Hospice Care After a Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of serious disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Stroke Awareness Foundation. Some stroke patients can suffer disabilities, health issues, and complications that eventually can lead to death.

Hospice support can help terminal stroke patients and their families with end-of-life care. In fact, research from the American Heart Association shows that hospice care improves the quality of life for stroke patients.

When to consider hospice care

It’s important to talk with your loved one about their preferences, as well as their healthcare team about the best options for care. Still, it can be difficult to know when it’s time for hospice care. Patients must have a life expectancy of six months or less without life-sustaining treatment. A referral from their doctor is also required.

When combined, some signs that you or your loved one may be eligible for hospice care include:

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Frequent aspirations, infections, fever, or sepsis
• Inability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Limited food and drink intake
• Vegetative state or coma
• Uncontrolled weight loss

Hospice is available wherever the patient calls home, and most insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, cover hospice care. Check with your provider.

What happens with hospice care

Hospice care is designed to help your family navigate the end-of-life journey, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life during this time.

The main caregiver for someone in hospice care is typically a family member or friend. However, members of the hospice team will assess the need and work with you to develop the best visit schedule for each of our team members involved. Hospice can also offer continuous care for a brief period to focus on symptom control, if necessary.

This team may include:

• Dietitians
• Home health aides
• Hospice doctors
• Hospice nurses
• Social workers or psychologists
• Spiritual advisors or clergy
• Trained hospice volunteers

The hospice team develops a care plan and performs multiple services, including:

• Assistance with ADLs, such as eating, bathing, using the bathroom
• Coordinating care with all healthcare providers
• Counseling and spiritual support for the patient and family
• Grief support for family members
• Pain and symptom management to enhance comfort
• Respite support for caregivers for up to five days to provide a break from caregiving responsibilities
• Securing medications, medical equipment, and supplies
• Special recognition and support to honor our veterans

And trained volunteers can offer companionship, help do housework, and in some cases provide pet therapy.

Benefits of hospice care

Hospice care prioritizes the patient’s comfort and wishes and offers important support to their family. Valuable benefits include:

• Coordinated care: One team manages all care details and simplifies communication and implementation.
• Emotional support: Counselors can help provide support to those experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, and other emotions.
• Holistic approach: Hospice integrates multi-disciplinary care for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Personalized plan: The hospice team tailors care to the patient’s preferences.
• Stress reduction: Having a detailed plan, a focused team, and volunteer support can help balance daily challenges.
• Symptom management: The team focuses on supporting ADLs, managing pain, and maximizing comfort.
• 24/7 access: Our hospice teams are available around the clock to answer questions and provide support.

Hospice professionals thoughtfully tailor care plans to each patient to support their end-of-life journey. This comprehensive service can have a great impact on the patient and their family members.

Traditions Health has a history of offering compassionate, professional hospice care services. To learn more about hospice care after a stroke, please contact us by submitting a request care form.