Yesterday we had Barb, the Palliative Care nurse and Miko, the Hospice Social Worker, come to the house for a consult. We were seeking information and advice from professionals in our area. Both woman come with impeccable reviews, throngs of local folks who have felt their love and care. They came to hear about our needs and help us discern and identify a plan. They are encouragers, caring and articulate, kind and gentle..
The basic difference I gleaned between the two options for us at this point in our journey was Palliative Care is 5 days a week 8-5 with one staff person. You have to 'fit in the schedule'. Hospice Care 24/7 year round and is made up of a team to help you balance life. The team not only cares for the whole of the patient, but the whole of those caring for the patient. It is not that Palliative Care avoids that, just that they have lass time and people to assist.
With hospice you get one 5 day respite period a month through medicare which would either be at Hospice House or Cottonwood here in Durango. This would allow me to visit family or take a care break. I see us using that option down the road. Just this weekend I would have loved to attend a women's retreat, this respite care would have allowed that. I do not believe respite care is an option with palliative.
I had some mixed messages about what drugs/intervention is allowable with the two different approaches. Miko described the game of 'Telephone' you played as a kid. A line forms and the first person whispers a phrase into the ear of the next person and on and on until the last person receives the message. Generally, no matter the care given in transferring the message, the final voice has a muddled version of the original phrase. I am finding that with the nuances of hospice.
The meeting was fruitful. I don't actually think either choice is wrong for us. So for now we will ponder. We have already set up an appointment with Barb for a month from now and will re-evaluate.
We are both grateful for the kindness of others. May we wake each day and remember that!