Heading to a new place can be stressful for anyone. However, for a patient with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, entering an unfamiliar environment can lead to agitation, confusion, and other behavioral issues. That's why home hospice care is often the best option for these patients. Home hospice allows patients to remain in a familiar and comfortable setting while receiving specialized end-of-life care.

Understanding Alzheimer's Behaviors

One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease is difficulty adapting to change. A patient who has progressed to moderate or severe Alzheimer's relies on regular routines and familiar surroundings to maintain a sense of security. In our experience, when a caregiver attempts to bathe or dress someone with Alzheimer's, it can trigger aggressive behaviors. With home hospice care, these potentially stressful activities occur in the comfort of the patient's home, which helps minimize anxiety and confusion.

Providing Caregiver Support

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease puts tremendous strain on family members. It often falls to a single family caregiver to assist with all daily tasks for a patient who can no longer care for themselves. Home hospice provides periodic respite, so the caregiver can take a break. During visits from hospice staff, the caregiver can go out to run errands or simply rest. This assistance makes it more feasible for patients to remain at home with their families longer.

Tailoring Care to the Patient

One of the major advantages of home hospice care is the ability to customize the care plan for what the patient needs most. The hospice team gets to know the patient's history, preferences, and daily routines. Care focuses on maintaining comfort, dignity, and quality of life for the patient. For Alzheimer's patients, this often involves creating strategies to minimize distressing behavioral symptoms.

As Alzheimer's progresses, patients rely increasingly on caregivers to preserve a sense of security and normalcy. According to the Hospice Foundation of America, as of 2021, patients with Alzheimer's and dementia accounted for the largest percentage of hospice care patients. Home hospice care is specially designed to nurture patients holistically in this familiar setting. With compassionate support tailored to the unique needs of those with dementia, home hospice enables patients to live out their final days surrounded by comfort, dignity, and love. If you're looking for home hospice care for a loved one, reach out to Guiding Light Hospice to discuss their needs and how we can help today.