What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living, Long-Term Care, and Hospice?

We can view assisted living, long-term care, and hospice can be thought of as three separate stages or phases of care for seniors. At our senior living community in beautiful Ocean City, New Jersey, we provide apartments and services for older adults who want a medically and socially secure community in their retirement years. UMC provides something known as the “Continuum of Care” for these residents. Many residents come to us fully independent, wanting to experience the social benefits of living in a community setting with their peers. As time goes on, mobility levels and medical needs change, and residents may need more help. At UMC at The Shores, they can progress along the continuum and receive the services and assistance they need, while remaining in the beautiful senior community they call home.

You may start out enjoying the independent lifestyle available at The Shores. You’ll not only have a beautiful apartment minutes away from New Jersey’s best beach for families, but you have access to all that The Shores offers, including meals, entertainment, plenty of opportunities for socializing, and any help you may need with activities of daily living (ADLs). Your rent includes much of these extra amenities, and if you need further assistance, you will only ever pay for services you need. Let’s take a closer look at our base assisted living model for more independent seniors and how that could escalate to long-term care and hospice if needed.

The Assisted Living Model

As time goes on, many residents find their need for assistance with ADLs increases. You may have a recently diagnosed medical condition, or require monitoring or an extra helping hand due to memory loss or mobility issues. This is an easy fix when you reside at UMC the Shores. Since you’re already a member of the UMC Family living at The Shores, , all we have to do is increase your care level as appropriate. This increase could include more daily check-ins with our caregivers or customized physical therapy sessions on-site with one of our dedicated therapists.

Long Term Care

At many non-UMC assisted living communities, you will unfortunately find they have little or no ability to deal with medically frail residents or those with multiple, complex medical conditions. When residents at other communities reach this stage, they are forced to transfer to different, dedicated long-term care or nursing facilities, regardless of how long they’ve been living at their assisted living community. This does not happen at United Methodist Communities at The Shores. Our long-term care program in Cape May County consists of around the clock care that includes nurses, medical management, and customized care services.

Residents that qualify for our long term care program typically have serious, late-stage chronic conditions or a rapidly changing health status. Some of the more common conditions include post-operative wounds, stroke, injuries, diabetes, infections, Alzheimer’s, cardio-vascular ailments, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and respiratory ailments.

Hospice Care

At UMC at The Shores, our Bridges hospice program is designed to bring comfort to not only the residents, but also their family members. For residents who have been medically deemed to have less than six months to live, the priority becomes attending to their complete comfort and holistic needs. Our approach incorporates a comprehensive team responsible for medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support. The resident and family’s desires, dignity, and quality of life are the absolute focus.

Hospice care in Cape May County, NJ

UMC at The Shores houses a dedicated neighborhood called Bridges at The Shores for hospice and palliative care. Our multi-disciplinary team ensures that residents are as comfortable as possible, while meeting their medical needs and providing mental and emotional support for the entire family.

For more information about Bridges at The Shores, if you have any other questions about palliative or hospice care, or you’d like further information about UMC’s continuum of care please contact our team today!

https://umcommunities.org/theshores/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/theshores/blog/whats-the-difference-between-assisted-living-long-term-care-and-hospice/

What is Palliative Care? How Does it Work?

If you’ve been advised that your loved one needs palliative care, you may be wondering what exactly palliative care is, and how it will benefit your loved one. Our hospice care team in South Jersey has put together this helpful guide to answer some basic questions about palliative care, and we hope it will help you make the best decision for your loved one and your family.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is a specific type of medical care for people of all ages who are seriously ill with life-threatening, curable, or chronic illnesses. The primary goal of palliative care is to improve quality of life by relieving pain and suffering.

Is palliative care the same thing as hospice care?

Not necessarily. Hospice care is for people diagnosed with terminal illnesses who don’t have long left to live, while palliative care is for all types of illnesses, including curable ones. Hospice care is palliative in the sense that its goal is to make the person as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

What’s the difference between a palliative doctor and a primary care doctor?

A primary care doctor will focus on overall health and treating diseases and illnesses. Palliative care doctors are focused on eliminating the person’s pain and suffering as much as possible, while also helping the ill person and their family cope with their illness.

