COPD

[deepcreek]

When is it time to ask for help from a hospice? I have stage 3 copd and its getting worse with SOB and flare ups.My husband works long hours and Im alone alot.Thanks for your help

[Davy9]

The goal of hospice is end of life care and support. They devise a care plan to ease this part of life for the patient and their family. Part of that concept limits aggressive treatment for acute situations. It would not allow for the use of mechanical ventilatory life support if that should become necessary. So the decision threshold that needs to be reached is that the patient does not want medical measures instituted that are intended to be curative, that they are ready to accept their final moments and wishes them to be as calm as can be medically instituted.

The medical care that is given is gauged to ease suffering and enhance those final days as much as possible. For example some patients have been required to have limited and very bland diets as part of their care. Hospice will not limit what the patient eats. If they crave greasy cheeseburgers and fries, so be it. Hospice will allow the patient to do what the patient wants and work to keep any related negative health consequences under comfort control.

It is an emotional decision but your entire situation is like an emotional roller coaster. There are people you can talk with to learn more and get specific questions answered. If there's a hospice organization nearby you can talk with them. Medical social workers at your local hospital can also give you information. Learn more so that you can make a clear choice.

Do not feel pressured to accept hospice care if you're not ready to. At the same time you learn more about hospice ask if other types of care might not meet your needs better. There is in home care support. There are assisted living centers and skilled nursing facilities. You do have other options.

[deepcreek]

Thanks so much for the info.I have copd and hypertenision but I dont think Im at in stage yet .Thank YOU again.