Making the Transition to Hospice with Alzheimer’s and Other Forms of Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are progressive diseases that eventually lead to end of life for those suffering. When your loved one reaches more challenging stages of dementia, hospice care is extremely valuable. Hospice is a specialized type of care that focuses on comfort and quality of life for patients who are terminally ill—with a prognosis of six months or less if their disease runs its normal course.
How to Transition to Hospice Care with Ease and Peace of Mind
Transitioning to hospice care can be a difficult decision, but it can also be a relief for both patients and caregivers. Hospice care can provide your loved one with the support and care they need during their final months of life. You do not need to wait until the very end to initiate hospice—which is a common misconception.
To transition to hospice care with ease and peace of mind, here are a few tips:
Talk to your loved one’s Primary Care Physician (PCP).
If your loved one does not have a Primary Care Physician, we can help you obtain an order for hospice care. The PCP will write an order to initiate hospice. This is step one.
Get to know the hospice team.
Once you meet with us, you will be assigned a team of caregivers who will work with you to create a care plan for your loved one. The hospice team will include nurses, social workers, aides, and other professionals who are skilled in caring for people with dementia.
Let us take care of the rest!
We will bring in all necessary supplies and durable medical equipment (DME) that your loved one will need to be safe and comfortable in the place they call home.
More Ways We Can Help…
Our Hospice agency can provide a variety of services to help you and your loved one transition to hospice care. These services may include:
Caregiver support. Hospice offer a variety of support services for caregivers, such as respite care, support groups, and counseling.
Symptom management. Hospice will help manage your loved one’s symptoms, such as pain, nausea, and anxiety.
Spiritual support. Hospice offers spiritual support for patients and their families, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Volunteers. Hospice volunteers are a vital part of our program and offer a variety of services to you and your loved one.
If you are considering hospice care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, please contact us today. We make the process simple, letting you focus on what matters most!
National Family Caregivers Month: Celebrating the Heroes without Capes
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to celebrate the millions of Americans who provide unpaid care to their loved ones. Caregivers play a vital role in our society, helping people with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and age-related impairments live their best lives.
Caregivers provide a wide range of services, from helping with activities of daily living like bathing and dressing to providing emotional support and companionship. They may also manage their loved one’s medications, transportation, and finances.
Caregiving can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Caregivers often report feeling a sense of purpose and satisfaction in helping their loved ones. However, caregiving can also be stressful and demanding, both physically and emotionally.
Recognizing & Supporting Caregivers
That’s why it’s important to recognize and support caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month and throughout the year. There are many ways to do this, such as:
Offering practical help, such as cooking meals, running errands, or providing respite care
Listening to caregivers and offering emotional support
Advocating for policies that support caregivers, such as paid family leave and access to affordable childcare
Supporting organizations that provide services and resources to caregivers
How Caregivers Help Those They Love
Here are some of the ways that caregivers help those they love:
Improve physical and mental health.
Caregivers can help their loved ones stay healthy by managing their medications, providing transportation to medical appointments, and helping them follow their doctor’s recommendations. Caregivers can also help their loved ones cope with stress and anxiety, and maintain a positive outlook on life.
Promote independence.
Caregivers can help their loved ones maintain their independence by assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and cooking. Caregivers can also help their loved ones stay connected with their community and participate in activities that they enjoy.
Provide companionship and emotional support.
Caregivers offer their loved ones companionship and emotional support, which can be essential for their well-being. Caregivers can listen to their loved one’s concerns, offer advice and encouragement, and help them to feel loved and valued.
Thank you, Caregivers!
Caregivers are essential to our society, and they deserve our appreciation and support. During National Family Caregivers Month, let’s celebrate the caregivers in our lives and show them how much we care.
If you are a caregiver and would like to know more about the services we provide, please let us know. We would be happy to serve you and your loved one!