Ten Items Every Hospice Patient Needs

My mom was admitted into hospice in the beginning of March of 2021, and she passed on April 12, so a little less than six weeks later. Let me be clear, hospice will provide everything you need for your loved one, but there were some specific things I wish I would have had ahead of time for when we needed them. And unfortunately, you don't know you need something until you need it. So, my hope is this list can be referenced for others who end up in our shoes, and that it will leave them better prepared than we were with mom.

Below are 10 items I think are must-haves for hospice patients.

I know you're probably reading this list and thinking, this is so depressing, but the sad items were only used for a few days before mom passed. Everyone's situation is unique, but for us, we only needed most of these things in the final week. 

I wish we would have had the biggest pill organizer with allllllll the compartments. The amount of medicines we had to keep organized, and the times they needed to be taken during the day, was insane. There are so many pretty, colorful, fun options online, so I wish we would have ordered one before mom entered into hospice.

I also wish we would have had a super detailed spreadsheet to fill out so we could document when each medication was taken. It seems so easy at first, but it's so easy to get off track or confused about which medication was taken when, so definitely make yourself a spreadsheet on excel or keep detailed notes in a notebook to keep with the pill organizer.

An alarm is basically to stay on top of when to take medication. Set it up on your phone's clock or reminder app or download an app where you can customize your alarms so that meds, especially pain meds, are never missed.

Twin bed sheets are for a hospital bed. We didn't realize we needed them until the hospital bed arrived. I volunteered to go get some sheets on my way home from work. 0/10 do not recommend; don't do this. But, I felt this was my way to contribute since I was going to work nearly everyday and my dad and sister were home with mom. So I definitely recommend ordering a set early, or shop in person for a set early, and get a pretty set or a cheerful set, whatever makes you happy. I also recommend getting 100% cotton since the fabric is breathable.

About the shower chair… mom used that as soon as she was diagnosed because she was so exhausted. She jokingly told me she wished she would have used it sooner because sitting in a chair while she showered was great. So needless to say, Anthony and I now have a bench in our shower, and I have to agree, it’s great. My nephew, Turner, spent the night several months ago and asked why there was a bench in the shower. I’m like dude, one day you will understand. He told us we were old. So do yourself a favor and get a shower bench. 10/10 highly recommend. 👌🏻

In combo with the shower chair or bench, a detachable shower wand is so helpful. We actually got one for the shower when mom had her double mastectomy to make hair washing easier. Also it's a real pain to clean your shower without one.

As far as the other items listed, hospice does provide them, but sometimes it feels better to have a “nicer” option to use for your loved one. If you have any questions about them or about specifics regarding those items, please send me a message.

Mom and Turner on his first Easter, 2012

Mom and Turner on his first day of 1st grade, 2017

Sending love to all the people with loved ones currently in hospice or who have been there before. 💕

BeST,

Brittany