Both of my parents were under hospice care when they passed away. My Mother’s final days were spent at my parents’ home in Santa Rosa, and my Dad’s final days were spent in a board and care home in Alamo. As many of you know, the burdens of caring for a parent or other loved one, during the final stages of their lives, is extremely challenging for all involved.
My siblings and I did the very best we could to take care of our parents. For my Dad, there had been numerous trips for him to and from the emergency room during the last months of his life. My Dad would either become dehydrated, take a fall, or suffer from various infections. The paramedics would take my Dad to the emergency room, and after a stay in the hospital, and sometimes a stay in a nursing home, my brother and I would pick my Dad up and take him back to the board and care. Our Dad was 87, and was also suffering from congestive heart failure.
At one point, My Dad finally had had enough, pointed to my brother and I, and in a strong voice, said, “NO MORE HOSPITALS!” We called the doctor to discuss hospice, and we then called a hospice service. At that point, all of our lives literally changed for the better. All of a sudden, we had help from a nurse, a nutritionist, a social worker and a grief counselor. My siblings and myself were also relieved from the responsibility of havig to make medical decisions for our Dad.
We are Catholic, and several priests came by to give my Dad “last rights,” also called Viaticum. I remember asking a young Priest whether the effects of last rights was cumulative, given possible issues concerning purgatory, etc., in that my Father had received the sacrament on several occasions. I don’t think the young Priest appreciated my humor.
My office recommends the services of the various hospice organizations in the community on behalf of our clients and their families, at times, as part of our planning.
Patients and families who face a terminal illness may at first focus on the impending loss of life of their loved one. However, hospice programs encourage them to make the most of living and enjoying what may be the patient’s last months. Staying in the home lets patients reunite with friends and family members. It gives everyone a chance to reminisce and laugh together, despite the sadness, anger and pain that often accompany death. Hospice lets patients live until they die-enjoying life to its fullest potential.
Medicare pays a great deal of the services provided by Hospice. In order to be eligible, a patient must be covered under Medicare Part A and must also have certification from a physician that the patient’s life expectancy is six months or less, assuming the illness runs its normal course. Please click on our web site below to review our “Consumer’s Guide to Hospice Care”
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MICHAEL J. YOUNG
Attorney at Law
1931 San Miguel Dr., Ste. 220
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925-256-0298
lawyoung1@gmail.com
www.WalnutCreekElderLaw.com