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:

hospice care for patients with neurological conditions

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 Aria 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 Aria 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 Aria Hospice Team provides comfort care which focuses on relieving pain and maintaining comfort.

Symptom Control – The  Aria 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 Aria 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 Aria 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 Aria Hospice team.

We Listen. We Care. We Serve.

When you are faced with the challenge of finding a hospice provider to help care for the emotional and physical well being of someone you love, maybe your mom or dad, you will be faced with many questions.

Making the decision about hospice care for a loved one is never easy, but finding the right answers can help you feel more comfortable with the options available and confident in your final decision.

Aria Hospice operates hospice care programs throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties in Southern California. We pride ourselves on being one of the areas leading providers of end-of-life care.

CONTACT US TO SEE HOW HOSPICE CAN HELP

Our Hospice Care Specialists are Here to Help

Call Us Today for Answers to End-of-Life Questions.

WHO CAN RECEIVE HOSPICE CARE?

Anyone diagnosed with a limited life expectancy can receive Aria Hospice care.

Once a physician certifies that an illness is terminal, (a life expectancy of six months or less), they will collaborate with the Aria Hospice team for services, tailored to the needs and wishes of the patient.

Many patients have cancer, but Aria Hospice cares for individuals with many other life-limiting illness, including heart and lung disease, kidney disease, neurological disorders, stroke, Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Family and friends also receive the benefit of hospice care, to help them support the patient and adapt to changes in their lives.

Many people mistakenly believe that all hospice patients are bed-bound, critically ill, and unable to continue living life to the fullest. Hospice celebrates life and supports you in achieving your individual needs in this chapter of your life.

Contact our Admission Coordinator at Aria Hospice in San Diego County or Imperial County with any questions you may have about hospice care or eligibility.

who can receive hospice care

WHY CHOOSE ARIA HOSPICE CARE?

After receiving a diagnosis for limited life expectancy, patients must make an important choice about goals for their treatment.

why choose aria hospice care

When a physician determines that there is no curative treatment for a particular illness, the treatment is not helping any longer or you decide that the side effects of treatment are too great, you may consider choosing comfort care as your ultimate goal.

Aggressive medical treatment focuses on curing the physical illness rather than satisfying the patient’s emotional and spiritual needs. It often requires intensive care in a clinical setting that can diminish quality of life. Hospice care has the focus of comfort, by relieving pain and other symptoms, while continuing to address emotional and spiritual needs of both the patient and family.

Hospice care neither prolongs life nor hastens death, but relieves pain and physical discomfort so that the patient can experience a more peaceful and satisfying quality of life. At Aria Hospice, care is designed to primarily take place in the home or place of residence. Many families tell us that they waited too long to take full advantage of all the benefits offered by hospice care.

SEE WHAT FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT ARIA HOSPICE

Our Team is Here to Help!

We are one of Southern California’s premier providers of end-of-life care. Click the button below to Request Information or call (619) 795-6010 to learn how hospice care can help.