Hospice

Home Health Care Hospice March 24, 2025

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health condition that affects an estimated 35.5 million adults in the United States, according to National Kidney Foundation. The kidneys play an important role in filtering waste and excess fluids from our blood, regulating blood pressure, and balancing electrolytes. When the kidneys begin to lose their ability to perform these necessary functions, it can lead to kidney disease. In this article, we’ll review the stages of kidney disease, symptoms of each stage, and what you can do to manage and slow progression of CKD.

What is Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), commonly referred to as kidney disease, occurs when the kidneys are damaged and can no longer efficiently filter blood, ultimately leading to kidney failure over time. CKD typically develops gradually and may not present noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which makes early detection and treatment essential. While diabetes and high blood pressure are the primary causes, other factors can also contribute to the development of kidney disease.

Stages of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is generally classified into five stages based on the level of kidney function. As kidney function declines, the stage of kidney disease progresses. Here’s a breakdown of each stage of CKD:

Stage 1: Normal Kidney Function

At stage 1 of kidney disease, the kidneys are still functioning normally or nearly normally. However, there may be mild kidney damage, such as protein in the urine or other markers of kidney dysfunction. Most people in this stage do not experience symptoms, and kidney disease may not yet be apparent.

During stage 1 of kidney disease, it’s important to regularly monitor kidney function with blood tests, adopt healthy lifestyle changes (hydration, balanced diet, exercise) and manage underlying conditions that can lead to further kidney damage, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Stage 2: Mild Kidney Damage

During stage 2, kidney function is mildly reduced but most individuals still do not show noticeable symptoms. It is still important to monitor kidney function closely, as this stage can progress to become more severe if not managed properly. Continue to monitor kidney function, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and control blood pressure and blood sugar to mitigate further damage.

Stage 3: Moderate Kidney Damage

At this stage, kidney function has declined moderately, and you may start to notice symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination. The kidneys are no longer able to efficiently filter waste, which can lead to an accumulation of toxins in the blood. During stage 3 of chronic kidney disease, you should consult a nephrologist for personalized care, track your kidney function regularly, continue to treat underlying health conditions, and make dietary changes, including limiting sodium and protein consumption.

Stage 4: Severe Kidney Damage

Kidney function is severely reduced during stage 4 of chronic kidney disease, and the kidneys can no longer perform their job effectively. Symptoms may become more evident, including swelling in the legs or ankles, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. Dialysis or a kidney transplant may be discussed with your healthcare provider during stage 4. You should prepare for dialysis or a kidney transplant if necessary, follow your treatment plan as prescribed by your healthcare provider, and continue monitoring kidney function if diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease.

Stage 5: Kidney Failure

Stage 5, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), indicates that the kidneys can no longer function adequately to meet the body’s needs. At this point, kidney failure is inevitable, and survival depends on dialysis or a kidney transplant. During this stage, the focus shifts to improving quality of life. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to explore options like dialysis or a kidney transplant, as well as consider hospice care to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

How to Prevent and Slow Progression of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease can be managed especially in the early stages to slow progression. Here are some key strategies to protect your kidneys and minimize the risk of kidney disease:

Control Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. Regularly monitor your blood pressure and keep it under control with medications and lifestyle changes.
Manage Diabetes: If you have diabetes, regularly manage and monitor your blood sugar levels. Diabetes can cause significant kidney damage over time, resulting in kidney failure.
Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet: Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit sodium and processed foods that can strain the kidneys.
Exercise Regularly: Staying active with physical exercise helps control blood pressure, blood sugar, and overall health, which can protect kidney function and minimize a risk of kidney failure.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and heavy drinking can worsen kidney disease and increase the risk of other health complications.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps the kidneys flush out waste and maintain proper function. If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, consult your doctor about how much water you should be drinking.

