Conditions

HOSPICE CARE FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES

End-of-Life Care and Support for Patients Suffering from Terminal Neurological Disorders

Hospice Eligibility for patients suffering from Neurological Disease 

These criteria are very similar to chronic degenerative conditions such as ALS, Parkinson’s, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis or multiple sclerosis. Under Medicare regulations, a patient must meet at least one of the following criteria (1 or 2A or 2B) for hospice eligibility:

Critically impaired breathing capacity, with:

• Dyspnea at rest
• Vital capacity <30%
• Need Oxygen at rest
• Patient refuses artificial ventilation

Or

Rapid disease progression any of the following and wither A of B below: Independent ambulation to wheelchair-or bed bound status Normal to barely intelligible or unintelligible speech

• Normal to pureed diet
• Independent in most activities of daily living IADL’s) to needing major assistance in all ADL’s

And

Critical nutritional impairment demonstrated by all of the following in the preceding 12 months:

• Oral intake of nutrients and fluids insufficient to sustain life
• Continuing weight loss
• Dehydration or hypovolemia
• Absence of artificial feeding methods

Or

Life-threatening complications in the past 12 months as demonstrated by ≥1:

• Recurrent aspiration pneumonia, pyelonephritis, sepsis
• Recurrent fever, stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcer(s)
  

Please call Heart of Hope Hospice to learn more about we can support individuals with neurological disease.

When is a Patient with Neurological Disease ready for Hospice Care?

Taking the time to learn about hospice and the level of care it offers to patients with life-limiting neurological diseases, will help you understand all of the available options and better prepare you to make the time you have more comfortable. When the symptoms of the disease or side effects of treatment or medication outweigh the possible benefits, that’s when many patients decide to stop aggressive medical treatment and consider alternative options like hospice care.  These are some signs and symptoms indicative of needing hospice care:

• Increased shortness of breath, even at rest or on oxygen
• Inability to swallow liquids or soft food without choking or coughing; progression to a mainly pureed diet
• Spends most of the time in the same room, chair or bed
• Barely intelligible speech
• Continued weight loss
• Inability to manage most activities of daily living

Benefits of Heart of Hope Hospice Care for Patients with Neurological Disease

Pain Management – Patients with neurological disease often experience pain caused by the progression of the disease in the form of muscle weakness, immobility, joint stenosis and muscle spasms. Our Hospice Heart of Hope Hospice Team provides comfort care which focuses on relieving pain and maintaining comfort.

Symptom Control – The  Heart of Hope Hospice Care Team regularly assesses each patient’s condition and works with the physician to determine the most effective treatment and medication options to maximize symptom control for symptoms which may include: difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, problems eating and drinking, difficulty communicating, pressure ulcers, dementia, anxiety and depression.

Hospice Care at Home –  The goal of hospice care is to support patients by meeting their needs and managing their care at home – wherever they may call home, using holistic approach that includes hospice massages and emotional and spiritual approaches.

Coordinated Care Approach – Hospice care is a team effort. The patient’s family and loved ones are actively involved along with a team of professionals and volunteers. With the help and support of the hospice care team, the patient and their family can attain physical, emotional, and spiritual preparedness for the end of life.

The Heart of Hope Hospice Team continuously evaluates the patient’s medical status and revises their care plan as the patient’s condition and symptoms change. The goal of hospice care is to treat pain and other symptoms and relieve the physical and emotional stress to ensure the greatest level of comfort for our patients and their families.

Holistic Approach – Emotional and Spiritual Support – Therapy and counseling services add an additional level of care to the hospice services provided by Heart of Hope Hospice. Therapy and counseling are non-invasive, holistic practices which enhance the medical, social and spiritual care of the hospice team. These practices promote comfort and wholeness for both patients and their families. Therapy and counseling sessions are provided by staff and volunteers of Heart of Hope Hospice team.

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