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I don't think the Hospice my brother is with is meeting his needs. The aid that comes once a week can't give him a proper shower. She sits him on the comode and wips him down. She is a much bigger person than I am, she is bigger than my brother. I think I do a better job, but it's killing me, I'm 72 years old.

I just switched to a better one and am very glad. I wish I had done so months ago. We had the same situation you describe. Definitely look into it, I got a recommendation from the facility nurse.
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Reply to ConstanceS
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Some people simply request for a different care provider with their hospice care if they are dissatisfied with what is currently being provided. You can also check with the administrator of the hospice program you are using and discuss the matter with the providing physician and see what services are available in your area. Some services are provided based on a patients level of requirements for care. Hope you are able to find peace in your day.
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Reply to Senior8
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Yeah, you can absolutely switch hospice providers. Families do it more often than people realize, especially when the care just isn’t matching what the patient needs.

If your brother isn’t getting proper bathing support, that’s a big deal - dignity and comfort matter a lot at this stage.

You can call another hospice directly and they’ll usually handle the transfer paperwork. It’s honestly easier than people expect.

I’d start with asking his current provider for a different aide first, though. Sometimes it’s just the wrong match, not the whole agency.

But if you’re 72 and doing more work than the aide, that’s not ok. You shouldn’t be breaking your back.

So yes - switching is allowed, and you won’t get in trouble for it. Families are supposed to choose what feels right.
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Reply to rahuls2430
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Tina1923 Nov 19, 2025
Thank you!
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Speak to your hospice. In fact, show the aids how it is done. Also request aids twice a week even if for a bedbath as the turning and exercise and rubbing down is good for aging skin. That is covered by hospice.

The good thing about hospice is that they provide weekly RN (SPEAK to her/him about this) and a social worker (SPEAK to him/her about this).

Working with this hospice will be much easier than firing and finding a new one, though that does remain a possible solution and you should tell hospice that is your intention. They get enormous amounts of money for the little they currently do, from Medicare and our tax dollars.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Tina1923 Nov 19, 2025
Thank you!
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Before you switch Hospice provider talk to the Team Manager and explain the situation.
It is very likely that they may have other clients that are having the same issue.
Your concerns are valid.
If it is not safe for this person to tend to your brother and that is safe for the CNA or safe for your brother then there needs to be a change.
If they can not accommodate the change then you are within reason to switch to another Hospice agency.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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DaughterofAD3 Nov 18, 2025
I second this--the hospice has probably received complaints before.

I learned it is definitely worth it to speak up. Normally I'd stay quiet and hope things change, or thought I wasn't communicating well enough, etc. I was blaming myself, or my inaction.

Then I decided to give the hospice a call and state the details matter of factly (but without judgement) that the particular RN was not working out. It was not an easy or natural thing for me to do--asking for what I want--but I did, and it turned out well.
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Have you considered asking the Hospice to send a different caregiver?

When my dad was on hospice, I called the main number and asked to switch case managers—she was also my dad’s RN, and she visited him twice weekly.

I explained my concerns, without being critical, and just said it wasn’t a good fit. I was given a new case manager.

Perhaps it’s worth a try?
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Reply to daughterofAD
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Tina1923 Nov 18, 2025
I haven't asked yet. I made a nurse change a few month ago. I was also I my father's caregiver fore eleven years, he was on hospice in the last year of his life. I remember hospice being much more helpful. I think healthcare in general has gone downhill.
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We were in the process of doing so when my dad died. The biggest hurdle is making sure that the bed rental carries over.
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Reply to PeggySue2020
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Tina1923 Nov 18, 2025
I'm sorry about your father.🙏🙏
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