Hospice Care for Kidney Disease

Hospice care offers compassionate support and comfort to individuals in the advanced stages of kidney disease. Its primary goal is to improve the quality of life by managing symptoms and addressing the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of both patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their families. Residential Hospice provides in-home care for patients with end-stage kidney disease in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Find hospice care services in your area.

Hospice

Hospice December 11, 2024

The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving. While you may be focused on purchasing gifts for family and friends, one of the most meaningful ways to give a gift this holiday season is by contributing to a cause that makes a difference in the community. Consider donating to the Residential Hospice Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to individuals and families facing terminal illnesses. Read about how your donation to the Residential Hospice Foundation can make a lasting impact in your community, especially during this season of giving.

What is Residential Hospice Foundation?

Residential Hospice Foundation was founded in response to many appreciative hospice families who asked how they could “pass it on” and help other families facing life-limiting illness. Residential Hospice Foundation increases access to hospice care, helps people understand the truth about hospice care, and provides financial assistance to hospice patients and caregivers. They provide support for basic needs, funeral and burial expenses, grief and bereavement assistance, and hospice education.

Why Donate to Residential Hospice Foundation

Hospice care provides comfort, dignity, and compassionate support for individuals at the end of their lives. By donating to Residential Hospice Foundation, you can directly contribute to improving the lives of those individuals and their families. Here’s how your donation can make a difference:

Provide financial support to families in need: Many families struggle financially when a loved one faces the end of their life. Donations to Residential Hospice Foundation can help cover basic needs for these families. Your gift ensures that families can focus on spending quality time with their loved one rather than worrying about financial burdens.
Offer grief and bereavement support: Losing a loved one can be emotionally overwhelming. Residential Hospice Foundation provides grief and bereavement assistance to help families cope with their loss. Grief and bereavement services include counseling services, support groups, and other resources to help navigate this difficult time.
Promote hospice awareness and education: Many individuals and families are unaware of the benefits of hospice care until they are impacted by it directly. Donations allow Residential Hospice Foundation to provide education and raise awareness about the role of hospice care. By sharing research and information, more families can access the comfort and support they need.

How to Contribute to Residential Hospice Foundation

Donating to Residential Hospice Foundation is possible in a few ways:

Monetary Donation: You can make an immediate impact with a direct financial gift through the online payment portal or via check.

Memorial and Tribute Gifts: Honor the memory of a loved one or celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or the holiday season by making a gift in their name.

Matching Gifts: Matching gifts can double or triple your contribution and help even more! Ask your employer whether the organization you work for participates in a matching gift program.

Planned Giving: Pre-planning enables you to donate a larger amount in the event of your death than you could while alive. Make an estate plan today to ensure that your support for Residential Hospice Foundation is part of your personal legacy.

Give the Gift of Compassion This Holiday Season

As you reflect on the spirit of giving this holiday season, consider making a donation to the Residential Hospice Foundation. Your generosity can help provide comfort, support, and hope to those who need it most. There’s no better way to make a difference than by giving the gift of compassion. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the families who need it most.

Hospice

Hospice Lung Disease October 24, 2024

Navigating the complexities of lung disease, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), can be overwhelming, especially if treatments are no longer effective. For many patients and families, understanding when to consider hospice for lung disease is a difficult discussion. This guide will help you recognize the signs that indicate hospice may be the right choice.

What is End-Stage Lung Disease?

End-stage lung disease refers to the most severe form of lung disease, resulting from chronic conditions such as COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or progressive diseases like cystic fibrosis. A diagnosis of end-stage lung disease occurs when the lungs can no longer effectively remove carbon dioxide or supply sufficient oxygen to meet the body’s basic needs.

