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What
is hospice...and when is it appropriate for the Alzheimer's
patient?
Author: William Hammond, J.D.
Article:
Hospice was established in the Middle Ages when shelters called
hospices were available to travelers who had no place to stay. A
couple of centuries later the first hospice was founded in
London in 1968. The founder, Cicely Saunders, believed that
these institutions geared to curing people were ignoring the
special needs of the dying.
The first hospice in the United States was started in New Haven,
Connecticut in 1974. From that beginning, the American model
stressed hospice as a home service. Many of these hospices have
helped a great number of families make their final days with
their loved ones warm and memorable. Many terminally ill people
and their families ask, "How will I know when it is the
right time to call hospice?" There is not really an answer
to this question. It all depends of individual circumstances and
the stage of the patient in the illness.
The hospice staff is qualified and generally consists of a
chaplain, certified nursing assistants, a medical director,
registered nurse and social worker. They can assist you and the
patient in many different areas: medically, psychologically, and
spiritually. Some hospice agencies provide bereavement care to
the family for several months following death.
Here are some of the signs that will let you know when to make
your first call:
ˇIf life expectancy is six months or less for an Alzheimer's
patient. If the patient outlives this initial prognosis, the
primary care physician may recertify the patient for a
supplementary 60 day periods. Patients who stabilize may also
come on and off hospice, as per their doctor's evaluation. ˇIf
there are no more options for curative treatment and/or the
individual does not wish to pursue further curative treatment.
ˇIf pain and symptoms have begun to interfere with the quality
of life of your loved ones and it becomes too difficult for them
to stay at home without assistance. ˇIf adult children wish to
learn more about the options for a parent's care and how to cope
with the final stage, death.
When you decide to call hospice, you will not be left alone. The
hospice team will support you and your needs. Chaplains present
on the premises will guide you spiritually to ease the pain and
suffering of a loss. Most hospices have group support meetings
that will assist you.
To find a hospice in your area, here are the following options:
ˇThe yellow pages directory : www.yellowpages.com
ˇHospital
Medical Social Workers: hospital social workers may provide you
with a list of hospices in your area. ˇYou can search on
Internet search engines by typing "finding a hospice in my
area." ˇAnd often the best way to find hospice care for
your
loved one is simply to ask your doctor. He or she will be able
to give you some recommendations.
About the author:
William G. Hammond, JD is a nationally known elder law attorney
and founder of The Alzheimer's Resource Center. He is a frequent
guest on radio and television and has developed innovative
solutions to guide families who have a loved one suffering from
Alzheimer's. For more information you can visit his website at
www.BeatAlzheimers.com
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