Comprehensive Support for Patients and Caregivers

Click here to download a copy of our new Patient and Caregiver Resource Guide.

At Hospice of the Chesapeake, we understand the unique challenges that come with dementia care. Our mission is to provide compassionate, individualized support for patients and their families, ensuring comfort and dignity throughout the journey.

Six million Americans suffer from dementia and, according to the American Alzheimer’s Association, that figure will more than double by 2050.

Continue reading for more information about dementia or use the links below to jump to a specific section.

Understanding Dementia

Understanding the 3 Stages of Dementia

How Hospice Care Can Support Those Living with Dementia

How Palliative Care Can Support Those Living with Dementia

Supporting Those Who Are Caring for a Loved One with Dementia

Educating Our Community on Dementia

Understanding Dementia

Dementia is not a single disease, but an umbrella term that covers a range of conditions affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities. Here are some common diagnoses that fall under the dementia umbrella:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease: The most common type of dementia, characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline.
  • Vascular Dementia: Often resulting from a stroke or other blood flow issues, this type can cause problems with reasoning, planning, and judgment.
  • Lewy Body Dementia: This type involves abnormal protein deposits in the brain, leading to cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, and movement issues.
  • Frontotemporal Dementia: This affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, impacting personality, behavior, and language skills.
  • Mixed Dementia: A combination of two or more types of dementia, commonly Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

One in three seniors die from Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

Understanding the 3 Stages of Dementia

Dementia is often categorized into three stages, each presenting its own set of challenges and needs:

Download our Stages of Dementia flyer to share with friends and family.

How do I know when it’s time to get additional support?

We understand living with or caring for someone with dementia can be overwhelming. When the time is right, discuss changes with your physician and call us if you observe these signs and symptoms of dementia:

  • Incontinence, intermittent or constant
  • Weakness
  • Sleeping more and talking less
  • Changes in physical abilities, including walking, sitting, and holding their head up
  • Increase in falls and becoming more frail
  • Loss of appetite or weight loss
  • Trouble swallowing or eating
  • Unable to correctly use or understand words
  • Recurrent or intractable infections
  • Increasing ER visits, hospitalizations, and/or physician visits related to disease progression

Patients may also have had one or more of the following in the past 12 months:

  • Aspiration pneumonia
  • Kidney infection
  • Septicemia (blood infection)
  • Inability to maintain sufficient fluid and calorie intake with 10% weight loss during the previous 6 months

How Hospice Care Can Support Those Living with Dementia

Holistic Comfort and Care

Hospice care focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients with a terminal diagnosis. For those living with advanced dementia, our hospice team provides:

  • Symptom Management: Our specialists help alleviate discomfort from pain, agitation, and other distressing symptoms.
  • Personalized Care Plans: We work closely with families to create tailored care plans that respect the wishes of the patient and promote their dignity.
  • Emotional and Spiritual Support: Our team includes counselors and chaplains who offer emotional support and spiritual care for patients and families alike.

Download our Home Safety Tips flyer and Symptom Management flyer to share with family and friends.

Discover more about our hospice services.

How Palliative Care Can Support Those Living with Dementia

Enhancing Quality of Life

Palliative care is available at any stage of dementia and focuses on providing relief from symptoms and stress. Our palliative care team offers:

  • Comprehensive Assessments: We evaluate the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients to create a holistic care plan.
  • Coordination of Care: We work with healthcare providers to ensure that all aspects of a patient’s care are integrated and aligned with their goals.
  • Support for Families: We offer education and resources to help families navigate the complexities of dementia care.

Learn more about our palliative care services.

Supporting Those Who Are Caring for a Loved One with Dementia

Empowering Those Who Care

Caring for someone with dementia can be overwhelming. At Hospice of the Chesapeake, we provide support for caregivers through:

  • Respite Care Services: We offer temporary relief for caregivers, allowing them to take breaks and recharge.
  • Support Groups: Join our community of caregivers to share experiences, advice, and support in a safe environment.
  • Educational Resources: Access a wealth of information on managing dementia, including coping strategies and self-care tips.

Click here to download a copy of our new Patient and Caregiver Resource Guide.

Explore additional caregiver resources.

Educating Our Community on Dementia

We are committed to educating our community and healthcare partners on the multiple aspects of a dementia diagnosis, including education sessions and training.

Our team of professionals can support your education programs onsite with detailed presentations and training sessions, including Dementia Live®.

Dementia Live® is a high-impact dementia simulation experience that immerses participants into life with dementia, resulting in a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with cognitive impairment and sensory change.

To request a presentation or training, please submit a Community Education Workshop Request form.

Get Started Today

If you or a loved one is navigating the challenges of dementia, we’re here to help. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing the care and support you need.

Contact us today to learn more about our services.

At Hospice of the Chesapeake, we believe that no one should face the challenges of dementia alone. With our dedicated hospice and palliative care services, along with robust support for caregivers, we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.