Millions of Americans live with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. With that, at least 15 million unpaid family caregivers continue to provide care for their loved ones with the said conditions.
The early stage of Alzheimer’s disease involves memory gaps, including difficulty forming the right words or misplacing objects at home. However, they can still function independently.
The middle stage of the disease requires more extensive care. At this time, a person displays more severe signs of memory loss. Patients may not be able to recall names or where they are. You can also observe changes in behavior and sleep patterns. Typically, this stage lasts for many years.
The end stage of dementia will require 24-hour and personalized care. Patients lose the ability to communicate properly and become unaware of their recent experiences. They are also at a higher risk of getting infections, such as pneumonia. At this stage, caregivers should oversee their loved ones at all times because patients may even not remember how to swallow foods or suck from a straw.
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia progress slowly over time. But most families are unsure if their loved ones are eligible for hospice services. Thus, we provide the list below to guide families on whether they should get hospice care for their loved ones with dementia.
Hospice Care Eligibility for Dementia Patients
Like any other condition, hospice agencies offer help to patients with a prognosis of six months or less. For dementia patients, we encourage getting hospice assistance if your loved one shows signs of physical decline. Here are other things to watch out for:
- Frequent doctor visits, ER trips, and hospitalizations
- A diagnosis of pneumonia or sepsis, COPD, CHF, cancer, congenital heart disease, and other conditions
- Limited speech (only up to six words a day)
- Dehydration and weight loss
- Fecal and urinary incontinence
- Unable to smile
- Unable to walk without assistive devices
- Unable to sit up or sit upright by themselves
- Difficulty swallowing
Symptom Management
Angel Palliative Care and Hospice will create an individualized care plan for dementia patients based on their needs. We have medical and non-medical teams to address their daily needs, ranging from everyday living activities to more complex health care.
We also assist patients with medication management and the proper use of medical devices, including wheelchairs, incontinence supplies, and more. Our team will deliver these items to our clients’ homes as needed to reduce unnecessary visits to the pharmacy.
Furthermore, we have spiritual counselors and chaplains to boost the morale of the families we serve. Our nurses will also conduct patient education to help families understand their loved ones’ condition. Our goal is to preserve the patient’s dignity and quality of life during their remaining days.
For patients staying in long-term care homes, Angel Palliative Care and Hospice will coordinate with the facility to provide additional hospice services. Our services may include activities and therapies to address the patients’ clinical and personal care needs.
LEARN MORE
To arrange a one-on-one hospice consultation with our team, please contact us at any time.
