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!