If my loved one receives palliative care, will they still have access to their primary care doctor?

Yes, absolutely. Palliative care doctors and primary care doctors work together to ensure the person’s treatment is as comprehensive as possible. If your loved one enters palliative care, both their primary care doctor and their palliative care specialist will work in conjunction to create the optimal treatment plan for them.

How can I find the best palliative care for my loved one?

We recommend asking your loved one’s primary care doctor as a first point of inquiry. Certain hospitals and assisted living communities have palliative care specialists, and there are also medical teams who provide palliative care in the home.

Does insurance cover palliative care?

Coverage varies by state and insurance companies, of course,  but  many private insurance companies and HMOs include certain palliative care benefits. Medicare and Medicaid also have provisions for palliative care, so we recommend checking with your loved one’s insurance provider to learn what they’ll cover.

Palliative and hospice care in Cape May County, NJ

At UMC, we have a dedicated neighborhood called Bridges at The Shores for hospice care and palliative care. Our multi-disciplinary team ensures that residents are as comfortable as possible while meeting their medical needs and providing mental and emotional support. 

Placing a loved one in palliative or hospice care can be a very difficult decision and it’s one that affects the whole family. When your loved one enters hospice care at Bridges at The Shores they’ll have around-the-clock access to pain management specialists, medication support, life enrichment programs, spiritual support, personalized care plans, and customized meal plans. 

For more information about Bridges at The Shores, or if you have any other questions about palliative or hospice care, please contact the team at UMC today.

Original blog posted on https://umcommunities.org/hospice/what-is-palliative-care-how-does-it-work/

How to Comfort Those in Hospice

Moving a loved one into hospice care is never an easy process. Families often feel overwhelmed by a range of emotions as they try to offer help and support in a situation they have little to no experience with. People may also be overly-worried about saying the “wrong” thing to their loved one, despite their intentions being good.

When you hear the word “hospice” it may conjure negative feelings and emotions, but helping a loved one transition into hospice care can be a peaceful experience with the right mindset. Our South Jersey hospice team has shared some tips on how to create a comfortable, tranquil environment for your loved one in hospice care.

Dim the overhead lights. We’ve all been in offices and shopping malls with bright, overhead fluorescent lighting, so you can imagine how uncomfortable bright lights can be to those with certain sensitivities and illnesses. If it’s possible, we recommend keeping the overhead lights switched off and using several lamps throughout your loved ones room instead. Lamps provide softer, gentler light that is easier on the eyes and creates a more relaxing atmosphere. 

Don’t be afraid to sit in silence with your loved one. Sitting in silence doesn’t need to be an uncomfortable experience. Both you and your loved one are processing many emotions and thoughts. Your physical presence alongside them is often a big comfort in and of itself. Sitting in silence allows everyone to work through their feelings, practice meditation, and if you’re religious, it can be an ideal time to pray. 

Maintain a quiet environment. People in hospice can easily become overwhelmed by loud sounds, bright lights, and too much general commotion. Don’t leave the TV turned on all the time, and when it is on keep the volume low. Don’t speak too loudly with other people while in your loved one’s room. Minimizing loud noises and commotion can help your loved one avoid feeling agitated and stressed.

Adapt a gentle touch. Things like gently holding a loved one’s hand or a soft touch on the arm can be very comforting to those in their final stages of life. Gentle touches let your loved one know you’re there and it helps them feel connected with you.

Jersey Shore hospice care

Making the decision to put a loved one in a hospice care community is never an easy one. Terminally ill people often reach a point where they need around-the-clock specialized assistance that may be difficult or impossible to administer at home.

At Bridges at The Shores, our hospice community in Cape May County, we strive to provide a peaceful, nurturing environment for all of our residents. Our multidisciplinary approach includes nurses, social workers, chaplains and pain management specialists who attend to our residents’ physical, social, and emotional needs. Our priority is making both our residents and their family members feel as comfortable as possible.

For more information about hospice care at UMC at The Shores in Cape May County, please contact our team today. Our South Jersey hospice team is here to support your family every step of the way. 

