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Oh, I'm so sorry.

@cmomma17: My father in law was in an inpatient hospice before he passed on Christmas day three years ago. Hospice is an amazing, amazing resource. The level of support, the providers, everything about it is both a celebration of life and maximizing comfort. I am so sorry you are going through this.

I'm so sorry honey

I am so, so sorry.

I am so sorry!

I am so, so sorry

@cmomma17: oh no. I am so, so sorry. All I know is the hospice nurses are the kindest you will run into. If you need anything, let them know.

I am so sorry

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My father passed away two years ago and we had a great experience with hospice (well as great as it gets?...)

One thing I found really helpful was learning that you can "shop around" for the hospice group that fits your family best. My dad had a few specific requests that the first group wasn't able to accommodate and we found another group that could. Also, ask about things like massage therapy, art or music therapy and any other things they may offer. Massage therapy really helped my dad stay comfortable and avoid issues with edema.

Don't hesitate to make sure your nurse is a good fit, you want someone who clicks with both your dad and your family.

Find ways to pass the time, for us it was lots of light TV shows (Top Gear and Myth Busters) and jig saw puzzles.

Take up anyone who offers to help. People really want to be able to do something and it's amazing how much mental strength it takes for you and your family to get through a hard time like this. Not worrying about food or having clean towels will go a long way. Maybe even keep a running list on your phone off things that can easily be delegated to visitors.

Take pictures even though right now you might feel weird about it (I didn't because my dad had lost so much weight he didn't look like himself but now I wish I had more from that time.) Maybe consider buying one of those books where you can have your dad read it and it records it.

If you ever need to chat let me know. Going through losing a parent is so incredibly difficult and sometimes it can help to talk to someone outside the situation. The range of feelings is so hard to cope with but I definitely get it.

I'm so sorry. We are all here for you as needed over the coming days.

I am so sorry for what you and your family are having to go through. sending you so much love

I can only imagine... Sending love and hope for good days ahead!

I'm so sorry.

So sorry

I'm so sorry

I'm so so sorry. I don't have experience with a hospice facility but when my mother was dying, we had a hospice nurse come visit everyday. She was incredibly kind and caring, and I will always be so grateful that my mom had access to palliative care in her final days instead of being in the normal hospital where she previously had been. Don't be afraid to ask them anything and to take advantage of the services so that you can spend more time with your dad. Definitely try to spend nice moments with him and create loving memories. I will always remember some of the last days I spent with my mom.

If you feel like reading, I recommend a book called "Final Gifts" which was written by hospice nurses. It was really helpful to me during that time.

It is one of the hardest things in the world to lose a parent. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.

@cmomma17: I'm so sorry about your dad. I've never had an experience with hospice but I wanted to say that your feelings sound quite normal in this situation. I lost my dad unexpectedly when I was 20. I hope the hospice care can help your family cope. It will be hard, but you will get through this.