Alzheimer’s: 3 Signs It Might Be Time for Hospice
If you care for someone who has advanced Alzheimer’s, the thought of hospice may have crossed your mind. But how do you know when it’s time?
Gregg Warshaw, M.D., director of geriatric medicine at the University of Cincinnati, tells The Huffington Post that there are certain signs you can look for to give you clues. Consider asking the doctor whether it might be time, he says, if your loved one experiences any of the following:
- Two or more episodes of pneumonia or other serious infections during the past six months
- Difficulty eating and swallowing, even with feeding help, that results in weight loss of 10% or more over the preceding six months
- One or more skin pressure ulcers that are not healing
You may also be interested in the following previous OurParents posts:
- Hospice Not Cut-and-Dry for Dementia Patients: Questions to Ask
- “Time for Hospice? Don’t Count on Doctor’s Advice, Surgeon Says.”
- “Moving Mom to Hospice Is Not Giving Up”
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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in health and aging issues. She covers finding and paying for senior care for OurParents. If you have any questions about this post or need help finding senior-care options for a loved one, call 1-866-483-4896 to speak with a care advisor in your area.
