Progression of Alzheimer’s: When Is It Time to Think About Hospice?

May 18, 2022
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Alzheimer’s is a complicated disease because it gradually progresses in severity and affects clients differently. Caregivers may feel alone in a hopeless battle, as relatives with the disease may sometimes be combative, frightened, or completely incapable of remembering how to execute basic tasks. It is essential to understand how Alzheimer’s works, learn about options for memory care and provide dignity and supportive care for those who need it most.

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Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Reduced Cognitive Function

What is a hospice, and why might a person want to learn about hospice care near me? There are few facilities with staff trained in memory care and compassionate services for dementia or cognitive decline clients. However, a hospice may be a beacon of hope for clients in need and family caregivers.

When a person is in the final stages of dementia, providing appropriate care can be the most difficult. Familiarization with different symptoms of Alzheimer’s can help a caregiver make the best decision for a relative or spouse.

There are numerous symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and it is a progressive disease. It is best to consult a medical professional to help with an assessment when there is a display of the following behaviors.

· Incoherent, unintelligible language

· Increasing confusion and memory loss

· An inability to learn new skills

· Problems reading, speaking, working with numbers

· Declining coping skills and frequent moodiness or lashing out

· An inability to recognize everyday objects, places, or people

Sometimes, a client may seem to be more aware and function almost normally, while other times, the individual’s behavior is incredibly challenging. When a person is in Alzheimer’s final stages, life is often emotionally, physically, and psychologically draining for caregivers.

Caring for Relatives Suffering from Cognitive Decline

It is not an easy task to dedicate huge chunks of time to caring for a relative who has Alzheimer’s. Caregivers may find it stressful worrying if they are administering proper care if a relative will wander out of the house unescorted, or when the day is simply draining and lowers morale.

What Services Does a Hospice Offer?

When acting as a caregiver becomes too difficult to bear alone, it is imperative to get help. Seeking information on admitting a relative to hospice can ease the burden of guilt, energy drain, and financial hardship experienced by caregivers. At a hospice, trained staff and a stocked facility can better assist a person who has severe cognitive decline.

Hospice Care

Hospices are available to care for persons nearing their final days of life. Typically, a client must display that they have roughly six months left to live for admittance. However, caregivers should know specific forms of care are only available to clients with Alzheimer’s.

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Respite Care

Respite care allows caregivers to get a much-needed short break from looking after relatives with dementia. This type of service is usually payable via Medicaid, private insurance, or Medicare. When caregiving becomes too difficult to keep up, respite care can help.

Palliative Care

Palliative care is another option for clients with dementia who are nearing the end of life. Although clients under this care do not yet qualify for hospice, they can still receive supportive care and medical treatment. A doctor’s referral is needed to admit clients for specific care for Alzheimer’s.

Watching relatives deteriorate as dementia progresses is heartbreaking for caregivers. However, there is no need to suffer or feel isolated and without hope. A hospice can render specific support and medical treatment for Alzheimer’s clients as needed with a referral from a medical provider.

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