The first hospice company I used was unresponsive and the doctor didn't visit my mother during a whole week she was with them. I made the change to a larger hospice company and although they have been there, the quality of their staff and help is not as good as people said it would be. All around I'm not having a good experience and I'm not sure what I should do. My mother was transferred from the home to one of their facilities and I'm so disappointed as to how poorly organized and dirty this place is... Any suggestions? Using hospice is making this process more stressful rather than easier....
The hospice in my community (we only have one) is a non-profit and absolutely wonderful though they don't have a facility. My parents were in a terrific nursing home at the time of their deaths so hospice worked seamlessly with them. I've talked with people who've had hospice in the home and they also had a great experience.
We did have a for-profit come into town but they only lasted 9 months. I'm not sure why but I think because the one we have is so good they couldn't get a foothold.
I don't know how many other choices you have and moving your mom at this stage is very hard for both of you. It's terrible that not all hospices are what they should be because everyone is so vulnerable at the time they need the services.
You could see if there is yet another service (possible if you live in a large city). Otherwise, you'll need to spend as much time with your mom as possible and bug the doctor to keep on top of things.
Again, I'm so sad for you. This just shouldn't happen but I know that it does.
Carol
Is it possible to take mom back to where she was and have hospice there?
In what way are they causing more stress?
My husband was on hospice 5 weeks in our home. The Doctor never saw him but had his records and could advice the nurse. The Nurse had authority to take actions on her own. I considered this bypassing of red tape a big benefit. There was no intention to cure my husband; he didn't need a doctor.
My mom was on hospice for 3 months in a nursing home and she did not see the hospice doc either. The additional attention from hospice staff was very helpful. Mom recovered enough that she was discharged from hospice back to regular nh care.
I do hope your remaining days with your mom can somehow be less stressful.