If qualifications for hospice admit are met there is no charge if the patient is on MC. Many private insurance companies also pay. Hospice will pay for DME, diapers and stuff and meds related to the disease they are admitting for.
Ya know, all of us aren't familiar with all the acronyms that are used on this site. For example, I do not know what MC or DME mean. Can anyone help me out? Thanx, TT
You are not alone but I try to figure them out or just wait until there are more 'clues'. I guess I should look on the home page, go down to the page that shows the abbreviations to see if they are there.
The list does not have DME but I assume that MC stands for medicare or medicaid.
I called a local Hospice on Wednesday for an evaluation and that afternoon the doctor came and checked him out. He told me he had some Parkinson's along with the alz. I have always thought he had Lewy Bodies but I could not see the Parkinson's symptoms. Since my daddy had this but not the dementia. I knew he shuffled when he walked and the doctor called my attention to his facial expression. He said I needed help and he was admitting him that day. The next day we had a supervisor and a social worker and today a bath aide and a nurse. I am still processing all of this. I really was not expecting him to qualify so soon. It is a nice feeling to know help is only a phone call away and with no family here I was always worried about what I would do if I had an emergency or if I got sick. And you know I have to throw in a few silly statements (it's in my DNA) This means dusting, more cleaning and putting on a bra everyday. Seriously, I know I need the help and all the people who have been here were extremely nice and helpful. I didn't want to share this until I was sure he was excepted but the nurse assured me that he had been.
This was the route a good friend of mine just did and it was a huge relief for her. Her situation was nearly identical to what you describe. She said the transition went very well, which surprised her. The first week, she said she slept a lot,,didn't realize how tired she was..then she started to get her sea legs and is doing much better.
Bama, Unless some of the hospice people are male and goodlooking I wouldn't worry about the bra. lol. I hope you will find time to take care of YOU now that you have some help. Sorry your DH needs hospice but I hope you can rest.
Bama, I am so happy to hear he has been accepted! You have worked and given so much, now it's time for you to get a little rest. Yeah - forget the bra, who cares?? Dusting and cleaning can come later too - when you feel like it. Just take this time for yourself now. Bless you and lots of hugs(((((((())))))))
Bama you will get the needed help now and a bit of the burden lifted. its wonderful to know you can all 24hr/day and someone will come out to assess the situation should DH have problems. dont worry about all the extras they are use to coming into homes without all the fuss. good to hear you have the help now. divvi
Bama, I am also glad you are receiving help from Hospice. They have been wonderful to us. It is such a relief to know that if my husband is ill I have someone call that will come immediately to tell me what to do.
When we are with them every day we tend to not see some changes. I know now why he has so much trouble getting into bed. When I would try to help him his legs were always rigid. I now notice that his facial expressions are different. I have always looked for the Parkinson's symptoms but because he does not have the hand tremors I failed to see the other things. My Dad had Parkinson's so I am familiar with it. I have from the beginning thought it was Lewys Bodies because the first problem we had was with paranoia and hallucinations which is still our problem. All the medications we have tried have made things worse so all he takes is pamelor and BP meds. When I told the doctor about thinking it was Lewys it said that was astute of you. Hey, Joan's place has educated me about this alzs disease. It has taught me where to go to find answers. What would we do with out our family here. Because of recent post on Hospice I decided to call them for an evaluation and I chose this one because they have a retired doctor who comes out to check him. I am very happy with the people who have come to the house. So I would advise those who think their spouse may qualify to check it out.
Bama, I agree with everyone here that you should now get the rest that you deserve and the house will wait(I know that is easier said than done but it is true) and bra...whose gonna know unless your built like a brick house with a pair of double DD or more. haha!
I know Deb.... It is that I have gotten use to a silent house and all of a sudden there are people here. Today I was not expecting anyone and then the Chaplin rang the door bell. He was such a nice young man and DH talked or mumbled constantly with none of it making sense. I know that I will adapt but it would be nice if I knew someone was coming. This rut I am in has become comfortable and I will have to make some changes in my daily routine. I'm looking forward to having more people around. Dust or no dust.
Bama, The first week of Hospice we had everyone coming to our house. Thankfully, they all called before they came. Now only the aides come everyday at a time I requested for my husband's bath. The nurse comes once a week, the Chaplin & Social Worker come once a month and they always call before coming. If they continue to just drop by after a week I think I would mention that they call first.
Bama--when we had Hospice, the one thing I asked was for them to please schedule or call ahead so I wan't inundated with too many too closae together. Each has important things to do and say, and too much to close together gets information lost or confused. Having the 24/7 phone back up is a huge relief. You are no longer flying by the seat of your pants. Someone has your back.
As to the bra--fugeddaboudit. Between my shirt, my crutches and a bra--I get chaffed raw under the arm. No bra/no pain. Loose shirts cover lots.
Thanks for all the good advise. I know they will be really helpful. I was at the point that I was afraid I was going to have to put him in a NH and now I hope I can continue to keep him at home. Just having someone give him showers is wonderful. Like Kadee said this being the first few days meant more people visiting and when the schedule is set up I'll be prepared.