Hospice

We had our first visit from the Hospice nurse, Judy, and social worker, Julie, this morning. They said that the nurse who went to evaluate Rick at the Center on Friday, found him sleeping and could not arouse him. That is probably why he was accepted into the program. Jean Small, director fo the Center, said that shortly after the nurse left the center Friday, Rick was up dancing with her.

Julie is getting a wheelchair, bedside commode, and shower seat for us. They are being delivered this afternoon. Now that is fast work. They will provide a hospital bed if and when we need it. They discussed making a ramp for our front door steps. They have people who volunteer to do this.

We have requested to use the Hospice Home for while we go on vacation. They provide respite for 5 days. Anything over that we have to pay for. It is $180 a day, but is based on income. I feel we will not qualify for a reduction.

I spoke to Jean Small today and told her that I had told the girls that I felt that, baring a miracle and we are still believing for that, Rick probably has only 1-2 years yet. Jean just shook her head and said it was probably less than that. Hospice requirement for admission to their program is 6 months. Dr Pearce had to sign the papers indicating that for them to even evaluate Rick. They said that doesn’t mean that he will only live 6 months and that they have had people who have been around for 2 years after admission. Anyway, these are all new thoughts for all of us.

I asked Jean what stage of Alzheimer’s she felt Rick was in. A few months ago she said she thought he was in the lower part of stage 3. But today she said he was in stage 4. I looked it up on the list of the stages and this is what it says:

Terminal Stage – 1 to 3 years

Symptoms
• Can’t recognize family or image of self in mirror
• Loses weight even wth good diet
• Little capacity for self care.
• Can’t communicate with words.
• May put everything in mouth or touch everything
• Can’t control bowels, bladder.
• May have seizures, experience difficulty with swallowing, skin infections.

Examples
• Looks in mirror and talks to own image.
• Needs help with bathing, dressing, eating and toileting.
• May groan, scream or make grunting sounds.
• May try to suck on everything.
• Sleeps more.

I believe Rick still recognizes all of us. And I think he is still recognizing himself in the mirror. He hasn’t lost weight yet. But he isn’t gaining anything either. He definitely needs assistance with his care. He has not been able to communicate for a long time. He is not putting things in his mouth or touching everything. He dose see little things on the floor and picks them up and holds them between his thumb and finger. He is still continent. But if I miss his cues, then he has been incontinent. This has happened 2 times at the center and once here at home.

So now you have it. The most up to date report on Rick’s condition and the assistance that we are getting.

Again, I am so thankful to God for His provision. The Hospice services, I believe, are another way God is letting me know that He is taking care of me and Rick. I give Him all the glory.