I just got back from driving almost 3800 miles from N CA to Des Moines to see my brother. He was suffering from congestive heart failure, was in a hospice facility,and not expected to live more then a few days. I was surprised how nice the Hospice facility was. His room looked like a hotel room with a sitting room attached. They had a fridge, recliner, a sofa bed and table and chairs for the family. There was a small patio off his room and a large patio with a BBQ off a large living room and full kitchen that was for the families of the patients. Every time I walked into the kitchen for a cup of coffee, tea or a cold drink, there were plates of cookies, donuts, cake and other goodies. I just couldn't believe how nice they treated us. There was a large bathroom with a shower for the family, complete with thick, fluffy towels and an assortment of bath products. They kept coming around asking if they could do anything to make my brother or us comfortable. Carl passed quietly in his sleep. I couldn't thank them enough for the wonderful treatment.

I packed ice bags, a thick cushion to sit on, lots of pain meds and Flector patches. I had been taking pred(5mg). I was surprised that my back didn't hurt any more then it did at home.

So sorry to hear that you lost your brother...that must be hard.Nice you were with him when he passed.
There are caring people out there in this big world,and so glad you had people that treated you and your brother and family so nice.

Sounds like they treated your brother with such dignity, and the family with kindness. I'm glad you did ok on the long drive, and I am sure you were glad to see your brother before he passed. Nice to pass away in a queit environment instead of a regular hospital room.


Janet

so sorry to hear about your brother

but glad to hear how wonderful hospice was. both of my husbands parents used hospice: one at home, the other in the hospital. and my husband who was down there caring for his parents each time commented about how wonderful they were. i've heard nothing but good things about them.

glad you survived the trip physically. sounds like you went prepared though. and at least without having to focus so much on your body, could focus your attention on your brother.

Sorry Donna to hear of the lost of your brother Carl. Prayers and thoughts to you and your family. I have heard nothing but good things about hospice. Several of my family members had hospice come to their homes and it was a good experience. So glad that you came through with little pain. What a long drive. I lost several family members last year and went through a 12 week class called "Grief Share". It really helped. Our leader had lost her brother as well. Take care.

So sorry to hear about your brother passing away. It sounds like he was in really good hands at the hospice, which you will always remember.

Glad to hear your body held up o.k for the trip. Travel is so hard on our bodies sometimes. I do the Flector patches, cushion, ice packs, pain meds and Prednisone too when I travel.

Shari

Im so sorry to hear about your brother...it sure sounds like he was surrounded with all the love and comfort he could have. Im sure it was so nice having to go thru something so heartbreaking that at least some things you didnt have to worry about.

Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come!

Hugs!

Donna, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. And so glad to know you were able to be there. The hospice sounds wonderful, by the way. It's good to know there are places like that when you need them.

Take care of you, OK?

Love and Warm hugs,

So sad Donna - My bro died of heart as well. Wretched loss to you an your family, commiserations.

The hospice sounds a wonderful place. What care and kindness, making the passing of a loved one that much easier to bear. Blessings on the hospice movement and all who work in such a movement.

Well done on that drive - that was some marathon of a trip...half way from here to India! Glad all went well and your back was 'no worse' than at home.

Take care Donna

I'm sorry to hear about your brother, but so pleased you were able to be with him, and that the place he spent his last days was so nice.

Also glad that you managed to do things that made sure you could survive the trip in no worse shape than if you'd been at home.