End-stage dementia is when dementia is in its advanced stage and symptoms are severe. At this point, the patient requires care and assistance with almost all activities. As the disease progresses, the patient will need more and more care as they become severely limited. Patients experience different symptoms that indicate they are in the final stage of their life, and each patient will have an individual experience. This makes it difficult to predict a particular patient’s symptoms and how long end-stage dementia will last. The symptoms may include:
- Infections such as pneumonia
- Difficulty in eating and swallowing
- Agitation or restlessness
- Limited speech
- Increased sleeping
- Loss of facial expression
- Changes in breathing
Hospice Care
End-stage dementia patients qualify for hospice care if they have six months or less to live. Once a patient experiences symptoms that indicate end-stage dementia, they should start hospice care. Hospice care will help identify the signs of death in dementia patients and provide medication to cater to the needs of the patients. Hospice care provides different personnel that will take care of the patient and their family by providing counseling, respite care, and bereavement support.
The hospice team will take care of the patients, but the primary caregiver is normally a family member or a close friend in most cases. The caregiver will be responsible for making important decisions on behalf of the patient because they may not communicate or make decisions regarding their health. They will also create a care plan with the hospice team for the patient. The caregiver needs to watch over the patient keenly as they may show slight signs of pain that may require a hospice care team.
Respite care provided by the hospice team will give the caregiver a chance to rest and get ready to continue taking care of the patient. Depending on the caregiver, it can take place for just an afternoon or up to several days. Bereavement support and counseling will also be offered to the caregiver and the family to help them come to terms with the end of the life of their loved one before and after the death.
A Compassionate and Caring Team
Ameriprime hospice care offers the best end-stage dementia care; it has qualified personnel that guarantee quality care for your loved one. Are you in Dallas, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, and surrounding TX communities? To get more information on the eligibility for end-stage dementia patients or to book an appointment with Ameriprime hospice care, contact us at (972) 787-0949 or on the contact form on our website. for more information.
