Patient and Caregiver Resources
Whether you’re a hospice patient or hospice caregiver, dealing with a terminal illness diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Hospice of Southwest Ohio provides resources for those receiving hospice care and their loved ones so you can understand more about the disease itself, what to expect from palliative care and hospice care and how Hospice of Southwest Ohio can increase comfort and quality of life.
AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a disease of the nervous system that weakens muscles and impacts physical function. A person receiving palliative care can continue receiving treatment for ALS or may be able to receive hospice care if the illness has progressed rapidly in the past 12 months.
Cancer
Cancer is the name given to a group of more than 100 diseases in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably. Depending on the type of cancer, a person receiving palliative care can continue receiving cancer treatment or may be able to receive hospice care if the cancer advances and life expectancy is six months or less.
Cardiac Diseases
Cardiac diseases, also known as heart disease or cardiovascular disease, include coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and congenital heart disease, among other types. A person receiving palliative care can continue receiving treatment for a cardiac disease or may be able to receive hospice care if they exhibit a variety of heart conditions.
Dementia
While there are differences between Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related conditions, only a medical professional can make a diagnosis. A person receiving palliative care can continue receiving treatment for dementia or may be able to receive hospice care if a variety of conditions are present.
Liver Disease
Liver disease encompasses any condition that damages the liver and prevents it from functioning well. A person receiving palliative care can continue receiving treatment for liver disease or may be able to receive hospice care in several circumstances, such as if they are not a candidate for a liver transplant or if they are an alcoholic.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition, or failure to thrive, occurs when there is a lack of sufficient nutrients in the body. A person receiving palliative care can continue receiving treatment for malnutrition or may be able to receive hospice care if conditions worsen or new complications arise.
Pulmonary Disease
Pulmonary disease, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or lung disease, blocks airflow and makes it difficult to breathe. A person receiving palliative care can continue receiving treatment for pulmonary disease or may be able to receive hospice care if response to treatment is minimal or symptoms worsen.
Renal Disease
Renal disease, also known as kidney failure or chronic kidney disease, often has no symptoms and is diagnosed by a blood test. A person receiving palliative care can continue receiving treatment for renal disease or may be able to receive hospice care if they refuse dialysis or a kidney transplant, are over 75 or suffer from a variety of conditions.
Stroke and Coma
A stroke is a sudden interruption in the blood supply of the brain, whereas a coma is a period of prolonged unconsciousness that is brought on by an illness or injury. A person receiving palliative care can continue receiving treatment for a stroke or coma or may be able to receive hospice care if they are older than 70 and additional symptoms exist.