Signs It’s Time to Consider Hospice for Lung Disease

When curative treatments for lung disease, including COPD, are limited or no longer desired, hospice care may be a suitable option. Some signs that it may be time to consider hospice care include:

Shortness of breath at rest that is poorly responsive to bronchodilators resulting in decreased functional capacity (ex. bed to chair existence, extreme fatigue, and cough)

Requiring use of supplemental oxygen most or all the time

Frequent hospitalizations due to shortness of breath or respiratory infections

Curative treatment options are limited or no longer desired

Weight loss associated with decreased appetite

Requiring more assistance with daily activities

Weakness and recent falls

Multiple changes to medications due to ineffectiveness

Benefits of Hospice Care for Patients with Lung Disease

At Residential Hospice, our expert care team works together to determine the appropriate care plan for patients with lung disease through our Alleviating Dyspnea and Pain with Treatment (ADAPT) program. Hospice care and the ADAPT program offer multiple benefits including:

Physical Comfort: Using a variety of medical and non-medical interventions for addressing dyspnea and pain, hospice care utilizes state-of-the-art medication delivery methods for effective symptom control.
Emotional Support: Hospice care incorporates specialty therapies, like music and massage therapy, aromatherapy, legacy projects and guided virtual reality experiences.
End-of-Life Planning: Meeting practice needs like estate planning and spiritual needs like making peace with others can help patients and families face difficult decisions that need to be made during hospice care.
Companionship: Visits from volunteers, including hospice doulas, offer comfort and support, helping patients feel less isolated during their hospice journey.

Residential Hospice for Patients with Lung Disease

Residential Hospice’s program for patients with lung disease and COPD, the ADAPT program, addresses the multiple complex issues that can accompany lung disease, including shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and more. This specialized hospice care program ensures hospice patients who have lung disease receive comfortable care throughout their end-of-life journey. Residential Hospice offers in-home hospice care in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

This blog is educational and informative, please consult with your medical doctor to learn more about hospice and if it is appropriate for your diagnosis.

Hospice

Hospice October 10, 2024

Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia, is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly 7 million people in the United States. As Alzheimer’s disease advances, families often face difficult healthcare decisions. Our hospice care professionals support many families in making the decision about when to consider hospice for patients with Alzheimer’s.

Signs That It May Be Time for Hospice Care

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia comes with cognitive decline, memory loss, and loss of independence. As this disease progresses, patients may require more support and care, impacting the quality of life for both patients and their families. Signs that it may be time for hospice care include:

Significant cognitive decline

Frequent hospitalizations

Weight loss and poor nutrition

Dependence on caregivers

Pain and discomfort

Hospice Benefit Qualifiers for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Patients

To be eligible for hospice benefits, patients with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia must identify with the following qualifiers:

Dependence on others for assistance with activities of daily living (ADL)

Inability to walk without assistance

Speaking only a few words and phrases

Continuous anxiety and stress

Falls

Multiple hospitalizations, ER trips

Infections

Eating problems

Incontinence

Benefits of Hospice Care for Alzheimer’s Patients

Hospice care is designed to provide comprehensive care for individuals during the end of their life. Hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Hospice can provide various benefits for individuals who have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Benefits of hospice care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease include:

Pain & symptom management

Emotional & spiritual support

Specialized therapy (aromatherapy, massage therapy, music therapy, and pet therapy)

Caregiver relief

Grief & bereavement services

Residential Hospice for Alzheimer’s Patients

Residential Hospice’s program for Alzheimer’s patients, PEACE (Program for Easing Anxiety and Cultivating Engagement) helps alleviate distressing symptoms and enhance quality of life for both hospice patients and their families. Residential Hospice offers at-home hospice care in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

This blog is educational and informative, please consult with your medical doctor to learn more about hospice and if it is appropriate for your diagnosis.

Hospice

Hospice July 2, 2024

Hospice volunteers are an important part of the hospice care team. They provide compassion and support to patients, caregivers, and hospice nurses. Hospice volunteering is a way to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others while experiencing joy and companionship that comes from serving those throughout their end-of-life care.

