HOSPICE CARE FOR ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA PATIENTS

Making decisions about end-of-life care is difficult for patients stricken with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other cognitive impairments. The ever-changing roller coaster of emotions and feelings of uncertainty, as well as the complexity of care and support options available, makes it challenging to choose the best course of action for you and your family. The good news is that quality hospice care and palliative care services are widely available for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and offer comprehensive symptom management along with end-of-life care that patients with cognitive impairment and their families need.

If you are reading the information on this web page, chances are you, or someone you love, is facing a difficult battle with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Your search for answers to important questions about care and support for your loved one with dementia becomes even more difficult as the disease progresses. Alliance Hospice recognizes the emotional toll and immense courage it takes to help a loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer’s and we are prepared to help.

Hospice care for alzheimers disease and dementia patients

When is it time to discuss hospice care for a patient with Dementia?

Hospice care for dementia patients is often described as an approach that treats the patient, not the disease. The goal of hospice is to make the patient as comfortable, safe and as symptom free as possible.

At Alliance Hospice we recognize the courage it takes to help a loved one who is suffering from a chronic illness like Alzheimer’s or dementia. We also understand the physical and emotional stress it places on you to care for this loved one.

Patients with dementia experience a slow decline in cognitive ability over many months and years. Because of the slow progression of the disease, it can be difficult to determine when the right time is to consider hospice care. A clinical determination of a Dementia patient’s life expectancy can only be made by a physician. However, the following is a list of symptoms that may be signs that Dementia has progressed and that the patient and their loved ones would both benefit from the services offered by hospice care.

  • Patient can no longer easily communicate, using less than 7 words a day.
  • Patient is bed bound & can no longer move freely, and cannot sit up without assistance.
  • The loss of the ability to smile.
  • Patient demonstrates signs of severe anxiety
  • Patient can no longer take care of themselves
  • Weight Loss of greater than 10% over 3 to 6 months.

We provide comprehensive hospice care and support services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our compassionate, experienced and well-trained interdisciplinary team of hospice nurses, home health aides, hospice social workers, therapists, bereavement counselors and volunteers. We always put patients and families first and strive to make every interaction with you and your loved one more meaningful.

Alliance Hospice recognizes the emotional toll and immense courage it takes to help a loved one who is suffering from a chronic illness like Alzheimer’s disease. Call 1-706-447-2461 to see if hospice care is an appropriate option.

Benefits of Alliance Hospice Care for Dementia Patients

The Alliance hospice team will evaluate the patient’s medical status and revise their care plan as the patient’s condition and symptoms change. The goal of hospice care for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients is to treat pain and other symptoms and relieve the physical and emotional stress to ensure the greatest level of comfort for our patients and their families.

Alliance offers comprehensive hospice care services for patients with Alzheimer’s and Dementia:

  • Pain Management – Our Hospice Care team provides palliative care which focuses on relieving pain and maintaining comfort.
  • Symptom Control – Our Hospice Care team regularly assesses each patient’s condition and works with the physician to determine the most effective treatment and medication options to maximize symptom control.
  • Hospice Care at Home – Wherever Home May Be – The goal of hospice care is to support patients by meeting their needs and managing their care at home – wherever they may call home. This means hospice services are provided in a patient’s home, whether that is their primary residence, a nursing home, or home of a loved one. Allowing one to stay in their home gives them the ultimate comfort when addressing terminal illnesses. Staying in a familiar environment may be especially helpful for patients with dementia.
  • Coordinated Care Approach – Hospice care is a team effort. The patient’s family and loved ones are actively involved along with a team of professionals and volunteers. With the help and support of the hospice care team, the patient and their family can attain physical, emotional, and spiritual preparation for the end of life.
  • Holistic Approach – Emotional and Spiritual Support – Therapy and counseling services add an additional level of care to the hospice services provided by Alliance Hospice. Therapy and counseling are non-invasive, holistic practices which enhance the medical, social and spiritual care of the hospice team. These practices promote comfort and wholeness for both patients and their families. Therapy and counseling sessions are provided by staff and volunteers of the Alliance hospice team.

Alliance Hospice operates hospice care and palliative care programs in Augusta, Georgia and the surrounding Communities in Columbia, Richmond, Burke, Lincoln, Wilkes, McDuffie, Warren, Hancock, Glascock and Jefferson Counties. We are one of the nation’s premier providers of end-of-life care. Click here to Request Information or call 1-706-447-2461 to learn how hospice care can help.