PAYING FOR END-OF-LIFE CARE
How to pay for the rising costs of health care? Concerns over these costs are shared not only by elected officials, but by almost every family across the country as well. Many baby boomers are caring for their aging parents just as they are facing their own health care issues. Yet, for almost 30 years, the Medicare Hospice Benefit has provided a model for financing end-of-life care. This benefit can bring great relief to families during one of life’s most difficult times. The
WHEN THEY WON'T EAT...
Hospice patients often have changing patterns of eating and drinking. We think of food as much more than fuel. We think of it as comfort, enjoyment and protection. We also think of eating as a way to prolong life. It is very hard for family members to see their loved one with no appetite or unable to eat. A common reaction is to want to begin nutritional supplements, tube feedings or even IVs with the idea that “it couldn’t hurt.” When your loved one is nearing the end stage
HOW TO AVOID YET ANOTHER BATH WAR
If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you know bath time can be a real battle. Your loved one or resident may say “I just had a bath!” or “Get away from me!” Sometimes, the individual can even become aggressive. Why do people with dementia struggle so much with bath time? First, people with dementia often don’t understand the “why” of bathing. They simply don’t recognize the need anymore. In addition, bathing involves many small steps (going to t
HELPING YOUR SERIOUSLY ILL LOVED ONE THROUGH DIFFICULT EMOTIONS
As your loved one progresses through a serious illness, it’s only natural that he or she will face difficult emotions: fear, anger, sadness and much more. Yet not all people can express these emotions clearly. Perhaps your loved one is tearful, withdrawn, irritable or very worried. You may notice personality changes or feel that your loved one is distressed, but not know how to help. Below are some suggestions for how to connect and accompany your loved one through this diffi
