Linh Thai

Review of Hospice Touch

The staff at Health Essential (aka Touch Hospice) ...

The staff at Health Essential (aka Touch Hospice) are World Class operators underneath their homely exterior. My dad (90yr) & family had made a slew of unusual requests yet they always met it with professionalism and deliver a solution quickly and effective.

1. Big Bed. My 90yr dad like to cuddle with my mom in the morning (a true pair of BFF) so we requested a bigger bed. After a home visit from the director, a bed was delivered.

2. Need to Go. Morphine was making my dad constipated, I request for Dronabinol (pharmaceutical cannabinoids). It was delivered.

NOTE: For those new to hospice care. There are 3 major goals in caring the patient. (1) Patient has no pain, (2) patient can sleep at night, and (3) patient is able to relieve himself. All current drugs are throw away (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol...) on the first day of admission. The patient is then given new drug that support those 3 goals mention above.

3. Oversea Support. Twice I had asked Paul (our social worker) at for document to expedite the process of getting visa for oversea family member entry into the US it was promptly delivered.

4. Family Leave. I need official documentation before HR allows me to take family leave to be with my dad. This was done very promptly.

5. Language. They have staff who speak fluent Vietnamese. This was something my mom and dad requested.

6. Professional. My dad felt so endear to the nurse's assistant, Maria, he tip her with cash several times. She always kindly refuse, saying it was not necessary and not of policy. Note: Maria drive around in a little Nissan that probably as old as my brother, so I have little doubt that she probably can use the cash.

My dad is stronger now and I only have the staff at Touch to thank for that.

(Maria(NurseAssist),Paul(socialWorker),Phong&Angie(Nurse),Han(Pastor) and Phillips(Director))

---- Gripes ----

1. Please give Maria a raise she really deserves it.

2. (-star) No physician (MD) had ever visited our house. This should be change especially after a couple of crises when my dad was unable to relieve himself.