Sad news, it's gonna be a rough year

[Rte.66_chicks]

Would hospice assistance be appropriate at this stage? Hospice was wonderful with the palliative care for my mother.

Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

For you and your family

 

[77horses]

I'm so sorry to hear this.

I really wish I could somehow help more, but I'm afraid all I can do is offer you many hugs and prayers sent to both you and your family.

Cherish your time with her now and know that you have both friends and family for support, including us BYCers here.

 

[Tala]

Mom's not doing very well. She does NOT want to go into a hospital, get a feeding tube or breathing assistance. I realize that there's not much quality of life living that way, I totally understand. Really I wouldn't want to live that way either.
But still, I just don't know what to do.

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

I am so sorry.

and prayers for you and your family

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Quote:
The feeding tube and breathing assistance main idea is to give her muscles a break. Using a bipap (I think that's it) will give her muscles a break at night so she doesn't have to fight to breath. Some folks have problems swollowing that what the feeding tube is for.

Has your Mom talked to her spiritual advisor/pastor/priest or an old dear friend about what is happening?

Keeping you all in prayer

 

[peepsnbunnies]

Saying Prayers for your Mom and you, and your family

Lisa

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
Tala, I am most sorry about your mom! Prayers offered for you and your family during this time.

The advice about getting her signed up for SS, medicaid and hospice was good advice.

Have her doctor refer her to hospice....they can get her all the medical equipment she will need, help educate her about her disease and what to expect, help find her adaptive aids like special spoons, cups, splints, etc. They have social workers who can also get her connected with SS and medicaid services and any caregivers who may be able to help in your area....depending on her income/age she may qualify for homemakers also. They also can provide aide services that will come in and help your mom with bathing, washing her hair, etc.

Hospice is about living the rest of your life on your terms, with your wants first and foremost. She will need the grief counselling they can offer and the meds that can make her more comfortable. They can even help her stay at home if she needs to be placed on a ventilator.

I am a hospice nurse and we have had ALS patients on vents in the home. This is a very hard disease to deal with, so get help as soon as possible.

 

[SilverPhoenix]

Sending lots of hugs and good thoughts your way.

I've read "Tuesdays with Morrie" and I will second recommending it. Have your mother read it as well, or perhaps you could read it to her and discuss your thoughts on it together. I think doing things together and offering her as much support as you can is very important.

ALS seems to be a very difficult disease to deal with. A very kind and wonderful vet who worked with my wildlife rehab group was diagnosed with it as well a few months ago, and he retired pretty much immediately upon getting the diagnosis. It saddens me that such a tragic disease must exist... It makes me wish that human euthanasia was an option when the person feels it is their time to go, though I know that's a controversial issue.

I will be thinking good thoughts for you, your mother, and your family. Let us know if you need us to lean on here on BYC. Best wishes.