Dad has end stage CHF (congestive heart failure) and his heart is pumping blood through his system at 17% efficiency. He just lies in the hospital bed hospice provided free of charge. He is getting much needed rest and he is eating. He is the ultimate trooper. God, I love that man! Here is a word of advice to anyone who is faced with a terminally ill parent or member of your family or friend. Do not be afraid to use the hospice program.
They are there to help in every way possible. They are a Godsend. They are there for you and your loved one 100%. They have provided: a hospital bed, an over the bed table, an oxygen machine with 2 backup bottles that use no electricity, diapers, plastic bed sheets, a porta potty, a walker, a cane, and this list goes on. Free of charge. They will admit your loved one for 5 days out of a month (every 4-6 weeks) to a hospital with a private room to give you a break. They will pick them up in an ambulance and bring them back home in one, free of charge.
This is called “respite.” Dad decided to go home. He could’ve gone to a private room in a hospital (sponsored by Hospice) with 24 hour medical supervision for only $110 per day and you cannot beat that. Nursing homes cost $10,000 to 15,000 a month. Some are even quite a bit more than that. I have temporarily hired a direct care agency and they are watching dad 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I need this so I can go out and get all the necessities that inevitably come up. Like food, toiletries, etc. plus I just need to just get away and take care of myself and my household duties and career.
Yesterday, dad wanted ham, and barbeque sauce, so I just ordered a ham dinner at the local greasy spoon and made him a plate with BBQ sauce on the side. Whatever he wants, we will make sure he gets. Guaranteed… The whole idea in a nutshell is to make the person feel comfortable, pain free, and as much at peace as is humanly possible. We/they manage pain and anxiety. There is no calling 911 anymore. We are supposed to call hospice and they will send a doctor. Dad has worn a lifeline pendant for three years. I strongly recommend you do this if you have a loved one who could be in
medical danger. Lifeline Site is HERE
We set up a room in his house which is really quite cozy. Dad is catching up on his sleep because as you well know you get very little sleep in the hospital. I had to cancel some engagements that were booked for posting on this blog, but we are rebooking, so all in due time. Well, that’s all for now. I will do my best to keep more posts coming. I am thoroughly exhausted but I have been in this place a thousand times before.
Thank all of you for your prayers, love and support. Keep writing those comments. They really give me a boost. Once again thanks to all of you. Learn as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow. Mahatma Gandhi Respectfully, MGT
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