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- Verified Buyer
As a caregiver, I was a little like Goldilocks when it came to reading books about caregiving, grief, and ALS—some were too clinical, some were too spiritual or faith-based, some were too heavy-handed, with so much detail that I ended up feeling confused or defeated. I wanted a concise and accessible how-to resource. I found it in "Home Hospice Navigation: The Caregiver’s Guide" by Judith Sands, RN, MSL, BSN, CPHRM, CPHQ, CCM, LHRM, ARM.If the notion of home hospice has crossed your mind or has been offered to you or your loved one as an option, I strongly recommend that you take a look at this informative read and wonderful resource that does, indeed, help you to comfortably approach the navigation of home hospice options. Home Hospice Navigation is written for the caregiver in easy to read, well organized sections, with good advice that is offered as if Ms. Sands is standing next to you anticipating your questions. First and foremost, it clears up the glaring misperception that home hospice is the equivalent of euthanasia and that someone needs to be close to death to receive home hospice services. Instead, Ms. Sands points out that “hospice should be thought of as living fully as long as possible and helping your loved one to die a peaceful and comfortable death.” I have to admit, I found it confusing when my husband was put on home hospice. It was a physical therapist from our visiting nurse program who suggested it when he needed more help and was nervous about being alone but reluctant to accept that he needed to hire an aide. This woman set in motion a process that allowed Ben to receive helpful care, support and medical supplies. As caregivers, we often neglect our own physical and emotional needs and hospice care services also provided a lot of emotional support to me. Yes, there is a trade-off at times with what is covered by insurance, but home hospice is definitely an option worth exploring. This benefit is covered through Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance policies.Ms. Sands lets you know what information is applicable across the board and what may be specific to your state or insurance. Throughout the book you will find anecdotes about Ms. Sands’ experience with home hospice with her mom. These stories show the very personal inspiration for this book and make it very relatable for many caregivers. There are references to the important documents that everyone should complete, which are conveniently organized and available through her web site. Also, you will find suggestions of considerations, conversations that should take place, and a step-by-step, very accessible process for how to begin to engage hospice services and work with medical and related staff.I wish I had this book when my husband and I were making decisions about his health care as his ALS progressed. I highly recommend "Home Hospice Navigation: The Caregiver’s Guide" to those of you who are daunted by home hospice and do not know where, how or whether to consider it as an option.
