Making the right care decisions for a loved one who is living with late-stage dementia can be stressful. Hospice of the Western Reserve works with families to develop care plans that maximize comfort and dignity.
The focus is on improving quality of life. Tools like art, music and legacy projects, for example, can often be used to stimulate memories and provide meaning and comfort.
The hospice team supports both the patient and family, teaching caregivers what to expect and how to cope with symptoms, behavior changes and other challenges. Regular family conversations address physical symptoms, emotional and spiritual issues, depression, behavioral problems, medication adjustments and nutrition.
Nurses teach techniques to make caregiving easier and loved ones more comfortable. Hospice nursing assistants are also available to assist with personal care and grooming.
Providing resources for family members is an essential part of Hospice of the Western Reserve’s role.
The team’s social worker can relieve caregiving burdens by providing access community resources and helping the family document advanced directives, so end-of-life care preferences are honored. A spiritual care coordinator is available to offer comforting, nonjudgmental support when it’s most needed. Respite care offers families much-needed breaks so they can “recharge batteries” and attend to self-care.
Hospice of the Western Reserve’s compassionate care for patients and families living with late-stage dementia is provided in a variety of settings, including private residences, assisted living communities, nursing facilities or in the homelike setting of our inpatient care centers (hospice houses). To find out more, visit hospicewr.org, or call the nonprofit agency at 800.707.8921.
