DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2016.1272075">
 

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

DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2016.1272075

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