Vol 3, Issue 8

CAREGIVER FAQs

Hospice and palliative care have some differences and some similarities, but they both focus on the same thing:  care. 

Most people have some idea about or have had experience with Hospice, an end-of-life service which has existed in the U.S. since the 1970s.  Palliative care, which offers specialized treatment for people with serious life-limiting illnesses, provides similar treatment options as Hospice but is utilized prior to the time a patient would become eligible for Hospice benefits. 
 
Palliative care deviates from traditional "curative" medicine in that it focuses on providing the patient relief from the pain and symptoms associated with a disease.   This holistic approach addresses not only the patient's medical issues, but also the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social concerns that arise with an advanced illness.  While palliative care is offered in conjunction with conventional healing or rehabilitative methods, its primary goal of care is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.   Far from being a "giving up" process, it allows the family to explore all available options for their loved one, always with the patient's comfort at the forefront.   Palliative care can be used at any stage of a life-limiting disease, not just at the very end stage of life, whereas Hospice benefits are utilized when a patient is considered to be terminal within six months.
 
Both Hospice care and palliative care programs employ a team approach.  The palliative care provider partners with the patient's primary doctor to coordinate and oversee the treatment protocols.  The Hospice team usually includes a physician, R.N. case manager, social worker, chaplain, and CNA, all of whom work towards relieving symptoms and managing the patient's ongoing comfort.  Some Hospice programs also offer pet and/or music therapy or even massage therapy.  

 
Hospice and palliative services can be accessed in home as well as institutional settings.  Expenses related to the specific Hospice diagnosis are 100% covered for eligible patients, whereas 80% of palliative care expenses are covered.

Traditionally, Hospice is considered to be an end-of-life option.  It generally does not seek to cure or prolong life, but instead concentrates on helping both patient and family to live more comfortably in the face of a terminal illness.  Palliative care can be begun earlier than Hospice; some patients who are receiving palliative care can and do survive their illness, but others may choose to continue with the program as a transition to Hospice at such time as it becomes appropriate.   
 

Families who are dealing with dementia often face difficult decisions with regard to their loved one's treatment and prognosis.  Many have no resources to help them navigate the medical system or understand medical options and consequences.  Many need help with finding home care or selecting a nursing facility.  Many are emotionally drained and unable to recognize when it may be time to change the treatment protocols that are currently in place for their loved one.  A palliative care team can assist the family in making these difficult decisions, and can serve as a transition to the time when Hospice takes over. 

If you think your family may want to pursue palliative care for your loved one, consult your doctor for the best options available in your area.    

A VISIT TO OUR RESOURCE LIBRARY

MemoryCare's Lebedeff Eldercare Resource Center provides information to the public on healthy aging, exercise, nutrition, spirituality, age-related illnesses (with an extensive section on memory disorders), caregiving, community resources, ethics and end-of-life care. Books, videos, pamphlets, and journals on these and related topics are available for review and free checkout. This resource room is for anyone who wants to learn more about aging issues: middle aged and older adults, caregivers, and professionals in aging disciplines.

       This Month's Staff Pick: 

The Alzheimer's Action Plan

                 by

P. Murali Doraiswamy, M.D.

Chief of Biological Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center

                and 

Lisa P. Gwyther, M.S.W

Founder and Director of the Award-Winning Alzheimer's Family Support Program

at the Duke University Center for Aging.

Pat Hilgendorf says, "We are fortunate to have these two experts in our state, who have done extensive work with people who have Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Their book helps answer the question, 'How do I get the best care for my loved one?' From diagnosis to medications, diet, and clinical trials, they discuss the various issues we need to explore in caring for our loved ones through the middle stages of this disease. The last section contains frequently asked questions and answers that many of us ask on our journey.

This is a valuable book to have as a reference on our shelves.

Pat wears several different hats at MemoryCare, co-facilitating the MemoryCaregivers Network support groups and volunteering at the office.  She also works as Family Caregiver Support Associate for Land-of-Sky Regional Council, and is certified as an Information and Referral Specialist in Aging.  Pat is a native of Flint, Michigan, has two sons, and enjoys reading and gardening. 

   PERSPECTIVE

This poem was written by James, a member of the Early Memory Loss Collaborative. 

He is diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

  

CAREGIVER CALENDAR

                         

NEW HOPE GROUP

Third Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

 3070 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, N.C. 28803

WEAVERVILLE GROUP

Fourth Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Weaverville First Baptist Church

63 N. Main, Weaverville, NC 28787

(North Buncombe County)

"CAREGIVER COLLEGE"

NOTABLE QUOTABLE

MemoryCare relies on charitable donations for operations.  Please consider MemoryCare in your estate planning.