Can someone explain what hospice is/does?

[TexasBushwhacker]

10. Lots of good answers here

My mother had in home hospice for her last 6 months. Just so you know, you will not be taken off hospice if you happen to live longer than 6 months. They just re-certify you. It's no big deal. They will set up a visit schedule, usually once a week in the beginning, then more often when necessary. They will pay a lot of attention to pain management. My mother also had breast cancer that had spread to her bones as well as her brain. Initially she was on fentanyl patches, then a morphine pump and at one point methadone. She also had morphine pills for breakthrough pain.

They will also make sure you are able to eat what you want. My mother mostly wanted to eat ice cream with Teddy Grahms and they said that was great because it provided plenty of calories. They wilk have social workers and chaplains who can visit. They can keep your family and up to date on your status and offer them support as well. When I was caring for my mom 24/7, they hooked me up with a volunteer who would come one evening a week just so I could grocery shop or get away for a couple of hours.