Hospice

My Mother is officially a client of Caris Hospice.  A nurse came today to interview me, meet Mother, examine her, go through Mother's chart page by page, and to make some beginning recommendations.  She was there from 3:00 till after 6:30.  She was still there when I came home.  I was impressed to say the least.  She explained to me that Hospice clients are usually within 6 months of finding peace, but that very often that time is extended.  She said some clients have hung on for 2 years!  We don't know what's in store for Mother, but this service will be a benefit to her in that they will suggest changes in meds (oh no, here we go again!) that will keep her from being in pain and otherwise help her quality of life.  They will be extra eyes and ears and hands for taking care of Mother.  Staffing is short at the nursing home.  The CNAs, LPNs, and RNs do a fantastic job, are caring compassionate people, but they only have two hands and can't possibly do all that really needs to be done.  So they are welcoming the extra help!
Hospice will be there to answer our questions, give us their opinion about Mother's condition, and in general make things go more smoothly.  They are trained to counsel the families.  Believe me when I say that this may be the service they provide most in this case. 
Actually, I think I have come to terms with what the future has to hold.  All I ask for now, is that Mother can find some peace!
I still walk through the halls and dining room and visit with the other residents: Margaret, Katherine, Ann, Reba, Edna, Mr. Bunch, Johnny, Rebecca, Ms. Vance, and so many others that I can't possibly name them all here.  Some have such sunny outlooks that they cheer me up when I talk to them.  I think that I will continue to visit these folks even after Mother is no longer there.