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Caring for Hospice Patients with Dementia

Fr CP, Bereavement Coordinator

Dementia is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that affects a person's cognitive abilities, including memory, language, and decision-making skills. It can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life and the ability to perform daily activities, leading to the need for extensive care. Hospice patients with dementia require specialized care to ensure their needs are met, and their overall comfort and well-being are maintained.


Dementia manifests in various ways, depending on the type and stage of the disease. Some of the early signs include forgetfulness, difficulty with language and communication, mood swings, and a decline in cognitive abilities. As the disease progresses, patients may experience confusion, disorientation, and loss of memory, which can make it challenging for them to recognize familiar faces and places.


The progression of dementia can also have a significant impact on the relationship between the patient and the caregivers, particularly family members. Patients with dementia may exhibit behaviors that can be difficult to manage, such as agitation, aggression, and paranoia. They may also become increasingly dependent on their caregivers for assistance with basic activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.


Caregivers of hospice patients with dementia need to have a comprehensive understanding of the disease and how it affects their loved ones. They must develop a compassionate approach to care that takes into account the patient's unique needs and abilities. One essential aspect of caregiving for patients with dementia is not taking their words personally, even if they are hurtful. Patients with dementia may say or do things that are out of character or hurtful to their loved ones. It is essential to understand that these behaviors are a result of the disease and not a reflection of their true feelings or personality. Caregivers must approach these situations with patience and understanding, redirecting the patient's attention to something positive or engaging.


Another vital aspect of caring for hospice patients with dementia is creating a calm and safe environment. Patients with dementia can become easily overwhelmed and anxious in chaotic or noisy environments. Creating a calm and soothing environment can help reduce the patient's stress levels and improve their overall well-being.


Caregivers must also ensure that patients with dementia are engaged in meaningful activities that promote their cognitive abilities and emotional well-being. Simple activities such as listening to music, reading, or spending time outdoors can help improve the patient's mood and reduce anxiety.


Finally, caregivers of hospice patients with dementia should seek support from other caregivers and healthcare professionals. Caring for a loved one with dementia can be emotionally and physically challenging, and caregivers may require assistance in managing their stress levels and coping with the demands of caregiving. Support groups and counseling services can provide caregivers with the emotional support they need to care for their loved ones successfully.


Hospice patients with dementia require specialized care that takes into account their unique needs and abilities. Caregivers must develop a compassionate approach to care that promotes the patient's comfort and well-being. They must also understand the impact of the disease on the relationship between the patient and the caregivers and not take their words personally. By creating a calm and safe environment, engaging patients in meaningful activities, and seeking support from other caregivers and healthcare professionals, caregivers can provide the best possible care for their loved ones with dementia.


Our clinical personnel at HOPE Hospice are familiar with the care of dementia patients and will do their very best to make sure that the patient’s needs are met. If you have a family member who has dementia and is looking for hospice services, contact us and we will schedule an informational visit with you.


 