To learn more about hospice care in South Jersey, please visit our website at: https://theshores.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://umcommunities.org/hospice/how-to-comfort-those-in-hospice/

A Guide to Putting Your Affairs in Order

When diagnosed with a terminal illness, one of the tasks patients need to address is ensuring that their personal paperwork is in order. Despite the negative connotations of this task, it can be a very empowering process that delivers great peace-of-mind. Here are some tips to help with that process from our hospice in South Jersey.

A Checklist of Basic Documentation

Every person’s situation and requirements are unique, but the basics apply to everyone. The general documentation and information you should gather into a file includes:
General information

1. Your full legal name, social security number, date and location of birth and current address.
2. The names and contact information for your spouse, children or nearest dependents.
3. A list of your current medications and contact information for your doctors.
4. A copy of your Living Will, Advance Directive, Last Will and Testament and Power of Attorney documents, and your lawyer’s contact details /whoever holds the original documents.
5. A copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, citizenship documentation, etc. and instructions on where the originals are located.
6. Military records, if applicable.

Financial information

1. Medicare/Medicaid information.
2. Social security information.
3. Credit/debit card information.
4. List of bank accounts and safety deposit box information.
5. Insurance information – life insurance, homeowner’s insurance, car insurance, long-term care insurance, etc.
6. Copy of your financial Power of Attorney documents with instructions on where the originals are held.
7. List of assets and liabilities and instructions on where the deed for your home, car title and other property documents are located.

Additional information

1. Instructions on pet care and guardianship, as well as their veterinary contact information, pet insurance, etc.
2. List of monthly household bills and instructions — electricity and gas, internet, water and sewerage, real estate taxes, maintenance providers (garden service, trash, etc.).

Wellness-Focused End-of-Life Care at Our Hospice in South Jersey

At The Shores, a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit organization in New Jersey, we offer a compassionate, professional hospice neighborhoods in the Jersey Shore area called Bridges. In this program, we focus on creating a nurturing and comforting environment for patients and their loved ones through customized care programs and compassionate support. To find out more about our hospice in the Jersey Shore area, please visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/hospice-care-nj/ or contact us today and organize your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/a-guide-to-putting-your-affairs-in-order/

Palliative Care – Deciding Between In-Home and Hospice Options

Individuals at the end-of-life have several care options available to them, but it can be a challenge deciding which ones will work best. Our hospice in South Jersey recommends looking at three main factors to help you decide – namely, the intensity of care needed, the available budget for care, and the wishes of the person concerned. In this article, we’ll take a look at two high-quality end-of-life care options and what they offer.

Home-Based End-of-Life Care 

This is provided in the home of the individual, which can be more comforting and comfortable than some alternatives like hospitalization. The services and cost vary from provider to provider and depend on the severity of the individual’s condition.

It should involve a team of fully trained caregivers to take care of a wide range of duties from nursing and medication management to nutrition and hygiene, and even household chores if needed. Home-based care has the advantage of not having to move your loved one to new surroundings, which can cause confusion and distress and may make it more difficult for friends and family to visit if the site is far away.

Hospice End-of Life Care

Hospice facilities are not to be confused with hospital facilities, as they don’t offer curative treatments. Instead, hospice focuses solely on providing comfort and care to terminal patients with six months or less to live. Unlike hospitals and institutional facilities, quality hospice facilities go to great lengths to provide a calm, welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for patients, combining the privacy and comforts of a home with expert nursing and therapy services.

At a hospice, your loved one will receive around-the-clock care tailored to his or her exact needs and wishes. Interdisciplinary care teams are on hand at all times to ensure that patients’ physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs are met, and families are also supported throughout this time. Care plans are developed with input from patients and their loved ones as well as doctors, nurses, therapists and other specialists.

The cost of hospice care varies among providers, but eligible patients at providers certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should receive coverage for all care related to the admitting diagnosis through the Medicare and Medicaid Hospice Benefit.

Find Out More About Quality Hospice Care – Speak to the Team at Our Hospice in South Jersey 

At The Shores, a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit organization in New Jersey, we offer care in a compassionate, professional hospice neighborhood in the Jersey Shore area called Bridges.

