Hospice News

Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center Urges Dementia Caregivers to Seek Assistance

More than 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease – the most common form of dementia.  Over time, as the condition increasingly affects a person’s memories, personality, and behaviors, it is common for loved ones to feel emotionally, physically, and financially exhausted.  

“When a loved one has advanced dementia the entire family is impacted in countless ways,” says Maria Roesler, RN, Director of Program Development for the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center (SBHPCC) in West Orange which manages the SBHPCC Inpatient Units at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark and Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch.  “At some point in the disease process it may be necessary for a caregiver to turn to health care professionals for support and guidance.”

Recognizing the need many caregivers have for professional assistance during the later stages of dementia, the SBHPCC developed a unique advanced dementia care program.  The program’s main goals are to monitor and manage patient symptoms and maximize comfort; provide information, support, and assistance to caregivers and family members; and offer a continuum of health care services to both the patient and the family through the progression of the disease.

“Dementia caregivers are often so overwhelmed with everyday responsibilities that they don’t take the time to step back and evaluate their need for professional intervention,” adds Roesler.  “It is important that they recognize the signs that indicate outside help is needed.  Such signals include the progression of symptoms and medical complications; a decrease in the patient’s ability to participate in daily activities; and an increase in caregiver stress as patient needs escalate.”

For more information about the Advanced Dementia Care Program offered by the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, please call 973-322-4800.

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