I was the sole caregiver for my relative who was entered into this hospice. I was not happy with this experience as when they stopped the diabetic medicine I asked for all medicines to be stopped. She was not doing well and failing and a doctor is suppose to honor the families request to stop all medicine when a family member requests it to be done. This was wrong. Then they use terminal sedation without explaining all the controversial medical perspectives on this procedure and did this when she would have been on haldol and morphine and at that time I requested the haldol be stopped. Haldol lets a person just lay there and not be totally aware of their condition but my request was refused and terminal sedation was done. This controversial procedure of terminal sedation should be explained fully if it is ever considered to be used. I am a religious person and am troubled with this event as I failed with God in not stopping the terminal sedation.
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I am writing this to help others so that when they have a patient that is not being cared for in their home or nursing home they REFUSE to go into the patient treatment center.(ARK) There is a supreme court ruling that took place in 1997 that permits the use of terminal sedation but only when the patients pain is not being controlled by other means. Hospice Ark is using this terminal sedation and not according to medical guidelines and so medical malpractice is the result. I met with the MD and said I will bring my Aunt home. . . . to which he replied we will reassess. There was no reassessment he should have said nothing or said that is fine. But then medicare money would be lost for time in the Ark. PLEASE DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ALLOW YOUR LOVED ONE TO GO INTO THE HOSPICE ARK WHERE ONLY HOSPICE EMPLOYEES WORK AND THEY ARE NOT CHECKED. It did not matter one bit that the Ark is in a catholic hospital. I beg you please listen to this there is no reassessment to be offered. I pray for Gods forgiveness of what they are doing.
My sister spent her last 10 days at Rainbow Hospice Ark in Park Ridge. She was 54 yrs. old. These people are wonderful. They kept her comfortable and provided us with much-needed and appreciated counseling. I am so grateful to them. I am happy to make a monthly donation so they can continue to assist others.
At the end of his life my father was suffering and ready to pass away. Once we found and called Rainbow Hospice, the focus immediately became about keeping him comfortable instead of alive at all cost no matter his pain and suffering. The folks at Rainbow were truly outstanding in their effectiveness of his treatment (keeping him comfortable), helpfulness to the family, compassion and professionalism throughout. They were instrumental in helping me, his primary caregiver, manage the last days of his life and my emotions around that. I would give them 6 stars if I could.
Partnering with our assisted living facility, we were searching for a caring, flexible hospice group that could help my father (age 64) and the family cope with end of life issues. Rainbow was immediately responsive, assigned skilled and caring professionals to not just work closely with us - but to get to know my father and the family personally. Rainbow's "Purple Team" has been nothing short of a miracle for our family. They provide care for all of my father's needs - physical, emotional, spiritual - as well as for the needs of the entire family. I work full-time with nonprofits as a consultant and have not experienced a better staff or program.