When Should Hospice Be Called for Dementia?

Walking with a loved one as they go through the late stages of dementia is a deeply emotional journey. As the condition progresses, families often wonder how best to provide comfort and dignity. Knowing when to transition from curative treatment to comfort-focused care is a difficult decision, but there are a few signs that may help you with this choice.

Determining the right time to transition to hospice involves looking for specific changes in your family member’s condition. You should consider hospice care if you notice the following signs:

• Frequent hospitalizations or recurring infections
• Help required for most daily care
• Substantial changes in communication and awareness
• Severe caregiver exhaustion and burnout

At Shiloh Hospice, we offer compassionate end-of-life care for families throughout Cook, Will and DuPage counties. Our team provides medical, emotional and spiritual support to help patients with various terminal diagnoses, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, live their remaining days fully.

Key Signs It Is Time for Dementia Hospice Care

Frequent Hospitalizations or Infections

Patients in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia may experience a decline in their immune system. This can make them highly susceptible to recurring health issues like pneumonia, skin infections or urinary tract infections. If your loved one is facing frequent trips to the emergency room, hospice care can help prevent stressful hospital visits by bringing appropriate medical support directly to them.

Needing Help With Most Daily Care

As dementia progresses, it can significantly impact a person’s physical abilities, making daily tasks increasingly challenging. This may include your loved one having difficulty with:

• Walking, transitioning from sitting to standing or sitting up without support
• Swallowing food and liquids safely or thoroughly
• Bathing, dressing and other personal hygiene tasks

When your loved one requires constant assistance with basic needs, professional help often becomes essential.

Substantial Changes in Communication and Awareness

As neurological function declines, a patient with dementia might speak only a few words a day or lose the ability to communicate entirely. They may also show decreased awareness of their surroundings. This phase of the journey typically benefits from specialized comfort care that cares for and honors the individual, as well as family education to know how to best support and care for them.

Caregiver Exhaustion and Burnout

Caring for a terminally ill family member is physically and mentally demanding. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it is important to realize that you do not have to carry this burden by yourself. Hospice care is designed to support the whole family, including both patients and caregivers. Through hospice, caregivers can access short-term respite care and trained volunteer services to receive a much-needed break to rest and recharge.

Finding Comfort and Support for Your Family

Recognizing the signs of late-stage dementia and the need for hospice can help families make informed decisions about end-of-life care. Transitioning to hospice ensures your loved one receives proper pain management and personal care while providing them with continued dignity and respect.

If you’re facing the hospice journey with your family member, Shiloh Hospice is here to be a fountain of comfort for your family. Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation and discover how we can support your family during this time.