This program focuses on creating a nurturing and comforting environment for individuals and their loved ones through customized care programs and compassionate support. To find out more about our hospice neighborhood in Cape May County, please visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/hospice-care-nj/ or contact us today and schedule your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/palliative-care-deciding-between-in-home-and-hospice-options/

7 Essentials to Pack for Hospice Care

Moving into hospice care in jersey shore can be a challenging time for patients and their families, but knowing what to bring can help make this transition easier. Here’s a basic guide from the team at our hospice in South Jersey.

1. All current medication. This includes medicines, treatment creams, medical inhalers, eye drops, and any medical equipment, including a walker, unless supplied by the hospice.
2. Comfortable clothing. Three to four pairs of pajamas, a night gown, socks, slippers and a bed jacket or sweater. Slippers should fit well and have good grip.
3. All day-to-day toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, denture cleaning/storage (if needed), deodorant, body wash and skin moisturizer/lotion, hairbrush, cosmetics, razor and shaving cream, and so forth.
4. Favorite foods. This depends on what food the hospice can store on your behalf, but favorite cookies, snacks, chocolate and other goodies are always welcome.
5. Personal bedding. Although high-quality linens are supplied, many patients get extra comfort from using a pillow or blanket from home.
6. Pictures and sentimental items. A few personal photographs, a vase for flowers, a favorite plant or sentimental items are welcome and help bring in the comforts of home.
7. Music and books. A radio, music player or other device loaded with your loved one’s favorite music and audio books makes a great addition. Books are also welcome, as are other reading materials.

If there is anything else a patient or visitor would like to bring into hospice, be sure to contact the staff and ask whether it can be accommodated. Our team is happy to work with you to create a comfortable, supportive and caring environment.

Visit A Hospice in South Jersey and Discover A Program Based on Compassion and Care 

At The Shores, a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit organization in New Jersey, we offer care in a compassionate, professional hospice neighborhood called Bridges, in the Jersey Shore area.

It focuses on creating a nurturing and comforting environment for assisted living individuals and their loved ones through customized care programs and compassionate support. To find out more about our hospice in Cape May County, please visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/hospice-care-nj/ or contact us today and schedule your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/7-essentials-to-pack-for-hospice-care/

A Guide to Terminal Restlessness Among Hospice Patients

As much as dying is a fact of life most people prefer to avoid thinking about this topic. While understandable, it does mean that many of us are unprepared when facing the dying process, which makes the passing of a loved one even more difficult.

One common part of this process is known as terminal restlessness. In order to comfort their loved one through this experience, it’s important for the family and friends to understand what this is and how it is managed. Here is a basic guide from the team at our hospice residence in South Jersey.

What is Terminal Restlessness and How Can It Be Managed? 

This term, used to describe a mental state that many terminal patients move through during their final stages of life, is estimated to affect up to 85% of patients. The symptoms include agitation, restlessness, delirium, confusion and impaired consciousness. Many patients also experience myoclonic jerks (involuntary muscle movement) and twitches. Understandably, this is distressing for loved ones.

While the exact cause of these symptoms isn’t linked to one particular condition, caregivers will monitor any changes in mental state to ensure that any underlying conditions are treated. Common causes for terminal restlessness include hypercalcaemia (a metabolic disorder common to cancer patients), fever, organ failure, sepsis, drug interactions, increased pressure on the brain, or opioid toxicity.

Researchers also point to a likely psychological element at work here, in which patients are more aware that they are approaching the end of their lives. Whatever the reason, caregivers play a vital role monitoring mental state, offering spiritual and emotional comfort, ensuring treatment of any underlying conditions whenever possible, and offering sedation if needed. Specialists often recommend that loved ones try playing calming music, talking in a gentle and reassuring manner, and holding your terminal loved one’s hand to help reduce agitation.

Comfort, Compassion and Care at Our Hospice Residence in South Jersey 

At The Shores, a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit organization in New Jersey, we offer care in a compassionate, professional hospice neighborhood in the Jersey Shore area called Bridges.

