Live discharges from hospice include patients
deciding to resume curative care, improved patient conditions beyond hospice
guidelines, or hospices inappropriately using live discharge to avoid costly
hospitalizations. In terms of patients discharged
who have dementia, another layer of concerns can be added for caregivers. Caregiving a hospice patient who has dementia includes
a series of transitions in their roles. When the
patient no longer meets eligibility criteria, it can be very difficult for
caregivers who have been anticipating an end to understand the discharge in the
context of their grief process.
Research on hospice discharge of patients with dementia explains the unique grief experience of these
caregivers. They struggled to understand the patient’s terminal prognosis as temporary. In addition, caregivers were left to resume caregiving
responsibilities or assume a new caregiving role after experiencing a loss of
hospice services. Hospice social workers are particularly needed to offer
emotional and other concrete support to caregivers who experience a live
discharge of patients who have dementia.
This video indicates the symptoms and behaviors commonly seen during the final stage
of dementia progression.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book
editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
It is really helpful. This issue has to be considered at the time of discharge.
ReplyDeleteYes, these caregivers need that support.
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