My husband is in stage 6 of the Alzheimers scale. My daughter talked to a geriatric counselor who said we should have him evaluated to see if he qualifies for hospice although he does say more than 10 words but they are generally cuss words. I always thought it was free but I understand each state has their own guidelines. But generally is it free or is there a charge and where do I go to find out this information? My daughter does go to this geriatric counselor but she has already been there 3 times and I don't know when she will be going again. There should be somewhere on line where I can find out the qualifying parameters and what they charge or if they charge. Thanks.
The basics will be covered but some Hospice will also provide things like lotions, creams and other supplies so check and ask what they provide when you are checking around.
The Hospice I/we used I had a Nurse that would come once a week, a CNA that came 2 times a week, later as my Husband declined she came 3 times and often with another CNA to help. We had a Social Worker, Chaplain (if we requested it) we also could have had a variety of other services if they were needed or wanted. We were provided all the equipment we needed as well as medications that were necessary.
When you interview the various Hospice choices in your area ask what they provide.
You can call as many Hospice groups you want and "interview" them just like you would interview a doctors office. And if you are not happy with the one you select you can always change. I think the first question I would ask is.."are you For Profit or a Not for Profit organization?" I think I would opt for non profit. Also ask how well they are funded. Much of the information can be found on the Hospices website. And the next thing to do would be to ask to take a tour of their facilities. You may never have to use the Inpatient unit but it would be nice to see and as per Medicare you are entitled to 1 week of Respite and your loved one would probably go to the In patient unit for respite so you want it to be nice.
I knew who to use. If you don't, contact your large hospital's social svc. dept and ask which. If they give you several, which they will, ask if YOUR loved one, which would you use?
You also search the obits in your large area newspapers. Just put hospice in the search function and which used. If your loved one in a facility, ask the charge nurse too. They know.
The saddest thing was reading the intake notes of the physician medical director. FAST score of 6d.
Mortality Risk index score of 18.9.
12 is when they say less than 6 mos.
She is seeing people who are not there. Can barely grasp a question.
But hospice is more eyes on, more care, and that is a good thing.
and really excellent advice to check the obits. Now that you mentioned that, I realize I always see the same hospice provider mentioned in the obits, it’s the one my MIL used. My husband helped his dad sign up for hospice 2 weeks ago today, I need to ask who the hospice provider it.
I feel like i will sign my mom's death warrant. That's not true at all. But that's how it feels. Sunday we had her evaluated. Oh yes. She is candidate. By Monday, no. She is not. Make up your effing mind!
Medical director did (of hospice) did eval today. Yep she is candidate. And she may have had a stroke.
Here's the take away. Your parent will get more care. More services.
You are not hastening death. You are making transition easier.
God. I have been in phone with corporate, admin, and nursing this evening to find out coordinating services. Some of it was not needed but, I am not leaving anything to chance.
I know this is such a hard decision. It is for me. I wish you well and peace. Take care.
Interview them to make sure that you mesh with their view point and beliefs.
I understand that if you are on Medicare they pay. I have also read here that people were happier with a non-profit hospice. We used a for profit for my sister and we were very happy with it.
I am sorry that you are loosing your husband to this awful disease.
Hugs!
it was 💯 per cent covered
she lived in memory care in California
I understood it’s that way everywhere
Then came back in and hollered to me that he was going for a walk. I caught him about the time he started down the street. I have not left him alone in 15 yrs. My daughter and grandchildren sit with him sometimes. It is hard but I want him to die here at home with me. It may reach the point I can't do it. I am 74 with health problems myself but I will try. June 1st will be 56 yrs married. 2 yrs dating. We met in high school.
I highly recommend using everything hospice has to offer. They help so much.
Hugs!
Go go ahead and have him evaluated. I’m going to assume he has Medicare, so you can go here https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospice-care to see what Medicare/hospice covers.
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