Judith King

Review of Faith Presbyterian Hospice

Based upon two excellent experiences shared by tha...

Based upon two excellent experiences shared by thankful friends, we expected we had found the perfect hospice organization. Absolutely NOT. it was HORRID. We did not know that there is a HUGE difference between the base nature of home care into which this organization deposited my Dad (and under which he died) versus what we heard was a compassionate,caring facility (higher care level).

Everything purported to be dad's "home care" was designed for the convenience of the providers and compassionate care for my dad did not seem to be on anyone's list. The equipment provided was so decrepit that I did not allow some if it in my home and purchased what was needed myself. I would not allow a hospital bed into the house and my Dad paid for that because his bed forced the providers to bend. In response, his treatment became rough. Absolutely no modification of process was available based upon Dad's specific condition and he suffered mightily because of this. Example: He was a mouth breather, and got no oxygen from the nose ferrules. When I asked if we could possibly get a facemask to deliver the oxygen, the answer (nurse) was "NO we do not provide those", Me: Well how can he get his oxygen? Nurse: He won't. Dad's condition forced him to go to the bathroom 15 to 16 times per day and allowed for at most 4 hours of sleep per night. When I asked if something could possibly be done to help mitigate the stress of trying to use the bathroom that much, the answer was (nurse) "No didn't his doctor tell him what to expect? " The home health aide tried to make him walk back and forth to to the bathroom for these trips (including the day before he died) even to he had not been able to walk for three weeks ( I wheeled him back and forth on the walker). The provider;'s implication seemed to be that I was indulging him. And to him: Make it to the bathroom on your own or use your Depends.

That was when I called the Main Office to tell them I thought they were sadistic. No matter! my dad died soon after, without oxygen, BEGGING me to take him to the hospital, seeming immune to the miniature dose of morphine this organization provided and which, they did not care to hear, had never had ANY effect in previous emergency room visits. I live with huge guilt that I allowed my Dad to trust this group and to suffer in it and that his days in this hospice care were among the worst of his life. I will forever wish I had taken him to the emergency room when he begged me to do so.. I pray that you are forewarned and do not do the same to your own family member.