Hospice volunteer reading with a hospice patient

Hospice Volunteering Opportunities

No matter the time, talents, and knowledge you can contribute to being a hospice volunteer. There are opportunities to fit a range of skills and interests. Some of the key roles for hospice volunteers include:

Companionship Volunteer

Companionship volunteers visit hospice patients at home or in a long-term care facility. Responsibilities of a companionship volunteer may include:

Reading and talking with patients
Playing games
Writing letters
Sharing and recording a patient’s personal story
Providing respite and support to caregivers

Hospice volunteer playing chess with a hospice patient

Hospice Doula Volunteer

Hospice doulas play a unique role by providing hospice patients and their loved ones with information, emotional support and physical comfort during and right after the dying process. Hospice doulas receive specialized training, materials, and continuous support to fulfill their volunteer responsibilities effectively.

Pet Therapy Volunteer

Pet therapy volunteers bring their certified therapy dogs on visits to see hospice patients, helping reduce symptoms of depression and stress. Visits with animals often bring joy, humor, love, and compassion to hospice patients, enhancing their quality of life.

Administrative Volunteer

Administrative hospice volunteers assist office staff with basic but important clerical work including mailing, making phone calls, filing, and material preparation.

Reasons to Become a Hospice Volunteer

In addition to benefiting hospice patients with a hospice care program near you offers personal and professional benefits, such as:

Bringing comfort to someone who needs it
Witnessing the beauty of families coming together
Adding meaning and purpose to your life
Using your skills, time, and talents for the good of others
Bringing joy to others
Experiencing the powerful impact of hospice care

“Each person’s life and story are so unique, it’s fascinating to have this opportunity to be a good listener and learn so much from our patients. While the purpose of volunteering is to bless the hospice patient, the far greater blessing is truly my own!” – Darva

Volunteer With Residential Hospice

Becoming a hospice volunteer is a rewarding way to contribute to your community and make a significant impact in the lives of those experiencing end-of-life care. Residential Hospice is seeking dedicated hospice volunteers in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Become a hospice volunteer today!

Hospice

Hospice June 24, 2024

A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), can be a life-changing event for a patient and their family. Stroke recovery can often be challenging, and in some cases, the damage caused by a stroke can be so severe that the care focus shifts from rehabilitation to ensuring patient’s comfort and quality of life, which is where hospice comes into play. Here are some key factors to guide the important decision of hospice care for stroke patients.

Signs to Consider Hospice for Stroke Patients

A stroke is what happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, causing oxygen deprivation to brain tissue. The ability to recover from a stroke depends on the severity of the stroke and how quickly you get medical attention. Below are some indicators that hospice care may be appropriate if recovery is not progressing:

Severe neurological impairment

A stroke can cause significant brain damage, leading to cognitive and physical impairments, such as dementia, lack of cognitive ability and memory loss.

Frequent hospitalizations

Hospitalizations due to stroke complications like infections, pneumonia, or heart failure may be indications that a patient’s condition is deteriorating. Hospice can help manage these symptoms at home, reducing the need for hospital visits.

Difficulty with Basic Functions

When a stroke patient has difficulty with functions such as eating, drinking, and swallowing, it often leads to a decline in their health. Hospice care can provide nutritional support while managing these symptoms to ensure comfort.

Inability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

If a patient can no longer perform ADLs like bathing, getting dressed, or using the bathroom, without assistance, it may be an indicator that it’s time for hospice care. This dependency can benefit from the comprehensive support that hospice provides.

Hospice Benefit Qualifiers for Stroke Patients

To be eligible for hospice benefits, patients who’ve experienced a stroke must identify with the following qualifiers:

Difficulty swallowing, preventing patient from being able to eat or drink
Current history of aspiration
Weight loss > 10% over the last 6 months
Mainly chair or bed bound
Dependent to meet care needs
Incontinence of bowel and bladder
Serum albumin level of 2.5 or less
Stage 3 to 4 wounds

