Hospice

[Anonymous]

We used Hospice for my mom which was out of state so I can't help you locally. But the hospice we used had a paid and free component. The nursing care was paid via insurance but the "caseworker" was a volunteer and we spent the most time with her. She was a former nurse who really helped guide us through all the non-medical stuff and coordinated care.

OP, I am sorry. It is a very hard time and I will admit during the moment I felt like we made the wrong decision. It was overwhelming and I longed for the idea of having her in a hospital where someone (anyone) would do what we had to do.

But years out I look at it as a privilege. My Mom wanted to die in her beloved home surround by her family -- and she did. She brought me (us) into this world, there is nothing more important I could do for her than helping her out of this world in the manner that she wanted.

[Anonymous]

Hospice is a wonderful and much-needed service when you are facing the inevitable. I have close experience with a number of deaths of relatives- and some have been very, very bad at the end. Hospice can give your loved ones a good death, and a peaceful end.

I highly recommend Capital Hospice - the bricks and mortar facility is located in Arlington, but they provide home nurse hospice care too.

I wish all the best to you and your mother, and your whole family right now.

[Anonymous]

Thank you all very much for your help.

[Anonymous]

I also don't have local experience, but my my mom died recently in hospice and it was most certainly a godsend, both for her and the family. It's hard to know when to stop fighting, but my mom was only given a couple of days in the hospital and once she moved to hospice, she lived for an additional couple of months. The nurses were amazing to my mom, but also taught us how to be present for her in ways that we wouldn't have understood without their example and help. If you do go this path, I hope you have the same experience.

I'm sorry you are going through this. My heart goes out to you.

[Anonymous]

In Montgomery county, you can also call hospice caring in gaithersburg. They are non-medical but can be a huge support for the whole family. They are all volunteer (with a handful of administrative employees) so all of their services are free. Karen is in charge of new patient intakes

Hugs to you OP!