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5.0
22 Reviews
Joanne Atkinson-Kloser
Very compassionate organization!
Brianna Veternik
I did my first practicum placement for my MSW program with Hope Hospice. The staff was very welcoming and accommodating, I have a vision impairment. The staff is very caring and professional and I’m thankful to have been able to learn and continue my education under their guidance. I feel as though I learned a lot, both about hospice/home health and about working with patients and families in such vulnerable times, and am thankful for the experience. Having gone through the hospice experience with my own dad (different facility) I would recommend Hope from a personal and professional stance
joe jordan
Faster delivery of service, reliable and will go out of their way to make it easy for the family in dealing with the end of life of a loved one.
toby barbato
Judie Martino
The entire group served my husband and myself with complete respect, compassion and awesome care! All, always carried a smile and kept him comfortable. They were there to care and answer any question we had! They made sure he had all supplies and medications necessary.The groups care and compassion gave us the strength to face all the obstacles my husbands diease offered right till the last day! Tom had Alzheimer's. I thank them from my husband and myself for everything they did to make his last days..good days!
Kevinpvizcarra
Haley Broaodaway
I worked with Hope for a year during my internship in getting my Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling. I also worked with them the summer previous to work on getting my Death Doula Certification! I will say this - Julie, Sara, and Aleksandra and wonderful and hard workers. While there may be stressful days about the jobs and hats we wore, never once did it interfere with the care and love of the patients. Sara is such a skilled social worker and always provided families with support and resources. The social work intern, Meghan, had the BIGGEST heart for the patients and built very strong relationships. The home staff team was supportive in that they always listened to concerns or ideas that we had as a team. And, as an intern, they were very kind to me during my growing process as a therapist. I learned so much from Sara, Aleksandra, and Julie! Everyone plays an important part and everyone at the home office does an amazing job focusing on the patients.Hope is small but mighty, they will give you their very best. Their attention and care during these difficult transitions will make your life a little easier and you move through this process. You don’t have to do it alone. Hope Hospice gives you hope in the sense that you can take ease and care knowing YOU and you’re loved ones are taken care of and given the best attention.
Shearita Holliday
I would like to express my gratitude to clergyman David who was so comforting to my family & I during the loss of my mom Elizabeth. David went the extra mile & came to my home during a snowstorm I might add, & gave my mom & family blessings & prayers. He said that each of us should say our goodbyes to her & I can't tell you how much peace that gave each of us. I also appreciated that he contacted a Priest from our parish when we weren't able to get our own pastor to come & give mom her last rites. David please know that you will always have a special place in my heart! I would also like to thank our on call nurse Aleksandra for her compassion and caring for my mom during her transition. You were so caring & thoughtful during the entire time & I can't thank you enough. Thank you to nurse Julie & social worker Megan for coming out to set-up everything for mom's Hospice care during a horrible snowstorm, thank you so much for caring! THANK YOU Hope Hospice for making a really difficult time a little easier.Shearita Holliday
Mary G
Haley has helped me navigate through a very difficult time in my life. She has helped me find solutions to work through my grief. Haley is compassionate and very understanding. I have been able to set up practical goals for myself with her thought provoking suggestions. I feel more in control of my life since I have been working with Haley. She is truly an asset to her profession.
Tom Bob Nedderman
My name is Thomas Nedderman and I work at Chicago Mindful Psychotherapy, a group private practice in Andersonville. We run a grief group here at our location and have referred several clients to Haley who require more individualized attention. We have received nothing but positive feedback as to their experience with Haley. Thank you, Hope Hospice, for providing good community outreach so that those who need more individualized care can receive it.
Marry Ann
The Hope Hospice team came to our rescue after replacing another hospice group who just couldn't get their priorities straight (patients). Even being a smaller group then the previous, dedication was 100 percent to patient care and needs as well as the family. Even though they are small, they are mighty. Meghan, Sara, and Aleksandrsa came out immediately, the next afternoon, to assure us that her needs would be met. Alexandra is the epitome of what nursing is defined as. The other hospice neglected my mother's needs and the Hope Hospice team went above and beyond to make sure that we were getting what we needed. Sara and Aleksandra were reassuring to us that we were doing everything possible for my mother. They all gave me the strength to continue during our difficult time. They brought Haley out near the end and she blessed my mother with singing hymns and you could see that my mom was actively comforted. After the passing of my mother my bereavenent needs continued to be met by Haley as well. When the needs are there, the needs get met. I highly recommend Hope Hospice.
Bobby Salazar
I live in Chicago and go to weekly support groups with Haley. She brought me to this group and I’ve made many connections and have learned a lot about being sad after my sister Regina died. She is very caring and sensitive and everyone really loves talking with her. She is understanding of the pain we have from losing someone. Im sure I’m not the only one who feels that she is very reassuring. I am happy to have found this group and glad there is someone to talk to in our community about death. When my dad gets to the end of his rope I’m going to call hope hospice. Thanks haley
David Weiner
The staff is very caring and focused on patient's -- and family's -- well being. It is the core of what they do. From medical services, to emotional support from their social work staff, to spiritual support from their chaplains. They ensure the patient and family are supported in all ways at all times
Will James Klein
You all are amazing. I am grateful to feel apart of the "Hope" family.
Joanne Kirshenbaum
Caring, comforting, approachable, reachable and just AWESOME!!!!
Vicki Divita
Hope Hospice was the answer to our prayers. Their dedicated, caring, compassionate staff helped my family through very trying times, as both my Mother and Father, living in the same facility, had passed away just 3 months apart from each other. We are forever grateful to Vee, Aleksandra, and Aris, the kindest souls who truly cared for and loved our Parents.And to Chaplain Steve, an amazingly patient, kind and caring man, we thank you for speaking so beautifully at my Mother's Celebration of Life.And to Sara, our social worker, thank you for your support and working hard to meet all my parents' needs.Sincerely,The Divita Family
Nancy Hernandez
I will always be so grateful to Hope Hospice. My mother, suffering from the ravages of Alzheimer's Disease, was in their care for well over a year. The entire staff coordinated Mother's care and their genuine concern for me was always very apparent. I received calls from the nurses, social worker, and chaplain regularly as they cared for Mother and would always ask me if I needed more from them in terms of support. This was my first experience with Hospice and I truly was overwhelmed by the degree of compassion that was always shown.
Julie Naranjo
I have never been with people who fosters so much love and compassion with Patients and their families like Hope. All the staff are awesome and are all giving the best care for their clients! Thank you Hope for changing my perception about hospice care.
Random Scope
I've heard a lot of good things about Hope. Great team! Keep up the good work.
Janice Sanchez
My family is so thankful for the team at Hope. They supported us and cared for our dad in his final days.
Carla Kraus
Hope Palliative & Hospice Care was outstanding. They cared for our mother beautifully during her final days. We will always be grateful to this kind, thoughtful, compassionate group of people.
Nichol
My name is Nichol I am proud to say I work with such an amazing team here at Hope they have shown such care & compassion for our patients. I am amazed and insipired every day with what they have done & continue to do for our patients, families & our team.