Hospice Education Helps Families Understand How to Support Loved One
Dear Carol: My siblings and I are at odds over how to help our 80-year-old mom during her last weeks of life. I want her to receive hospice care to limit her pain and suffering. My siblings aren’t against hospice, but they understand it differently than I do. They think that not forcing food or even tube feeding her is killing her, and not hydrating during her last days will make her suffer. I agree with them that I’d hate to be starving and dying of thirst, but I know it’s different when people are dying. I just can’t explain how. Mom has always told us not to prolong her life. How do we find peace with this so we can move forward? – TK
Dear TK: I’m truly sorry about your impending loss, and this disagreement with your siblings is making it harder. You all seem to be coming from a place of love, so education should help solve the differences. You are correct that what is needed is hospice care, so I’m glad your siblings will at least look at this type of support. The hospice team can help you all understand the death process.
Your siblings’ very human problem…
Helpful Tools:
Stay connected with Memoryboard: Designed by caregivers. Memoryboard helps families share reminders, messages, updates, and photos on an easy-to-use screen designed for people with dementia. Peace of mind for families, independence for loved ones.
Wetness indicator and alert to help manage incontinence with dignity. SenecaSense Home: Discreet Support That Restores Comfort and Confidence
Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH, has opened up support! View two free caregiving webinars that can help you help your older parents (and yourself).
Discover the Difference. EGOSAN: The premium incontinence brand caregivers love: They save work! Now Available on Amazon.
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories: “…This book is for all of us; let it help you cope! Thank you to the author and everyone she spoke with!” …Dolores