It focuses on creating a nurturing and comforting environment for individuals and their loved ones through customized care programs and compassionate support. To find out more about our hospice neighborhood in Cape May County, please visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/hospice-care-nj/ or contact us today and schedule your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/a-guide-to-terminal-restlessness-among-hospice-patients/

Don’t Wait Too Long for Hospice Care

Hospice services are a valuable resource for people of all ages, but especially the elderly and their loved ones, providing comfort, care and support through the final stages of life. Despite the value of this service, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that very few elderly people who qualified for this level of care made use of it.

Here are some additional insights into the study and the value of palliative care programs, from the team at our assisted living hospice dedicated neighborhood in South Jersey:

Who is Making Use of Hospice and Palliative Care Services? 

The study looked at 562 individuals over 70 years of age, with an average age of 87-years-old. Of all the participants, only 43% were admitted to hospice care in their last year of life, and half the participants only received 13 days or less of care.

Ideally, candidates who would benefit from this care have six months or less to live, so clearly these services are underutilized.

Why is it Better to Go into Hospice Earlier?

The most common reason for avoiding hospice care may very well be that this is a very difficult, emotional and distressing time for patients and their families. It represents a final part of a loved one’s life, and we’d all prefer focusing on their life rather than their passing.

The study also found that while certain terminal illnesses have a fairly predictable progression, others make it far more difficult to determine when treatment is no longer an option. Afflictions like frailty and dementia also make it more difficult to pinpoint when hospice care is the best choice. This makes it essential to keep in regular contact with physicians and ask questions about treatment plans and hospice programs so that families can make informed decisions that prioritize a loved one’s comfort and care when the time comes.

The reality is that hospice care is a valuable resource. It focusses on expert pain management, physical comfort and spiritual support, as well as social and physical activities tailored to your loved one’s needs.

They also provide support and care to families and loved ones, allowing them to step back as caregivers and spend quality time with their loved ones while compassionate staff makes sure their other needs are met. Hospice care also actively works to reduce hospitalizations for patients, ensuring their care and nursing needs are met in a more welcoming and comfortable community.

Find Out What Quality Care Means at Our Hospice in South Jersey 

At The Shores, a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit organization in New Jersey, we offer care in a compassionate, professional hospice neighborhood in the Jersey Shore area called Bridges.

It focuses on creating a nurturing and comforting environment for individuals and their loved ones through customized care programs and compassionate support. To find out more about our hospice neighborhood in Cape May County, please visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/hospice-care-nj/ or contact us today and schedule your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/dont-wait-too-long-for-hospice-care/

The Role of Hospice Care for Loved One’s with Dementia

Alzheimer’s and dementia conditions can bring physical and emotional battles for patients and their loved ones, and in its end stages, requires specialist care. Look for hospice services that have experience with individuals with dementia, as they provide this care with expertise and compassion, focusing on relieving pain, controlling symptoms and maintaining a good quality of life.

This not only keeps these individuals comfortable and safe, it also measurably reduces the anxiety and worry families experience, relieving them of the care burden so that they can spend time with their loved one. Here are some more insights from the team at our hospice and palliative care community in South Jersey.

What is the Right Time to Choose Hospice Care? 

Hospice is a service designed specifically for end-of-life care when a person has been medically determined to have six months or less of life remaining. Due to the unpredictable speed of decline dementia can bring, it can be more difficult to determine when hospice is the right option.
While only a doctor can make the final determination, caregivers, friends and family should keep an eye out for the following common signs in declining patients:

• They don’t speak more than a few words at a time.
• They are no longer mobile and cannot move from their bed.
• They are dependent on others for eating, dressing, grooming, and hygiene.
• They commonly express high anxiety.

If you are concerned about your loved one, you can request a hospice evaluation from your loved one’s doctor or neurologist to help determine the right course of action. It’s important to remember that you are your loved one’s advocate, and it’s up to you to act to ensure that they are getting the care they need and deserve.

While the idea of hospice care can be frightening or stressful to consider, the benefits of having a team of trained caregivers cannot be overestimated. In fact, terminal care patients benefit significantly from moving into hospice care — suffering fewer hospitalizations and gaining the advantage of effective pain management programs. Families also find greater satisfaction in hospice care, as they are surrounded by a supportive and caring team who are there to help ease this journey.

