We’re deep diving into advance care planning with hospice Social Worker Rosie Gaston, talking about diagnosis specific advance directives.  With diseases like Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia on the rise, the need to plan for end of life situations for neurodegenerative diagnoses is increasing.  It’s hard to predict  every scenario, but considering basic care needs and wants is important.  Some of the things that should be considered include where the person wants to live out their life, what treatments they want/don’t want, who’ll be the primary caregiver, and how care will be paid for.  A dementia specific directive might include directions about treating infections like UTI’s and pneumonia, and choices about feeding, feeding tubes, and VSED options. 

Even though it’s not possible to think of every situation that might happen, it’s important to have conversations about needs, wants, and wishes for end of life. Be specific.  Those conversations can make decisions so much easier when a crisis arises later in the disease trajectory.  Have the conversations early - and often!

Connect with Rosie Gaston, MSW, LICSW, APHSW-C: www.ABetterEnding.org Socials for Rosie Gaston:  IG   

RESOURCES: 

• End of Life Choices New York dementia advance directive resource
• Compassion and Choices Dementia Priorities and Values Tool
• The Conversation Project handout for caregivers for someone with Alzheimer’s and other dementias

Hospice Navigation Services understands that you need unbiased, expert support to have the best end of life experience possible.  And we believe you deserve to get good hospice care.  If you have questions about hospice care for yourself or someone you care about, Hospice Navigation Services can help.  Whether you want to connect by phone or video, you can book a FREE 30-Minute Hospice Navigation Session, or a more in-depth 60-Minute Navigation Session for $95.  If you need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, we’re here to answer your questions.  A 60-Minute Navigation Session by video call allows up to 3 family members to get the same expert information at the same time. Book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.  

Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer Website:  theheartofhospice.com Social media:  Facebook     Twitter    Instagram   LinkedIn Email:  [email protected] More podcast episodes:  The Heart of Hospice Podcast

Podcast host Helen Bauer is a great addition to your event or conference! For speaking inquiries, send an email to [email protected].