4 November 2013: Monday, a day where the end has a new beginning, we began the process of hospice with Delaware Hospice and Social Worker Drew Biehl ...

Social worker Drew Biehl with Delaware Hospice, the oldest and only non-profit of 5 hospice groups that service Delaware, hands dad some of the initial paperwork requiring his signature. He signed and the process is underway. A nurse, Erika, comes later to work on the medical issues and fill out the rest of dad's file. It's been a great, meaningful visit.

Phew! We did it with the help of an understanding and patient social worker from Delaware Hospice, Drew Biehl, who explained so well the importance and vital nature of getting hospice people in early to my parents that they became true supporters and believers in getting a relationship with the medical professionals of hospice early so that when they are truly needed, the experience will be all the more beneficial. 

The paperwork has been started and we have a folder and a refrigerator magnet and the number to call, 24/7, affixed in at least 4 critical places, 302-478-5707. 
We await our nurse visit this late afternoon and the start of the process of care that will make the transition all the more peaceful, palliative, and loving. 

Great visit from the admissions nurse for Delaware Hospice, Erica Tarpine, a young and attractive lady who was detail but compassion oriented in her many questions and information delivery this late afternoon, after the sun had set and she arrived after having worked already from 8 - 5. She is a young mother with an 8-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl, who truly love Halloween, the boy dressed as a Ninja and the girl as a princess. She just left and dad will qualify for hospice, no problem, and the calls will start coming from nurse/case manager, the social worker and others on staff at Delaware Hospice. All of it is paid by Medicare. We get no billing. It's all paid for under the taxes that were secured from dad throughout his working life. I feel good about this service as dad enters into a challenging and last phase of his life, the transition that we all must face. This may not be alone and with those compassionate and those who love him. 

Dad with Delaware Hospice Admissions Nurse, Erica Tarpine, after his check of vitals.