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I keep asking my mom's geriatric doctor about it and its been impressed upon me that it doesn't solve a full time aid issue, I lost some control over decision making and I already have 24/7 access to a concierge doctor. Thinking i'm jumping the gun on this and maybe its better to wait till I'm giving her opiods and we're not there yet.

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What is your reasoning for being in hospice? It sounds like you are looking for full time care which is not provided by hospice.
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Reply to ShirleyDot
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It would be better to consult hospice and let them evaluate mom. Then you can be ready when you think it's time. Whether you're giving her opiods doesn't matter. Hospice doesn't provide full-time care, but the help they do give goes along with their good advice. They will provide guidance for you, sort her meds, suggest and provide equipment that you don't even know to ask for, and so on. I operate on the theory that the more professional eyes on the patient, the more help for the family caregiver.

Mom's doctor s trying to make sure you understand that in addition to hospice, you will need to hire full-time care. Yes, you can provide it yourself, but don't. Supervising the dying relative is not an easy job, nor is it one you have done before (I gather). Hired help will reassure you as it moves along, be your sounding board and support you in other ways. You might also consider a death doula.

What does it mean "I lost some control over decision making?"
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Reply to Fawnby
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Usually a patient needs to qualify for hospice by being assessed by a doctor or hospice facility... under what conditions did she qualify? What was going on? Someone can be on hospice and family can hire aids for all other in-home care. More information would be helpful, thanks.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Hospice is not the solution at all if your mom is needing full-time help, as hospice will only have a nurse come once a week to start to check on her for about a half hour, and aides to come bathe her about twice a week. Which of course means the rest of the care falls on family members or the CNA's at her facility.
Hospice is typically suggested when a persons doctor feels that they have 6 months or less to live.
Now your mom may still qualify for hospice care, and you can call the hospice of your choice for them to come out and do an assessment, but just remember that 99% of moms care will fall on whoever is responsible for her care.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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