This is a spinoff from my 'Empty Hanger' page. My dad (Ray) has been sick with A lzheimer's for several years now, and well, he's gone downhill very quickly this past year. Even in the past couple months hes had a staph infection, issues with diabetes, and now barely eats. The Alzheimer's has affected his ability to chew and swallow.The nursing home suggested hospice get involved, and at first we were so depressed it was as if he had already left us. They are a wonderful group of supportive, caring people. Ray gets nursing care twice a week, a personal nurses aide twice a week, a social worker who makes sure things are getting done, and spiritual care and a social worker for us--his family. This is all in addition to the regular care he gets from the nursing home, and it is 100% covered by Medicare.
It could be any length of time that Ray has left with us. We just dont know. Could be months, a week, a day...we just don't know--only God does.
In the meantime, hospice sent us lots of literature, and one was a pamphlet about this place called 'caringbridge.org'. It is a website where people and families of people with serious illnesses can have their own private place to post updates and other information that will connect family and friends about their condition.
I just created Ray's site today, and although it is a private place, I am inviting all who want to stop by and share in my personal stories, journal, and guestbook. ALL ARE WELCOME.
You can visit the site HERE
Leave your prayers and sentiments there, as my family will be visiting the page regularly.
Here is the link to the hospice that is taking care of Ray.
Best Wishes to all: Marsha
