Two years ago, we found out my Mother was in stage 4 of lung cancer. I called Hospice right away, and they sent out a case worker and a Chaplain. They talked to Mom and I for a long time, and put our hearts at peace. We knew this would be a very hard trial, but the people at Hospice helped us through every minute of it. Mom wanted to go into the facility, so I wouldn't have to watch her die at home, but there were no beds available. The nurses assured Mom that they would come every week day and help with her, so I wouldn't be burdened with everything. The nurses were so compassionate. They treated Mom with such dignity, and they talked to my family when they came to visit, and watched out for my well-being also. This put Mom at ease. We had Hospice come in a few days a week at first; then every week day when Mom was bedridden. Over the weekends they came sometimes, when Mom was very bad. One week Mom fell 7 times in 5 days, and each time I called them (sometimes at 3 in the morning) someone would come, help check her out, then call an ambulance. They were always looking for ways to make her more comfortable. They suggested Mom have her difribulator turned off, because that would just keep electrocuting her when her heart was having problems. We did that. When Mom ended up in a coma and went to their facility, they treated her like she was a regular patient in the hospital. They talked to her, and tenderly cared for her; all the time, checking with me how I was doing. Mom went to be with the Lord 2 days after entering the facility. I know she was treated so well, and that she was comfortable before she passed away.\r
I've told my family that if I ever become terminal, please, please get Hospice in.
Pros: Compassion; loving; professional; helpful
Cons: Not enough beds; would really be helpful to expand their facility
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