Dementia caregivers and live discharge from hospice: What happens when hospice leaves?
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2017
Department/School
Social Work
Publication Title
Journal of Gerontological Social Work
Abstract
Hospice offers holistic support for individuals living with terminal illness and their caregivers. Some individuals receiving hospice services experience a slower decline in health as than expected, resulting in a ‘live discharge’ from hospice. A live discharge affects both patient and caregiver(s).The current study (N=24) explored the experiences of caregivers of adults with dementia who experienced a live discharge from hospice. Findings emphasize the comprehensive services covered under the Medicare Hospice benefit and those lost after a live discharge. Implications for social workers supporting caregivers are discussed, including the need to view the patient-caregiver unit during a live discharge.
Link to Published Version
Recommended Citation
Wladkowski, S. P. (2017). Dementia caregivers and live discharge from hospice: What happens when hospice leaves? Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 60(2), 138–154. https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2016.1272075