Liberty Hospice Launches Dementia Care Program for Hospice Patients
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a dedicated time to increase public awareness about brain health and the challenges posed by neurological conditions. At Liberty Hospice, we are using this month to highlight the importance of specialized support and to introduce our new Dementia Care Program.
Understanding the “Umbrella” of Dementia
One of the most important steps in brain awareness is understanding what dementia actually is. Dementia is an “umbrella term” used to describe a range of neurological conditions affecting the brain that worsen over time. Under this umbrella are several different types of disorders, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease, which slowly destroys memory and thinking skills
- Vascular dementia, often caused by conditions like stroke that disrupt blood flow to the brain
- Lewy body dementia, which can lead to problems with movement, mood and body functions
- Frontotemporal dementia, resulting from damage to the frontal and temporal lobes, affecting behavior and thinking
In North Carolina alone, 17 percent of hospice patients have recorded dementia as the primary reason for their care, highlighting a significant need for specialized approaches.
Introducing Liberty Hospice’s Dementia Care Program
Our new Dementia Care Program is built on a person-centered approach that honors the unique needs, life histories and preferences of every individual. We aim to provide an interdisciplinary approach that addresses not just physical needs, but also the emotional, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the patient.
Our program prioritizes non-pharmacological comfort strategies to promote dignity and reduce anxiety without relying solely on medication. These compassionate therapeutic interventions include:
- Music Therapy: Using familiar songs from the patient’s generation to evoke comfort and connection
- Aromatherapy: Utilizing calming scents like lavender or uplifting citrus oils
- Sensory Stimulation: Providing weighted blankets, textured objects or “fidget” blankets
- Reminiscence Therapy: Engaging in life review conversations using photo albums and memory boxes
- Pet Therapy: Offering emotional support through interaction with real or simulated animals
- Environmental Adjustments: Creating a calming space through dimmed lights and soothing colors to reduce overstimulation
Supporting Caregivers and Families
Dementia patients often communicate pain and discomfort through behaviors, not words. These behaviors signal unmet needs. Our specially trained clinicians provide essential guidance and education to help families recognize these cues. By responding with calm, compassionate strategies, caregivers can reduce distress and create a more peaceful environment for their loved ones.
As we recognize Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month this June, we want you to know that you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Our program is designed for hospice patients with a primary terminal diagnosis of advanced dementia who are experiencing significant functional decline. Together, we can provide the dignity, comfort and connection your family deserves.
About Liberty Home Care and Hospice:
Liberty Home Care and Hospice is a part of Liberty Health, a family-owned company that has provided continuum of care services across the Carolinas and beyond since 1875. We are a leading provider of home health, palliative and hospice care throughout North Carolina. We also provide home health care in select counties in South Carolina and Virginia. For additional information about our locations and our comprehensive services designed to meet the evolving needs of our patients, please visit our website or call (800) 999-9883.