Over the past two and a half years, I have been managing care at home for my husband Jack who is now 88 and in late stage Parkinson’s disease with dementia. As he became increasingly incapacitated, we went from part time to full time help from private health aides. Since August 2022, he has received additional care from a hospice team. 

I am grateful to the wonderful professionals who have supported us and to our family and friends whose kind attention has kept me afloat. I would be happy to share what I have learned during this long, slow journey.  You're welcome to contact me through Buzz '63 or my profile page.                                 

Paula Kaplan

Dear Paula, 

My husband was only in hospice care at home for about two months  He had pancreatic cancer  But the decision to keep him at home with palliative care, a decision made by our whole family, including him, was the best decision we could have made.  Caring for him, even with help, was still the hardest thing I've ever done - and maybe the best.  I hope you feel the same way.  I will be thinking of you. 
Best, Elaine
 

Dear Elaine, Thank you for your kind message. I was sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I hope you will find much comfort from your family in your new living quarters. Like you, my decision to take care of my husband at home was a group decision with the support of our children. Jack couldn't participate because of his dementia, but I knew that was what he would have wanted. And like you, I too feel that the period of palliative care at home is both the hardest and best thing I have done. My husband's journey continues. His condition is stable and one never knows how long it will last. I appreciate you thinking of me.

My best, Paula