Hospice and your Medicare benefits

Rayma Scalzo

If you are a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s/Dementia, you are invited to attend our Caregiver Discussion Group on Saturday, April 16 at 9:30 a.m. We will have a presentation on Hospice and Your Medicare Benefits. The following questions will be addressed and there will be a discussion on some of the common myths pertaining to Hospice and recommend hospices out of our area, like Hospice Cincinnati.

How does your Medicare benefit work towards Hospice service?

What diagnosis qualifies the patient for services?

Who provides the care and services?

What role does the Primary Care Physician play during Hospice care?

When is the right time to call for an evaluation?

Our guest speaker for this important and informative topic will be Jacey LeClair, Clinical Director with Hospice of the West. Hospice care is the collaboration of a dedicated team of members who provide comprehensive end-of-life care to those with life limiting illnesses at their place of residence, whether that may be a private home, a skilled nursing facility, assisted living community or assisted living care home. Hospice offers short-term inpatient care for patients who require around the clock nursing care for pain and symptom management. Hospice also provides respite stays for patients who need a place to go to so their family members can have a short break from caregiving. Hospice care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hospice team is available for care and support after hours and on the weekends.

Following the presentation, our time will be spent with members asking questions or sharing experiences. Our group provides information, resources and comfort for those residents who are caregivers for loved ones who have Alzheimer’s or any type of dementia. They could live in the home, at a local care facility or out of state. Everything said during the meeting is confidential.

The Saturday Group

It provides respite care for those having Alzheimer’s/Dementia disease. This group meets at the same time at a nearby location and allows the caregiver the opportunity and peace of mind to attend the discussion group. If your loved one is unable to participate in such a group, we may be able to arrange for someone to come to your home during the two hour meeting. Please RSVP by Thursday, April 14 for this special group.

Monthly Breakfast

The caregivers meet for breakfast on the first Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m. This gives them an opportunity to get to know each other on a more personal level. Knowing others who are going through the same journey is very beneficial.

For more information and location of these activities, please contact Rayma at 623-935-1819 or send an email to [email protected].