1. [PILOT PROGRAM OF HOME HOSPICE FOR OLDER PEOPLE WITH ADVANCED DEMENTIA].
- Author
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Punchik B, Samson T, Shaham D, Freud T, Marziano S, and Press Y
- Subjects
- Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Caregivers psychology, Female, Humans, Male, Pilot Projects, Dementia therapy, Hospice Care, Hospices methods, Terminal Care
- Abstract
Introduction: Dementia is a terminal illness and in an advanced stage it is suitable for palliative care., Objectives: To examine the results of a pilot program of home hospice for the elder patients with advanced dementia., Methods: Patients aged 65 years and over who met the criteria for advanced dementia and palliative care were treated as part of the geriatric team-based home hospice program. The program included home visits by a multidisciplinary team that was available 24/7. During the program, special questionnaires are used to assess the patients' condition, the caregivers' burden and the caregivers' satisfaction with the treatment., Results: Between August 2017 and July 2020, 44 patients were treated in hospice, the mean age was 86.1 ± 6.2 years and 26 (59%) of the patients were women. The average length of stay in the hospice was 129.4 ± 155.5 days (median 68 days) and most patients (36) died at home. The home hospice program leads to statistically significant improvement in the intensity of the behavioral and psychological effects of dementia, the severity of the pain and the intensity of the patients' suffering. In addition, there was a statistically significant decrease in the level of distress and the intensity of anxiety and depression of the family members. Almost all family members noted high satisfaction with end-of-life care., Conclusions: A home hospice program for patients with advanced dementia, based on a multidisciplinary geriatric team and the use of dedicated tools to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention makes it possible to prevent the suffering of patients and their families and enable them to die in their preferred place., Discussion: Home hospice is a worthy treatment alternative for terminally ill patients with advanced dementia who want to end their lives at home The home hospice care alleviates the patient's suffering, allows him/her to die in his/her preferred place and alleviates the distress of the family members, who express satisfaction from the treatment.
- Published
- 2022