mc clos10

[tarponbound]

Just read a post where you said you were a trained hospice volunteer.  I'm wondering if you can help me understand hospice better.  My mom (91) had alzheimers and was in a facility.  Last Sept they suggested hospice because she had stopped eating.  I couldn't bring myself to agree and then she started eating again - then in Dec she stopped eating again, looked skeletal and I then put her on Hospice - She died 5 days later after getting pneumonia - her death cert listed alz as cause of death.  Now they are suggesting hospice for my Dad (92) who is in assisted living (in the same facility ).  I did agree to it although it is eating me up.  From what I have read to qualify for hospice a person has to be thought to have 6 months or less of life expectancy.  My Dad has parkinsons and only 19% renal function, but they said that wouldn't qualify him so they used "failure to thrive" -  I guess what I am wondering is what is the accuracy of these evaluations?  I know you can't say for certaincy, but are the evaluations usually correct?  I don't see it in my Dad but I know it is probably because I don't want to.  
Also I am wondering - I know hospice offers support to family members - is that support limited to just dealing with the patient or can other issues be discussed?  Any enlightenment would help - thanks

[LStieper]

I hope that time has treated you and your loved ones kindly.  My mom is currently in hospice.. if you ever want to talk, i would love to share stories or even just kind words.  Best Regards ~ Lisa

[mcclos10]

Sorry I took so long to get back to you.  I sent you a private message.