HFA develops free 'Alzheimer's Disease and Hospice Care' online webinar

May 10 2011

The Hospice Foundation of America has developed "Alzheimer's Disease and Hospice Care," a free online webinar that examines how hospice care can support patients and families coping with end-stage Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

More than 5 million people in the U.S. live with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and this number is expected to grow even higher.  "Caregivers often provide help over the course of many years, but when a person enters the final stages of Alzheimer's disease, care needs become more intensive and demanding," states Lisa McGahey Veglahn, Program Officer at HFA. "Many people are surprised to learn that hospice is available to help care for people in the end stages of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias."  

HFA's new free online webinar discusses the impact of advanced Alzheimer's disease, and how family, professionals and volunteers can manage the demands of caring for someone with end-stage dementia. The program also looks at the specialized care and education that hospice offers to persons with Alzheimer's and their families--offering vital management of pain and other symptoms; emotional and spiritual support to cope with the many losses associated with advanced dementia; and compassionate guidance in assisting families with difficult decision-making that often has to be made without the patient's input. The program, plus additional resources and Fact Sheets, is available at no charge. Free Continuing Education credits are available for a wide range of professionals.

This program is part of HFA's Hospice Information Center, an extensive online library that also includes programs such as Understanding Hospice, Family Caregiving, and Coping with Cancer at the End of Life.  The programming provides hospices and other community organizations the opportunity to educate staff and volunteers about the basics of hospice care, caregiving, and grief, and links are provided to guide viewers to more information on a variety of subjects. Other resources are available for consumers, to help family and friends learn about hospice and how it can help people cope with some of life's most challenging situations, in a format that is accessible and understandable. Resources are also available in Spanish and Chinese.