Benefits of Hospice Care for Stroke Patients

Hospice care is designed to provide comprehensive care for individuals in the final stages of their life. Hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than the treatment of an illness or condition, such as a stroke. Hospice can provide several benefits for individuals who have experienced a stroke and have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Some benefits of hospice care for stroke patients include:

Symptom management: Hospice care provides pain and symptom management for stroke symptoms including neurological difficulties and emotional effects.
Emotional & spiritual support: In addition to medical care, hospice offers patients and their families emotional and spiritual support tailored to their needs and desires. This is essential in navigating the challenges of end-of-life care for all individuals involved.
Specialized therapy: Our hospice care programs include specialized therapy programs including music therapy, aromatherapy, and pet therapy to ensure comfort and peace for hospice patients.
Caregiver relief: Hospice care can offer caregivers and loved ones a much-needed break while ensuring the patient is still receiving high-quality care and support.
Grief & bereavement services: Following the passing of a hospice care patient, families receive grief and bereavement services to deal with the loss of a loved one including grief support groups, memorial services, and children’s resources.

Residential Hospice for Stroke Patients

Residential Hospice’s program for stroke patients, IMPRESS (Individualized Management for Pain Relief and Easing of Stroke Symptoms), addresses the multiple complex issues that can accompany stroke, including dysphasia, balance problems and weakness. This specialized hospice care program ensures hospice patients who have experienced a stroke receive comfortable care throughout their end-of-life journey. Residential Hospice offers at-home hospice care in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

This blog is educational and informative, please consult with your medical doctor to learn more about hospice and if it is appropriate for your diagnosis.

Hospice

Hospice May 16, 2024

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis over time. As ALS progresses, patients require increasing levels of care and support, causing many families to consider hospice care for their loved ones. We explore when hospice might be right for patients with ALS, providing guidance for families navigating this difficult decision.

Signs that Hospice May Be Appropriate for Patients with ALS

Hospice care is typically suitable for patients in the end stages of ALS, generally identified when they have a life expectancy of less than six months due to disease progression. Several indicators suggest that hospice may be the appropriate choice, including:

Significant decline in functional abilities (paralysis)
Impaired nervous system
Inability to verbally communicate, chew, or drink
Respiratory complications
Decline in cognitive function

Hospice Benefit Qualifiers for ALS Patients

To be eligible for hospice benefits, patients with ALS must identify with the following qualifiers:

Refusal of tracheostomy and invasive ventilation
Critically impaired respiratory function evidenced by:
FVC <40%
Dyspnea at rest
Orthopnea
Use of accessory muscles
Paradoxical abdominal motion
Respiratory rate >20
Reduced speech volume
Symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing
Frequent awakening
Daytime sleepiness
Unexplained headaches
Unexplained confusion
Unexplained anxiety
Unexplained nausea
Severe nutritional deficiency, defined as dysphagia with progressive loss of >5% body weight

Benefits of Hospice Care for Patients with ALS

Hospice offers several benefits to patients with ALS along with their loved ones, including:

Pain & symptom management: ALS can cause pain and discomfort as it progresses. When symptoms become difficult to manage, transitioning to hospice care can maximize comfort and quality of life during end-stage ALS.
Emotional and spiritual support: Hospice teams include individuals such as social workers and volunteers to provide emotional and spiritual support for patients with ALS throughout their end-of-life journey.
Coordinated care: Hospice care teams work closely with their patients’ physician and other healthcare providers to ensure patients receive comprehensive end-of-life care.
Caregiver relief: Hospice offers the ability to relieve the burden from family members or a caregiver. It also offers education to help family members support their loved ones throughout hospice care. This support extends to the bereavement and grief period following the passing of a loved one.

Hospice Care for ALS at Residential Healthcare Group

Hospice care can provide many benefits for patients dealing with ALS. At Residential Healthcare Group, we understand the importance of ensuring patients with ALS receive the quality care they deserve, especially as it progresses. Our customized Advocacy, Life Enrichment, and Supportive Services hospice program addresses a full range of ALS symptoms, while promoting dignity and peace of mind for patients and family members alike.

