Hospice

When I heard hospice, I just heard white noise in my mind. I didn't know what it was and I didn't want to know. But it's a reality of mine and was the topic of conversation lately with Mom's Doctor and Nurses. 

So just like the others steps of this journey it was time to do research, lean on other's experiences, understand the pros and cons, the financials, ask Paula to do her research, decide where and how, and then accept that this moment would come.

So what is hospice:

"When medical care cannot offer a cure, hospice provides care, comfort and support for persons with life-limiting conditions as well as their families. The hospice team works to make the person comfortable and relive their symptoms and pain for the entire length of their illness."

CARE and COMFORT ... well, that's exactly what my Mom needs.

The decision of when, where and how my Mom would receive this hospice care did not come easily. There was some denial in the process as I now understood what it meant. Yes there is no cure for FTD and yes Mom passing is imminent. 

Over the course of the past 2-3 weeks she was declining more noticeably, her discomfort was obvious and her smiles were few and far between. I approached her Doctor about some possible medication changes last week and his response was that of concern - that hospice was needed soon. I thought, I'll put it off until after the Thanksgiving holiday, soak up the family time and think about it more. 

Friday morning after Thanksgiving, she had a fall. Although no major injury and she appeared to be ok, it was another sign. I chose one of the many highly recommended options and specifically one her Doctor works with, St. Croix Hospice. I met a Casework/RN Sunday afternoon for their assessment and since then her hospice team has all been over to meet Mom. 

It's absolutely true what I've heard about hospice - their truly compassionate hearts bring serenity and peace to the journey. I'm already anxious to spend more time with each of them, soak up their gentle manners, and teach them more about my Mom, because I know they care.

Moving forward, Team Robin's focus is on comfort and happiness. Every one of you in her lives can bring her this ... if ever there was a time to see Robin, it's now, as she is still with us.

I'll offer again that if anyone wants to visit at ANY time, please reach out to me. I'd be happy to give you advice, accompany you, or arrange a small group to visit. She welcomes visitors, will remember each of you, and you might get a beautiful Robin smile out of it!

xoxo,

Ashley & Team

Ashley.Kavitz@gmail.com