With an estimated 6 million Americans grappling with dementia, Amore Hospice Care recognizes the importance of evidence-based, non-pharmacological interventions in hospice care for dementia patients, including those struggling with Alzheimer’s. Our Circle of Love End-Stage Dementia Program does just that.
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is not one specific disease; instead, it is a general term to describe a patient’s lessened capacity to think, remember or carry out daily decision-making.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. The CDC adds that while caregiving may be rewarding, it is normal for those in a caregiver role to be at an increased risk of increased stress, depression, and inattention to their own health.
Our program for this incurable condition focuses on maximizing comfort for both the patient and their loved ones.
What Hospice Care For Dementia Looks Like
For individuals with dementia, including those with Alzheimer’s disease, hospice care can be particularly helpful in managing symptoms and providing emotional and spiritual support to both the patient and their loved ones. The goal of hospice care is to provide comfort and alleviate symptoms, rather than to cure the underlying disease. Hospice care for dementia patients typically involves a team of healthcare professionals who work together to provide comprehensive care. This team may include:
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Social workers
- Chaplains
- Other Trained Specialists
Hospice care for dementia patients may also involve assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. This can be particularly helpful for family members who may be struggling to provide care on their own.
Symptom Management & Support
One of the key benefits of hospice care for dementia patients is the provision of symptom management. Individuals with dementia often experience a range of symptoms, including pain, agitation, anxiety, and depression. Hospice providers are trained in managing these symptoms and can provide medications and other interventions to help alleviate discomfort.
In addition to symptom management, hospice care for dementia patients also includes emotional and spiritual support. Caregivers and family members of individuals with dementia often experience high levels of stress and may feel overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving. Hospice providers can offer counseling and support to help caregivers cope with these challenges.
Our Quality Of Life Approach
We focus on preserving the quality of life as the disease progresses, not curing dementia. Each of our Circle of Love families and caregivers are presented with many or all of the items below and instructed on how and when to use them to provide additional peace and comfort to their loved one:
- Dementia patients can benefit from having a daily routine that is consistent and predictable. This can help reduce anxiety and confusion.
- Proper nutrition is important for dementia patients to maintain their physical health.
- Comfort blanket to calm unsettled behaviors.
- Scented lotions are used for gentle touch or massage, which provides stress reduction and improves circulation.
- Activity apron with various textures, bright colors, and moveable parts to touch, increase mental stimulation and encourages self-soothing.
- Collage book of memorable images that allows your loved one to relive significant past experiences and maintain social and emotional functioning.
- Stuffed animals can soothe nerves and encourage social interaction.
- A personalized playlist reduces restlessness and improves sleep, and may stimulate memory recall along with increased social interactions.
Hospice Care For Dementia In Las Vegas
With Amore Hospice Care, your loved one who is struggling with dementia, including Alzheimer’s, is ensured a compassionate, osteopathic approach. For more information or questions about our Circle of Love End Stage Dementia Program, use our contact form or call any time of day.