Hospice

Home Health Care Hospice Palliative Care May 15, 2024

Home care healthcare professional hugging senior patient

People commonly misunderstand the differences between home health, palliative care, and hospice due to their similarities. While they all share the common goal of providing support and assistance to patients in the comfort of their home, each type of care serves a different purpose and are dedicated to different healthcare needs. Understanding the differences between these types of care is important for patients and caregivers to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey.

Home Health, Palliative, and Hospice: What’s The Difference?

Home Health Care

Home health care offers a comprehensive range of medical services in the comfort of a patient’s home. Home health is typically recommended for patients who are transitioning home from a hospital due to injury, illness, or surgery or patients who need help in managing their chronic illness. Home health care promotes care, healing, safety, and independence at home. Services may include medication management, rehabilitation therapy, and assistance with daily living activities. These healthcare services are delivered by a robust team of healthcare professionals which could include registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, medical social workers, and journey counselors based on the patient’s condition. Home health services are covered by Medicare and Medicaid, as well as many private insurances. Reach out to your insurance provider to find out if you qualify for home health care.

Palliative Care

Treating debilitating illness can cause advanced pain and uncomfortable symptoms. Palliative care specializes in providing relief from pain and stress of a serious illness. While hospice care is typically for patients with a terminal illness, palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness, regardless of prognosis. The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for both patients and their families by supporting a patient’s physical health as well as psychosocial and spiritual needs. Palliative care programs include managing symptoms, offering advance care planning support, and coordination of care for the patient’s healthcare needs. Palliative care teams are comprised of palliative nurse practitioners, medical social workers, journey counselors, and other professionals who collaborate closely with the patient’s doctor to implement a personalized treatment plan. Palliative care is often covered for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. Contact your insurance provider for specific details regarding your coverage.

Hospice Care

Hospice care is a form of end-of-life care designed to provide comfort and support for individuals with a terminal illness or short life expectancy. While home health and palliative care are aimed at prolonging a patient’s life, hospice focuses on improving the quality of life for patients in their final stages. Hospice services include pain and medication management, as well as addressing emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the patient. Hospice is typically provided in a patient’s home for optimal comfort. A multidisciplinary care team includes hospice nurses, physicians, spiritual care counselors, specialized therapists, volunteers, and bereavement coordinators to ensure both the patient and their loved ones are receiving the support they deserve during this challenging time. Hospice also supports family members with bereavement services following the death of a loved one and is typically covered by Medicare and Medicaid, as well as many private insurances but should be discussed directly with your provider to explore eligibility.

About Residential Healthcare Group

While home health, palliative care, and hospice care offer similar services for patients in the comfort of their homes, they serve distinct purposes and are focused on different stages of illness. By understanding the differences between these types of care services, patients and their families can make informed, knowledgeable decisions to meet their unique needs. Residential Healthcare Group is here to walk alongside you throughout your healthcare journey and help with distinguishing the correct care option for you or your loved one.

Hospice

Hospice May 9, 2024

Home caregiver helping senior woman to walk at house

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive movement disorder that impacts nearly one million people in the United States. As Parkinson’s disease advances, it brings significant challenges for patients and their families. In this article, we’ll explore the signs that indicate it may be time to consider hospice care for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease to ensure they receive the best support and comfort in their final stages of life.

Hospice Criteria for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Hospice care is designed to provide comfort and support to individuals with terminal illnesses and their families. Below are some common signs that may indicate it’s time to consider hospice for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease.

Inability to Perform Daily Activities

An individual with Parkinson’s disease will experience a significant decline in their ability to perform daily living tasks including bathing, dressing, eating, and walking. These difficulties are signs of the advancement of Parkinson’s disease and may indicate the need for hospice care.

Recurring Hospitalizations

Frequent hospitalizations due to complications related to Parkinson’s disease, such as pneumonia or infections, can indicate that it’s time for symptom management through hospice care.

