Many families delay considering hospice care because of widespread misconceptions – fearing it means “giving up” or accelerates death. In reality, hospice focuses on quality of life, providing comfort, pain management, and emotional support when curative treatments are no longer beneficial. To help families make informed decisions, we’re debunking five common hospice myths, from who qualifies to how it works. Understanding the…
Could palliative care or hospice care help your older adult? These two services are often confused, so it’s important to understand the key differences and benefits of palliative care vs. hospice care. Depending on their health conditions, one or both of these services could significantly improve your older adult’s quality of life. We explain the key differences and answer 9 common questions about palliative…
End of life conversations are essential for people with dementia We all have a tendency to avoid conversations about death or dying, but it’s essential to know what your older adult’s end-of-life wishes are. That’s especially true if they have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and most likely won’t be able to communicate their wishes during the later stages of the disease. Talking…
A DNR is a signed medical order written by a doctor. DNR stands for Do Not Resuscitate and tells health care providers and emergency medical personnel not to do CPR on your older adult if they stop breathing or if their heart stops beating. What does DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) mean? A DNR is a signed medical order written by a doctor. DNR…
The right hospice provider can make a big difference Hospice care is a wonderful service for older adults who could benefit from a focus on managing pain and symptoms for improved quality of life. But the biggest myth about hospice care is that it’s only for people who are expected to pass away within days or weeks – which isn’t true. In…
Avoiding end-of-life conversations is a natural tendency. But not having the proper legal documents in place could create big problems and possibly become very expensive if your older adult becomes incapacitated or suddenly passes away. Bestow shares 5 essential end-of-life documents that seniors need to complete. When it comes time to face end-of-life issues, the majority of Americans are unprepared. According…
Be able to make an informed decision about feeding tubes Most people in the late stage of Alzheimer’s or dementia have trouble eating and drinking. They may lose weight, become weak, or develop pressure sores. Or, food particles could get into their lungs and cause pneumonia. When that happens, families may be asked if they want to put in a feeding tube.…
Understanding the facts about dying reduces guilt and fear Death is a mysterious and scary concept. Because there’s so much we don’t know about the dying process and what happens after death, dozens of myths and misconceptions have developed over the ages. Many of these incorrect beliefs can add unnecessary guilt, fear, or stress. Understanding the truth about what to expect and what’s…
Discussing end-of-life wishes benefits seniors and caregivers It’s hard to think about end of life, especially when your older adult isn’t at that stage, but it’s critical to prepare for it ahead of time. Understanding your senior’s wishes before a health crisis means that you and the rest of the family won’t be forced to make those difficult choices in the middle of…
Subscribe to receive our weekly newsletter!
