Along my own path of being a caregiver, I almost missed a valuable resource. Alzheimer’s is a terminal disease. The life expectancy can vary and be unpredictable. Due to this, I did not call hospice in as soon as I should have. Hospice is covered by medicare. You get a team. With both of my parents we were assigned a nurse, doctor, social worker, aids for bathing and personal care as well as a chaplain. You may need all of these or only a few. They have a wealth of knowledge. They enhance the care if your loved one is in a skilled care facility already. My mom was not just bathed. She was massaged and loved on. The extra tender physical touch provided comfort. When my mom took her last breath, a nurse was on hand to help me navigate embalming in one state and transporting to another for her funeral. The chaplain was at my dad’s side to be with him while I made arrangements. They were truly a blessing.
In your home, they take a load off of you. They can provide pain medications when they are needed. They can keep you aware of changes and guide you. No one is in a hurry. They are in the moment with you.
I urge you to ask around and plan ahead for when you will need them. Yesterday, I donned a mask and attended a local Alzheimer’s support group. As I walked to the door I was joined by a precious gentleman who had been his wife’s caregiver for 5 years. She had passed away in the early part of the pandemic and I had not seen him. He shared a little about her last weeks in our meeting. His eyes filled with tears when he talked about how much his hospice team meant to him. My mind was flooded with memories of how much they had meant to me as well during my losses.
I have to admit that I am not a rule breaker, but my heart overruled my mind and I gave him a huge hug when the meeting was over. He accepted it willingly.
Some of you may be needing a huge hug today. I am sending a virtual one. Help me out now and wrap your arms round yourself and feel the love.
Word for Today
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
Thank you for the many people you bring into my life to make the journey easier.
Amen
Song for Today
Walking Them Home 