Hospice Starts...

Hospice has been amazing. They've already lined up a volunteer companion for Mom that will start this Sunday. We asked that they read to her (letters, books, etc.), visit with her, and when possible, do things like comb hair, do hand massages, and apply lotion (related to dry skin and circulation issues...) - she really loves that.

Betty was contacted today by Hospice to let us know that they have ordered Morphine for Mom twice a day for pain...

Sisters in End-of-Life

I continue to be mystified by the parallels between my Mom and my Aunt Pat regarding the progression of their dementia and decrease in quality of life.

Today, I met with an RN from Hospice of the Red River Valley at Mom's skilled care facility, Eventide. To make a long story short, she was accepted into the program. My sisters and I are grateful for that, since from now on, Mom's comfort and peace of mind are of utmost concern to us, rather than disease treatment. It's the least we can do.

I'll be talking to their Volunteer coordinator about how we see their services best fitting Mom's needs, then trying to schedule volunteers that can come and spend time with Mom as a companion, as well as (I hope) do simple acts of kindness like brushing her hair to alleviate her itchy scalp, applying body cream to her dry skin, and maybe if we're lucky, some massage to hands, shoulders and lower legs to help with pain.