Uncontrolled Symptoms & Cognitive Decline

Rapid progression of symptoms, such as cognitive decline and dementia, can lead to the need for a wheelchair or cause an individual to be bed-bound, significantly impacting their quality of life and suggesting the need for specialized care.

How Hospice Can Help with Parkinson’s Disease

Pain and Symptom Management

Hospice care teams are skilled in managing pain and provide relief for symptoms of Parkinson’s disease to improve the patient’s comfort and quality of life.

Emotional and Spiritual Support

Hospice care teams offer emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families, helping them cope with the challenges of Parkinson’s disease.

Caregiver Relief

Hospice nurses can provide relief for family members and caregivers, allowing them to take care of themselves, while knowing their loved one is receiving expert care and support.

End-of-Life Planning

Hospice teams help patients and their families make important and difficult end-of-life decisions along with providing bereavement support.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative, movement disorder that affects the nervous system and parts of the body controlled my nerves. Symptoms develop slowly over several years. Although there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, treatments are used to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

Tremors
Stiffness of arms and legs
Slowness of movement
Difficulty with balance and coordination

Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

Deciding when to consider hospice care for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease can be a difficult and emotional decision. Hospice care offers a compassionate and holistic approach to end-of-life care, focusing on the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. By recognizing the signs of decline due to Parkinson’s disease, families can ensure their loved ones receive the comfort and quality of life they deserve.

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by a gradual decline in motor function, as well as a range of other symptoms that can impact quality of life. In the early stages, symptoms may be mild and manageable with medication and lifestyle adjustments. The progression of Parkinson’s disease is measured on a scale of stages 1 to 5. In stage 1, symptoms are typically mild and do not significantly disrupt daily activities. However, as the disease advances through each stage, challenges intensify. Stage 5, known as end-stage Parkinson’s disease, usually requires around-the-clock care to assist with all aspects of daily living.

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Home Health Care Hospice February 27, 2024

Celebrating Excellence in the Workplace

The value placed on workplace culture has never been higher. It’s important to create a workplace environment where employees feel not just satisfied but truly proud to be a member of the team. Our workplace culture reflects the commitment of our team members and leadership. In 2023, these efforts were celebrated as we proudly received Top Workplace recognition by distinguished publications such as the Chicago Tribune and Detroit Free Press, alongside being acknowledged as a Best Place to Work by the Central Penn Business Journal.

13 Years of Top Workplace Recognition

This acknowledgement represents our unwavering commitment to cultivating a supportive and passionate work culture among our team. Our journey of recognition spans several years, with accolades by the Detroit Free Press since 2011 for our Troy, Michigan Home Health and Hospice programs, and since 2018 for our Lapeer, Michigan Home Health and Hospice programs, showcasing our consistent dedication to our team’s satisfaction. Similarly, our Illinois Home Health and Hospice programs have been recognized as a top workplace by Chicago Tribune for a multitude of years (2018-2019 and 2021-2023).

The Top Workplaces distinction by Chicago Tribue and Detroit Free Press, evaluated solely through employee feedback, measures various aspects of the workplace experience, including values, inclusion, communication, training, benefits, and more. Best Places to Work recognition by the Central Penn Business Journal includes a comprehensive evaluation of workplace policies, practices, demographics, and an insightful employee survey. “This year’s 2023 Best Places to Work in PA winners make sure their teams feel appreciated, engaged and challenged. They foster a positive environment for innovative teams to thrive,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business.

Industry-Leading Employer in Home Health and Hospice

At Residential Healthcare Group, we care where you are, prioritizing that our home health and hospice teams feel valued, respected, and empowered. This is exemplified through our benefits programs, comprehensive onboarding programs, and flexible scheduling opportunities. It’s not just about achieving recognition; it’s about continuously striving to enhance our workplace culture and experiences for all who impactfully contribute to the care of our patients and their families.