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.

Hospice

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.

Hospice

Hospice February 21, 2024

Importance of Hospice Care for Kidney Failure

Navigating the complexities of end-stage kidney disease, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), can be daunting for patients and their families. As kidney failure progresses, it often elevates challenges, including managing symptoms, maintaining quality of life, and making difficult decisions about hospice care options. In this article, we explore when to consider hospice and how it can provide compassionate care and support during an overwhelming time.

When to Consider Hospice Care for Kidney Disease?

Several factors may indicate that it’s time to consider hospice care for individuals with kidney failure:

Decline in Kidney Function

As kidney function continues to deteriorate despite medical interventions, hospice can provide specialized support tailored to the individual’s needs, such as enforcing a restricted diet.

Persistent Kidney Failure Symptoms

If symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea, or difficulty breathing become increasingly challenging to manage, hospice can offer expert symptom management to improve comfort for individuals with chronic kidney disease.

Desire to Focus on Comfort

When curative treatments, such as dialysis, are no longer effective or desired, hospice shifts the focus to providing comfort and improving quality of life for the remainder of the patient’s life.

Caregiver Burnout

When caregiving responsibilities become overwhelming for family members or caregivers, hospice can provide support and relief, ensuring both the patient and their caregivers receive the assistance they need.

Hospice Benefit Qualifiers for Kidney Disease

Creatinine clearance of <10cc/min (<15cc/min for diabetics) AND serum creatinine >8.0 mg/dl (>6.0 mg/dl for diabetics) or GFR of less than 10
Patient has chosen not to have renal dialysis
Structural and functional impairments
Comorbid and secondary conditions contribute to terminal prognosis
Nausea or vomiting
Uremia with obtundation
Intractable hyperkalemia
Hepatorenal syndrome
Platelet count <25,000
Pruritus
Self-care deficits
Activity limitations
Uremic pericarditis
Anorexia
Albumin <3.5 gm/dl

Purpose of Hospice Care for Kidney Disease

Hospice care provides comprehensive support and comfort during the advanced stages of kidney disease. Hospice focuses on enhancing the quality of life by managing symptoms such as pain, nausea, and fatigue, while also addressing the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of patients and their families. Hospice care teams (consisting of healthcare professionals including nurses, social workers, and counselors) collaborate to ensure personalized care tailored to the individual’s preferences and goals. Additionally, hospice fosters open communication about end-of-life wishes and facilitates a peaceful and dignified transition for patients nearing the end of their journey with kidney disease.

Understanding End-Stage Kidney Disease

End-stage kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function to maintain life. This could be due to various reasons, such as chronic conditions including diabetes or high blood pressure, or other kidney-related illnesses. As kidney failure progresses, individuals may experience a decline in kidney function, leading to complications such as fluid retention, electrolyte imbalances, and toxin buildup. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, more than 500,000 people in the United States live with end-stage renal disease.

In conclusion, considering hospice care for individuals with kidney disease is an important decision that should be based on the individual’s medical condition, symptom management needs, and personal preferences. By offering comprehensive support and focusing on improving quality of life, hospice can provide comfort and dignity to patients and their families during this challenging journey of end-stage kidney failure.

Hospice

Hospice October 5, 2023

Some people think of “hospice” as a bad word

Why? Because they don’t realize how positive the hospice experience can be. The good news is that hospice is gaining understanding worldwide, and each person who opens his or her mind to it is more likely to be comfortable, in control of events, settled with their choices and at peace at the end of their life.

At Residential Hospice, we believe strongly that everyone has the right to their own healthcare wishes and desires and should be in control of their healthcare plans.

We have decades of experience helping patients and their families prepare and plan for life after a difficult diagnosis. Our teams help patients to use the time they have to plan for the environment they want to have around them, settle their financial and other affairs, heal damaged relationships and experience the beauty and meaning of their last days – all with minimal discomfort.

Residential Hospice is a life-affirming gift to give to yourself or a loved one. Here are some fast facts:

Residential Hospice comes from a place of “yes.” When any patient has an unusual request or need, we do everything we can to go above and beyond to say “yes.”
Our Care Teams collaborate with the patient and family to tailor the Care Plan to their specific needs and preferences.
We offer many specialty services to relieve symptoms and enhance the patient’s experience, like aromatherapy, massage, pet and music therapy, virtual reality experiences and hospice doulas.
Residential Hospice is a partner in the national organization We Honor Veterans, ensuring that we are specially qualified to meet the unique needs of veteran patients.
When a patient receives a scary and confusing diagnosis, Residential Hospice is a soft landing place.

A difficult diagnosis can leave people feeling stressed, confused and frightened. What a relief to finally relax and allow experts to make life easier, more comfortable and more meaningful! If you have any questions or concerns at all, please contact us or learn more HERE. We are here for you and your family.

Hospice

Home Health Care Hospice Palliative Care January 20, 2018

When adults teach children about manners, they might remind them to say ‘please’ by prompting, ‘What’s the magic word?’ This is our introduction to ‘please’ — as the gateway to getting anything we want, whenever we want it. But by the time we reach adulthood and better understand politeness, the word loses a bit of its luster, no longer a mystical source of instant gratification.

In the realm of health care and chronic disease management, the word ‘please’ has its limits (although politeness always has its place, of course). No matter how kindly patients ask, how well they are recovering or responding to treatment takes priority over less urgent quality-of-life concerns like lost appetite, insomnia, or unpleasant side effects. What many patients coping with serious disease don’t realize, however, is that there is a magic word to get them the assistance they need, and that is ‘palliative care.’ Read on to learn how palliative care works in tandem with a patient’s existing treatment, but brings comfort and support within reach — you just need to ask. (more…)