No one enjoys thinking about end-of-life for a loved one. That’s why so many caregivers and families avoid talking about the end stage of their loved one’s disease for as long as possible. However, as with many aspects of dementia, end-of-life is something that will have to be addressed.
“Unfortunately, dementia is a terminal disease as well as a progressive one, and eventually you and your loved ones will have to face the reality of end-of-life care,” says Michelle Pelham, Executive Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua, a memory care assisted living community in Nashua, NH. “Hospice services play an incredibly important role at the end of your loved one’s life, and it’s important to be informed of the process and what your options are.”
Generally, she says, if you’re asking whether or not hospice is right for your loved one, he or she may already be able to receive this benefit. Even if you’re simply in the information gathering stage, having knowledge at your fingertips will help you understand this unique care type and determine the best option for your loved one.
What Is Hospice?
Hospice care is a specialized form of care that is focused on maintaining the highest quality of life for individuals with an advanced, terminal and incurable illness. The hospice philosophy is that individuals deserve compassionate care during this time so they may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Generally, hospice is administered when a care team determines that the individual has less than six months to live.
What makes hospice different from other forms of palliative care (that is, care that is focused on mitigating symptoms of a disease and improving the quality of life) is that this care extends to caregivers and family members as well as the individual, such as cleaning the house, shopping for groceries and providing counseling. A hospice team can include a wide variety of individuals: doctors, social workers, health aides, volunteers, counselors and more.
Where Is Hospice Practiced?
Many people hear the word “hospice” and immediately think of a hospital or specialized setting. However, hospice doesn’t have to be practiced in any particular place. There are four levels of hospice care, two of which are home-based caring options. These levels are:
- Routine home care, which is the most common level of care and includes home health aide and nursing services.
- Continuous home care, when a patient requires around-the-clock nursing care.
- General in-patient care, which is a short-term form of care that treats symptoms and pain that must be managed in a hospital setting.
- Respite care, which is short-term care in a special facility when a caregiver or family member is away or needs a break from their caregiving role.
Is Hospice Right for My Loved One?
Families may hesitate or resist calling hospice for their loved one, as they feel it’s a sign of “giving up.” Unfortunately, this means that hospice is often not started soon enough. Hospice provides specialized nursing care, medications, supplies and equipment that can greatly help improve the quality of life for their loved one, as well as provide much needed support, advice and guidance during this stage of life.
“Knowing when hospice should begin is a very difficult decision, as well as a personal one, but it’s important to not delay it if possible,” says Michelle. She says that, if your loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time for hospice care:
- Your loved one’s dementia has progressed to the point that they are unable to perform daily tasks or communicate
- He or she is frequently in the hospital or the emergency room due to accidents
- He or she is showing signs of deteriorating health, such as recurring infections, skin tears and sudden weight loss
- Your loved one is experiencing uncontrolled pain, vomiting, nausea or shortness of breath
- Your loved one’s health is at a stage where additional preventative care will not be beneficial and you would instead choose to focus on quality of life
What Happens When My Loved One Is in Hospice?
When the decision is made to enter hospice, your loved one’s medical care team will develop a personalized plan to treat symptoms and make him or her as happy and comfortable as possible. Medical care will continue to be provided by doctors and nurses, while aides will assist with any tasks of daily living.
For family members, there are services available as well, including social work and counseling before, during and after your loved one’s passing, as well as financial and legal advice (or at the very least, suggestions of professionals). For family members, loved ones and caregivers, hospice care is focused on helping loved ones prepare for, understand and support each other through the final stages of illness.
Is Hospice Covered by Insurance?
The last thing you want to be concerned about at your loved one’s end of life is money concerns. That’s why it’s good to know that hospice care is completely covered (generally) by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance plans. If your loved one doesn’t have insurance, or if there are other issues that cause resources to be limited, care is available on a sliding scale, and there are also organizations you can connect with to help coordinate and pay for care.
“At the end of life, the most important thing is that your loved one is being given the highest quality of life possible and is being treated with dignity, respect and compassion,” says Michelle. “At Bridges by EPOCH at Nashua, we have extensive experience in helping families and our residents navigate this difficult time gracefully and with the support and understanding they need and deserve. It is our honor to serve at the end of life and beyond and provide comfort, peace and caring during the final days.”
A Fulfilling Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua provides assisted living memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Many Services, One Monthly Fee
Our dedicated memory care and services celebrate life and support each resident’s individual strengths. No matter what stage of memory loss a resident may be experiencing, their family can be sure that with us, their loved one is safe, secure and happy.
Stunning, Purpose-Built Design
Featuring a stunning design and luxuries only a new community can offer, Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua is so much more than a beautiful place to live . . . It’s a community with a singular focus: enrich the lives of our residents and help their families enjoy meaningful relationships with them. Our evidence-based design features attributes that make life easier for those with memory loss: soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations.
Contact us today to learn more.