203 Facing Hospice Concerns: Stories and Solutions

203 Facing Hospice Concerns: Stories and Solutions Host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, shares two recent conversations highlighting common hospice challenges. In one case, a grandparent was admitted to hospice only 10 hours before death, leaving little time for family education; a caller described being told to "just give them more" medication without clear dosing guidance, underscoring the need for better instruction and repeated follow-up calls for clarification. In the second case, an only child caregiver needed a medical procedure and worried about being unable to physically care for a parent; Marie discusses contacting the hospice team for help, including respite care options such as short-term nursing home placement through Medicare, as well as self-pay adult family homes, nursing homes, or CNAs, noting costs and limited resources. She reminds listeners hospice is not typically a full-time caregiver, suggests using Medicare.gov to find and compare agencies, and encourages reaching out or switching providers if needs aren't met. 00:00 Welcome and Disclaimer 00:28 Meet Your Host Marie 00:42 Story One Late Hospice Referral 01:32 Medication Guidance Needs 02:51 Story Two Caregiver Crisis 03:47 Respite and Care Options 05:05 Keep Calling Hospice Team 05:26 Hospice Is Not the Caregiver 05:54 Finding and Switching Agencies 07:00 Closing Thoughts and Contact   If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice  Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from t