Can hospice care be used for a person who has Alzheimer's and memory loss, but is not dying?
Surely there must be another form of care for older people age 92 whose health seems to be improving on some days. She says she wants to live to 100. But some days she is really tired and not eating much.
CharlotteM, it is very common for someone who is 92 to be very tired... remember, they had lived a very long life, they deserve to rest. I remember back when senior living facilities were referred to as "rest homes".
As for not eating much, again when someone is tired they are not burning calories thus they don't need to replace calories. Plus when one gets older their sense of taste isn't there, so food isn't that interesting.... unless it is sweets. Oh my gosh, my parents were into the Little Debbies, pies, cakes, Tastykakes, bakery muffins, the list went on and on... thank goodness they didn't need to watch their sugar intake.
I think at its best hospice is merely an acknowledgement that you are no longer interested in pursuing aggressive treatments for your illness, be it cancer, als or simply great old age. I'm not in the USA but by choosing to treat my 90+ mother palliatively we have gained access to nursing care in the home with regular visits and 24 hour access, so we no longer have to go out for doctor appointments. We also are registered with the proper authorities as an expected death in the home so when that time comes there will be no hassles. Regular weekly aides and respite care are already provided here, but they are another advantage gained in American hospice care.
Guidelines for hospice are if the hospice thinks that a person has 6 months or less to live they are eligible for hospice. Obviously no one knows when someone is going to pass away but the 6 month guideline is based on past medical history, present illness and present wellbeing.
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As for not eating much, again when someone is tired they are not burning calories thus they don't need to replace calories. Plus when one gets older their sense of taste isn't there, so food isn't that interesting.... unless it is sweets. Oh my gosh, my parents were into the Little Debbies, pies, cakes, Tastykakes, bakery muffins, the list went on and on... thank goodness they didn't need to watch their sugar intake.
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Regular weekly aides and respite care are already provided here, but they are another advantage gained in American hospice care.