Hospice Care for Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients

Did you know that your elder with Alzheimer's or other end-stage dementia could qualify for hospice care? Medicare has established guidelines for end-of-life care for patients who have entered a terminal phase of dementia.

In the last and most challenging stages of dementia, caregivers can get support through hospice. It is paid through Medicare, as well as most private health insurances fro those under 65. Intermittent visits from nurses, hospice physicians, health aides, medical social workers, spiritual counselors and trained volunteers can help to reduce the burden of caregiving.

If your elder has shown a weight loss of 3 or more pounds in the last six months, is now dependent in at least 2-3 ADLs (the more the better), cannot converse effectively, is incontinent of urine and stool, and in the last 6 mos. has had a severe health issue such as an infection, aspiration pneumonia, stage III or IV bedsores, or has had an exacerbation of a co-morbid illness, they may qualify for hospice care. The physician has to certify that they have 6 months or less to live. (They can live past six months and as long as they don't show improvement will most likely qualify to continue care until they pass away.)

Hospice care can help to palliatively control and prevent issues such as hallucinations and behavior problems, and infections from such sources as skin breakdown, incontinence, and aspiration. Any pain and respiratory distress can also be controlled to make for a peaceful passing. The earlier the hospice can get involved, the better the control of these issues.

Although dementia patients will most likely not benefit from the emotional and spiritual support that hospice can provide, the caregivers and family members should be able to enjoy this benefit at time when they can be in the most need of care and support.

The hospice agency can assess and help determine if your loved one is eligible for hospice care. An order for a hospice evaluation is needed from the primary care physician. If your loved one is not quite yet eligible for hospice care, the hospice will be able refer to home health or to palliative care until they do meet criteria.

If your loved one is on a managed Medicare or Medicare Advantage program, they will revert to regular Medicare for the hospice care. If they need medical care for a non-hospice related issue, the managed care remains in effect. The hospice agency can explain this.

Don't overlook this valuable resource option. Talk to the physician and arrange for a hospice evaluation. Find an accredited hospice through the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) or the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).