Find Out How a Leading Hospice and Palliative Care Community in South Jersey Can Care for Your Loved One 

At The Shores, a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit organization in New Jersey, we offer care in a compassionate, professional hospice neighborhood in the Jersey Shore area called Bridges. It focuses on creating a nurturing and comforting environment for individuals and their loved ones through customized care programs and compassionate support. To find out more about our hospice in South Jersey, please visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/hospice-care-nj/ or contact us today and organize your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/role-hospice-care-loved-ones-dementia/

Hospice Care Increases Comfort and Reduces Hospitalizations

When a loved one has reached the end stages of terminal cancer, hospitalization often becomes an increasingly frequent experience. This has a significant impact on care costs as well as on the patient’s quality of life. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that palliative care options like hospice, can significantly reduce the rate of hospitalizations and aggressive procedures for these patients.

What is hospice and palliative care? 

When a patient is no longer able to benefit from medical treatments due to a terminal illness or disease, the care focus changes to keeping the patient comfortable and as healthy as possible for the remainder of their life. For example, cancer patients will no longer undergo chemotherapy, radiation or surgeries designed to cure or remove the cancer. Instead, they will receive medications and therapies that keep pain and discomfort at bay.

Why is reducing hospitalizations a good thing? 

Aiming to reduce hospitalizations for end-of-life patients may sound counter-intuitive, after all, hospitals provide cures and treatments to extend and enhance our lives. However, this is not the case for terminal patients at the end of their lives. They are often hospitalized for health issues that could have been prevented through better end-of-life care. Treating these preventable issues costs families, insurance companies and government insurance programs a huge amount of money.

What did the study find? 

The study, conducted with the input of 18,000 pairs of Medicare patients with terminal cancers, found:

• Non-hospice patients had more hospitalizations than hospice patients (65% vs. 42%);
• Non-hospice patients were placed in intensive care more often than hospice patients (36% vs. 15%);
• More invasive procedures were done on non-hospice patients than hospice patients (51% vs. 27%); and
• Most hospitalizations of non-hospice patients were due to health concerns unrelated to their cancers.

These findings also show that overall, a non-hospice patient incurred a total cost of $71,517 during their last year of life, while a hospice patient’s costs totaled $62,819 — a relative saving of nearly $9,000.

These findings highlight an important issue that goes far beyond the cost of end-of-life medical care. It’s not simply a matter of money. The quality of care hospice delivers actively works to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and health complications, and ensures comfort at this important stage of life.

Comfortable, wellness-focused end-of-life care at our hospice dedicated assisted living area in South Jersey 

At The Shores, a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit assisted living organization in New Jersey, we offer a compassionate, professional hospice-dedicated are of our community at the Jersey Shore called Bridges. It focuses on creating a nurturing and comforting environment for patients and their loved ones through customized care programs and compassionate support. To find out more about our hospice in South Jersey, please visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/ or contact us today and organize your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/hospice-care-increases-comfort-reduces-hospitalizations/

Signs Your Loved One With Alzheimer’s Is Ready for Hospice Care

For family and caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients, facing the last stages of this disease is an incredible challenge — not just emotionally, but physically and mentally. This is a time in which making care decisions becomes more and more difficult. During these final life stages, hospice services can provide the care and support you and your loved one need. If you’re considering hospice care, be aware of signs that your loved one is ready for professional end-of-life care.

An Alzheimer’s patient is ready for hospice when:

• A doctor has diagnosed a life expectancy of 6 months or less. This criterion is universal for all hospice patients, regardless of their health conditions, as this care is designed to manage pain and focus on comfort in the last stages of life — not provide treatment for a disease.
• They become totally dependent. In the final stages of Alzheimer’s, patients become totally dependent on caregivers for assistance in daily life and activities. This includes physical dependency, as many people are unable to walk, sit or attend to their personal hygiene.
• Weight loss increases. Late-stage Alzheimer’s patients struggle to take in enough food and liquid, have difficulty manipulating utensils, and even difficulty chewing and swallowing, which leads to weight loss.
• They are unable to communicate effectively. The loss of intelligent speech, inability to express themselves, and inability to respond to others indicate the disease is reaching its final phase.
• They are more vulnerable to other diseases and infections. Dealing with other health conditions along with Alzheimer’s can be exceptionally challenging, as many patients suffer from pneumonia and other infections.

