An estimated six million Americans who are 65 years or older are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia or memory loss. With the number of dementia patients expected to increase rapidly by the year 2050, the number entering hospice care is also predicted to rise.
In recent years, about 21 percent of those receiving hospice care in the United States suffer from dementia.
At Blue Water Homecare and Blue Water Hospice, we are experienced at serving families facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s and end of life care.
The resources that we provide through Blue Water Hospice help to manage the pain and symptoms that accompany the final stages of dementia and also help ease the emotional stress and anxiety that family members and caregivers are no doubt struggling with during this transitional time.
What does hospice care entail for Alzheimer’s patients?
As the final stages of Alzheimer’s unfold, the symptoms can vary from day to day. Patients may have difficulty with daily tasks such as dressing and grooming, using the restroom, mobility issues, and communication. The goal of our experienced multidisciplinary team at Blue Water Hospice is to ensure that your loved one’s remaining time is comfortable and dignified. Some of the services we provide in hospice include:
- Management of symptoms to improve quality of life
- Assistance with feeding and fluid intake
- Skin care and prevention of skin breakdown and bed sores
- Companionship, conversation, and diversion activities as directed
- Emotional and spiritual guidance
What services are available to families of Alzheimer’s patients in hospice care?
When someone has elected to enter hospice care, typically when all medical intervention has ceased being effective or if there is an estimated six months’ time left to live, Blue Water can provide family members with educational support through this process. We will create a tailored and personalized plan, with input from the family and medical professionals, to suit your loved one’s needs. We can also assist with your daily tasks by partnering with our non-medical caregivers at Blue Water Homecare, and free up time to be spent with your loved one. Our homecare services include:
- Light housekeeping or laundry
- Food shopping, errands, or meal prep
- Respite care so that you can tend to other business or take a break as needed
Once your loved one has peacefully passed on, Blue Water offers bereavement support and counseling to help as you process the loss and adjust to your new situation.
Helpful tips on when to consider hospice care can be found here.
Contact Blue Water Hospice Today
For more information about hospice care, please call 512-872-2955 or contact us online for a free in-home assessment or a consultation.
In addition to hospice care and at-home care services to help seniors live life safely and comfortably at home, Blue Water Homecare also provides dementia care and a dedicated Parkinson’s Disease program.
Blue Water Founder and COO Jennifer Prescott, RN, MSN, CDP is actively involved in the Alzheimer’s Association – Capital of Texas Chapter as an Executive Board Member, support group leader and community educator. Local Alzheimer support and resources can be found on their website, https://www.alz.org/texascapital.