For people with dementia and their families, hospice care at the end of life can be an amazing blessing. Hospice offers a wide range of services that can help ease discomfort and improve the quality of life. It also can ease the workload on family caregivers just when they are trying to spend quality time with their loved one.
A panel of local hospice experts and professionals will discuss how hospice can be of benefit to persons with dementia and their families, also addressing issues such as what qualifies someone with dementia for hospice care, continuing the use of commonly prescribed dementia drugs, and what to consider about the use of drugs hospice frequently uses for pain and agitation that may exacerbate dementia symptoms. Panelists will also talk about the difference between hospice and palliative care, the value of getting hospice care as early as possible, and how to start family discussions about hospice care. Panelists include: Jennifer Johson, Chaplain, Optage/PHS
Hospice; Jim Heymans, Bereavement Coordinator, Ecumen Hospice; and Dr. Neal Buddensiek, Chief Medical Officer, Benedictine.