Hospice in South Jersey is about spending quality time with your loved one

Alzheimer’s is a challenge for patients and their loved ones, and even more so for family caregivers. Hospice is not just about providing comfort and care for our residents, it’s about taking the weight off family caregivers and loved ones so they can make the most of this final time together in a supportive environment.

At The Shores, a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit organization in New Jersey, we offer a compassionate, professional hospice neighborhood in Cape May County called Bridges. In this program, we focus on creating a nurturing and comforting environment for patients and their loved ones through customized care programs and compassionate support.

To find out more about our hospice neighborhood in the Jersey Shore area, please visit our website and contact us today at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/ to arrange your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/signs-loved-one-alzheimers-ready-hospice-care/

How To Care For An Elderly Loved One With Cancer

February 4 is World Cancer Day, when we remember those coping with this disease as well as those that have passed away or gone into remission. Here is some insight for hospice care in South Jersey for caregivers compassionately caring for a senior loved one with cancer.

What is the role of a caregiver?

Caregivers take on a wide range of tasks to assist the patient or loved one, from providing emotional support and assisting with medical care to managing financial or insurance issues and communicating with the healthcare team.

This extensive and challenging role can easily become overwhelming, especially if you have your own career and family. Both professional and personal support is essential, not only to help you cope, but also to ensure a high quality of care.

As a caregiver, it’s important to be positive and proactive as well as compassionate in your role – especially if you are caring for an elderly loved one – in order to make sure that they get the best possible treatment and quality of life care from their medical team. This is a big responsibility for many people who need to know the limits of what they can handle  to get support and assistance.

Although doing it out of love, caring for an elderly loved one with cancer can quickly become a demanding full-time job that puts caregivers under a lot of pressure. Self-care becomes essential and professional services can step in and deliver high-quality respite care whenever required.

What care options are available when cancer is terminal?

There may come a point at which doctors agree that medical treatment will not cure the cancer or improve the patient’s quality of life — this is the time to consider hospice care. The Shores, a leading assisted living community, offers Bridges, a uniquely compassionate and professional hospice dedicated program in Cape May County.

With an emphasis on creating a nurturing and comforting environment, Bridges offers customized services that not only support your loved one, but you and your family as well.

To find out more about Bridges, our hospice dedicated neighborhood or our senior retirement living in South Jersey, please contact us today and organize your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/care-elderly-loved-one-cancer/

A closer look into the comforts of palliative care

As the life of a loved one draws to a close, treatment changes from trying to find a cure to ensuring comfort and support. As part of our hospice care program, Bridges, our hospice in South Jersey, we offer a nurturing atmosphere and hospice care services both to patients, and their friends and families.

Every hospice care program is different, but Bridges was developed specifically for United Methodist Communities at The Shores to provide a personalized, private and supportive environment for anyone with a life-limiting illness to experience high quality care and comfort. Some of the services and amenities we offer include:

• Private, furnished one-bedroom apartments with a dedicated kitchenettes and bathroom facilities.
• High quality beds with soft, luxurious linens to match.
• WiFi-enabled apartments and common spaces for the convenience of patients, family members and friends.
• Medication management, personalized care and meal service carried out by compassionate, experienced caregivers,
• Food  available any time of day or night throughout the week and weekends in the family room, so visitors and family members can remain at mealtimes.
• Spiritual support and pastoral care for patients as well as their loved ones.
• Our family support program helps loved ones and family members during this difficult time.

In addition, The Shores provides Bridges’ residents access to several useful and enriching amenities and programs, including outdoor garden space, music room, religious services, gym, salon, and a life enrichment program.

Comfort and quality of life is key at our Cape May County hospice 

The Shores, a United Methodist Communities senior and assisted living facility, offers superior end-of-life care through Bridges. With an emphasis on creating a nurturing and comforting environment, we offer customized services that not only support your loved one, but you and your family, as well.

To find out more about Bridges, our hospice neighborhood or our assisted living community in South Jersey, please contact us today to arrange your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/closer-look-comforts-palliative-care/