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How Does Hospice Work for Dementia Patients?
In this article:
Imagine seeing a child crawl into their grandparent’s lap, only for the senior to have no recollection of who the child is. Frustrated, the grandparent scans their mind for answers, but there are only pieces of vague recollections—if even that.
When you have to care for a loved one with dementia, the emotional toll is devastating for the whole family. But there is hope through 3HC.
How does hospice work for dementia patients? We’ll take you through the many benefits we offer to help your loved one.
At 3HC, we understand the importance of family–and we realize family does not merely mean a relative. In our world, family takes on a much broader scope. We consider our patients our family, and we care for them as if they were our own.
We have more than 40 years of experience providing dignified care to patients from Raleigh to the Coast. If you or someone you love can benefit from our services, we can help you find the right care.
How does hospice work for dementia patients? In this article, we’ll provide detailed information as well as answer some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.
How Does Hospice Work for Dementia Patients? Answers to FAQs
Following are some of the common questions we’re asked about how hospice works for dementia patients.
When Should a Dementia Patient Go On Hospice?
Patients are eligible for hospice care if they have 6 months or less to live and have agreed to no longer seek curative treatments.
Those with Alzheimer’s or other dementias may demonstrate that they are eligible for hospice care if they:
Which Stage of Dementia is Supportive of Hospice Eligibility?
In addition to the criteria listed above, those with dementia in stage 7 on the FAST scale are eligible for hospice services.
FAST stands for Functional Assessment Staging Tool. This scale is used to track the progression of dementia and provide an evaluation of the current stage.
Stage 7 is typically the final stage of these cognitive diseases. During stage 7, a patient may have limited speech, sometimes using as few as five to six words a day.
Does Medicare Pay for Hospice Care in Dementia?
Yes, it does, provided the hospice eligibility criteria are met.
We’ve touched on these earlier, but to recap, in order for Medicare to pay for hospice care, you must have a doctor’s prognosis of six months or less to live.
You also must have chosen to forgo curative treatment—meaning that you have decided to let the disease “run its course.” All patients should understand hospice’s philosophy of care.
We highly recommend that you review the latest Medicare requirements through the official government website. It’s vital to stay informed of any Medicare changes from year to year.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Person With Dementia in Hospice?
In order to qualify for hospice, the person with dementia must have six months or less to live. However, how long they will live in hospice depends upon many factors, including any other health conditions, the stage of the dementia, and how the illness progresses. During this time, 3HC concentrates on providing the highest quality of life for them as they near their transitional journey.
This includes helping manage pain, providing assistance for everyday activities, and even respite care for the family. 3HC also offers grief care and support for the patient’s family.
Understanding Dementia: Facts and Resources
While the terms Alzheimer’s and dementia are frequently used interchangeably, they are not quite the same. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia and is the most common. By evaluating the facts surrounding this illness, you can make educated decisions.
North Carolina Statistics Surrounding Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD)
SCD are new memory problems that have grown increasingly worse in the past year.
Alzheimer-Related Statistics for the United States
Is Your Loved One Facing the Heartbreak of Dementia? 3HC Means You Won’t Have to Face it Alone
There are few diseases that carry the devastating psychological tragedy that comes from watching your loved one’s dementia get progressively worse.
That’s why we want to help ensure that you have as many new, wonderful moments as possible with those you love.
Let our family take your hand and guide your family through this difficult time. We are here to provide much more than physical healthcare support. We are here to let you know that you are valued, loved and important to us.
For 40 years, we have helped guide families through the difficult decisions that surround dementia. We provide pain management, respite care, help with tasks of daily living, and access to a 24/7 healthcare team always ready to assist. Not sure if the time is right for hospice? Speak to us and we’ll help you determine the right care.
