Beverly, this is such an important and beautifully written reflection. Your honesty about the emotional weight of enrolling in hospice is something every caregiver needs to hear.
Thank you for sharing your experience so openly, and for the generous mention of my book. I’m deeply honored that you found value in the book and that you’re helping bring awareness to the importance of preparing before a crisis.
Your voice brings such clarity and compassion to a topic most people avoid. ❤️
Hospice is a wonderful thing! And so different than it used to be when one went on hospice just before death. My father-in-law was bedridden for over three years and on hospice for over 2 of them. He didn’t want to go back to the hospital for anything or to have any heroics to save him. Through hospice we had more folks checking on him, free supplies, and a chaplain who came to see him regularly. The nurses were such a help and truly looked out for him. And his Medicare paid for all of it. It was such a godsend. We wish we would’ve gotten him on sooner.
I'm so happy you had a positive experience. The season I like Melissa Wood's book so much is that it helps us be informed consumers before, and during the process.
What a beautifully articulated and deeply personal experience you shared. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for sharing this. As a hospice RN and end-of-life Doula, I bear witness to so much unnecessary suffering in every capacity because of our death of averse culture and the postponing of supportive end of life care. All of this is at the heart of my work. My sole mission is to desmystify death and help you cultivate the death of your dreams through education, empowerment, and inspiration. In preparing for death, we awaken to the gift of life. ♥️
One of the most difficult choices we can make is to let go or change how we hold on. This is one of the most selfless acts. Family caregiving is not easy. But it can be less stressful with the right support.
Having been a hospice volunteer, I believe strongly that hospice honors the patient, the family and whoever else is involved. It's facing the inevitable with deep compassion and understanding. Thank you for providing this.
I work in hospice and palliative medicine. I also cared for my husband on hospice - we celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary and his 38th birthday on hospice. Three years later I cared for my sister on hospice. I can confidently say there is never enough time with the people you love. But having a good end of life experience with hospice does make it less awful for those who are dying and those who are left behind. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
Always a tough conversation but so worth it. The hospice care my mother and uncle both received not only gave them peace of mind but gave me much needed peace of mind also. As you note, some preparation and research is key but I'd recommend hospice care to everyone. It can make such a difference in the quality of life for everyone.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I spend a lot of time on r/Dementia since my 88 year old mom is mid stage. Hospice comes up frequently, and almost everyone agrees that it's better to start it before you think your loved one really needs it. ❤️
Beverly, this is such an important and beautifully written reflection. Your honesty about the emotional weight of enrolling in hospice is something every caregiver needs to hear.
Thank you for sharing your experience so openly, and for the generous mention of my book. I’m deeply honored that you found value in the book and that you’re helping bring awareness to the importance of preparing before a crisis.
Your voice brings such clarity and compassion to a topic most people avoid. ❤️
Very much agreed! Every story like this is helping change the narrative.
Hospice is a wonderful thing! And so different than it used to be when one went on hospice just before death. My father-in-law was bedridden for over three years and on hospice for over 2 of them. He didn’t want to go back to the hospital for anything or to have any heroics to save him. Through hospice we had more folks checking on him, free supplies, and a chaplain who came to see him regularly. The nurses were such a help and truly looked out for him. And his Medicare paid for all of it. It was such a godsend. We wish we would’ve gotten him on sooner.
I'm so happy you had a positive experience. The season I like Melissa Wood's book so much is that it helps us be informed consumers before, and during the process.
Thank you for writing about hard
but important topics.
What a beautifully articulated and deeply personal experience you shared. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for sharing this. As a hospice RN and end-of-life Doula, I bear witness to so much unnecessary suffering in every capacity because of our death of averse culture and the postponing of supportive end of life care. All of this is at the heart of my work. My sole mission is to desmystify death and help you cultivate the death of your dreams through education, empowerment, and inspiration. In preparing for death, we awaken to the gift of life. ♥️
Ditto <3 as a hospice physician <3 Thank you for all you are doing!
This blog was very helpful to me and my partner. Thank you.
One of the most difficult choices we can make is to let go or change how we hold on. This is one of the most selfless acts. Family caregiving is not easy. But it can be less stressful with the right support.
Having been a hospice volunteer, I believe strongly that hospice honors the patient, the family and whoever else is involved. It's facing the inevitable with deep compassion and understanding. Thank you for providing this.
Thank you for volunteering in hospice <3
Hospice is such a blessings. Thankfully our family has always received excellent care from this service. Angels on earth.
That is truly so kind of you to say!!!
I work in hospice and palliative medicine. I also cared for my husband on hospice - we celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary and his 38th birthday on hospice. Three years later I cared for my sister on hospice. I can confidently say there is never enough time with the people you love. But having a good end of life experience with hospice does make it less awful for those who are dying and those who are left behind. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
Thank you, Nicole, for sharing your personal experiences. My heart goes out to you. Beverly
Wow, such intense life experiences you have navigated. You are amazing, truly.
Thank you! I always joke that I am a lot of fun at parties. I promise I still know how to have fun and enjoy life. 🫶🏻
Always a tough conversation but so worth it. The hospice care my mother and uncle both received not only gave them peace of mind but gave me much needed peace of mind also. As you note, some preparation and research is key but I'd recommend hospice care to everyone. It can make such a difference in the quality of life for everyone.
Thank you so very, very much
I appreciate your sharing your story. Very helpful for the future.
Thank you for helping us prepare for a situation that happens frequently, but is rarely discussed in advance.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I spend a lot of time on r/Dementia since my 88 year old mom is mid stage. Hospice comes up frequently, and almost everyone agrees that it's better to start it before you think your loved one really needs it. ❤️
Thank you. This is timely.
This is so poignantly lovely. The cared for and the caregiver arrive at "it's time " differently.
I always find food for thought and new information here.