Share your story
Tell us your story
Through the challenges and rewards of caring for a seriously ill loved one, it often helps to hear from other families: the obstacles they have faced and what pulled them through the hard times. Below are some stories from people who have dealt with situations perhaps similar to your own.
Comfort for Mom
When the doctor suggested hospice for mom, mom thought it was just visits to the house. Even though mom didn't completely understand everything that was going on, the chaplain, social workers and nurses were so upbeat and positive. I liked that they explained everything to me. They provided me with confidence to be with my mom by myself. If I felt anything was going wrong, I could call them. Two days before mom died, the nurse recognized what was going to happen. They kept her comfortable and the family informed. I tell everyone that every bit of my hospice experience was positive.
(Return to top)Coping with suffering
When Pop was sick, the hardest thing for me was seeing him in pain. We had medications to give him, but we were worried he would get addicted. The nurse at Guardian Angel Hospice came out and taught us several things we could do. They provided us with a patch that kept him comfortable most of the time. And with hot compresses, we were able to relieve the sharp pains he would get now and then above his bladder. She also taught us some relaxation exercises we could do with him. We learned from her that people who are in pain don't get addicted mentally the way people who aren't in pain do. I guess the body knows the difference. That was a relief! As an added bonus, with hospice, Medicare paid for the medicines needed to keep Pop comfortable. But most of all, I was glad to see him out of pain. I couldn't bear to see him suffer.
(Return to top)The Love of a Lifetime
When my husband succumbed to terminal status, I was scared to say the least, to be responsible for his daily overall care. But considering my love for him and my desire to make him as comfortable and happy as possible for his remaining time, hospice was our choice to accomplish his desires.
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