[Day Kay]

I realize that sometimes there are no other options, however, if these places were reserved for only those cases in which there truely was no family member to care for them, or there were complications that made it impossible to take care of them at home, this trend of actively killing the helpless among us would come to a screeching halt. And yes, I understand exactly how difficult it is to take care of someone at home. But we do owe our parents and other loved ones this. I've recently become aware of hospice services through an RN friend of mine who now works for one. Apparently, most services are free (i.e. tax-supported) if someone qualifies, and it covers some care and most medications. This can be a great help to those of us who want to keep aging parents/grandparents at home - qualified nursing staff to come to our home, help, aid, etc. Also, I found out that hospice can provide several days of hospital/nursing home care for your loved one so you can have a break, get some rest, be renewed for further care. Worth checking into when we need it!

[brytlea]

Yeah, my Dad looked into Hospice care for my Mom. Unfortunately they would not help with her because she did not want to stop all treatments other than pallitive. That is my only qualm with hospice.
They did have a visiting nurse thru Medicare (I think it was thru Medicare). But, they were unreliable at best. Mom didn't want to go into the hospital or a nursing home (I personaly think she was afraid, altho she never actually said that). I'll tell you one thing. My Dad and my FIL have been role models of taking the in sickness and in health part of the wedding vows seriously. God Bless em.
susie