title: Dementia Caregivers and Live Discharge from Hospice: What Happens When Hospice Leaves?
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.
authors.affiliation: a Eastern Michigan University , Ypsilanti , Michigan , USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Wladkowski
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000639:trends; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000592:standards; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D017051:Hospice Care; D006738:Hospices / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000592:standards; D012944:Social Support; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: Caregiving; dementia; hospice care/palliative care; live discharge