Hospice of the Comforter

Hospice and Dementia Care: When is it time to make that referral?

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be very challenging for the family support system. Seventy percent of residents in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities have dementia, but it may be surprising to note that over 70% of people with dementia are cared for at home. Many caregivers do not even realize that hospice care can help during the last months of this illness. This assistance can be provided whether the loved one is at home or in a facility.

Over 11% of patients admitted to U.S. hospices in 2008 had a primary terminal diagnosis of dementia. Although this number is increasing each year, it is still apparent that most people with dementia never receive a referral for hospice services. Unfortunately, many caregivers and health care providers are unaware of the indicators for hospice care for those with dementia. Dementia is considered a “progressive” terminal disease; often, people live for many years after diagnosis. So, how can we tell when someone is appropriate for hospice in the course of this disease?

Generally, it is time to call hospice when a loved one with dementia has the following conditions:

· Limited speech

· Inability to dress or bathe independently

· Inability to control urination and bowel movements

· Ongoing medical problems such as difficulty swallowing, weight loss, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and pressure sores and/or other illnesses such as heart disease, lung disease, cancer, diabetes and kidney failure

You can help increase access to care for those with dementia by sharing this information with friends, family members, and fellow workers who may have a loved one with dementia. It is most helpful when hospice can be called in sooner rather than later in order to ease pain and suffering and provide timely supportive care.

The hospice team can prepare the caregivers for the expected changes in advancing illness and provide information to help with health care decision making. These services not only help to provide comfort for the patient but also peace of mind for the caregivers. It is not unusual for a caregiver to tell us, “ I only wish I had known about hospice care earlier.”

To contact someone about hospice services or to refer a loved one to Hospice of the Comforter, click here or call 407-682-0808.