also suggested it, but again I was scared.

Hospice criteria changed a few years back and you don't have to die in 6 months. Some people have been on it for two years.

Hospice is typically ordered when a doctor feels an individual has six months or less to live. Has your doctor given a timetable on expected length of life?