Collin County Living Well Magazine May/June 2019 | Page 31

KATHERINE KRAUSE Katherine is a leading voice in health care and senior services and the President and CEO of VNA Texas. Dear Katherine, My mother is 85 years old and suffers from Alzheimer’s. She lives in an assisted living facility. Her doctor says it may be time to start considering hospice. How do we know when it’s time? She doesn’t seem to be “near the end” to me. ~When is it time? Dear When is it time, Alzheimer’s disease has such a slow, sometimes unpredictable decline, making it hard to determine how far in the disease process one is. It also makes the disease so difficult to cope with; some call it “the long goodbye”. It can be very taxing on families and difficult to grieve at the same time. Hospice and palliative physicians are experts in determining disease trajectory to see if the patient is nearing the last six months of life. There are many factors to consider in decline including weight loss, frequent infections, recent ER or hospital admissions, decline in level of independence (walking, dressing oneself, bathing, etc.) and speaking few words. These indicators signal someone is ready for hospice. If your mother’s physician indicates it may be time, or if you believe it might be time for hospice, you can request a consultation with the hospice team for evaluation. ~Katherine Dear Katherine, Several of my friends and I are interested in volunteering our time. How can we get involved? ~Wants to Volunteer Dear Wants to Volunteer, At VNA there are many opportunities to give the invaluable gift of time and we are always looking for volunteers! We are always grateful for volunteers who deliver Meals on Wheels to seniors in Dallas County whether you deliver once or regularly. You can brighten the day of a senior neighbor on your lunch break—sign up at www.volunteer.vnatexas.org. Another great way to get involved is to help patients and caregivers in our hospice program. Volunteers may provide companionship and sit with patients giving family caregivers time to go to the store or an appointment. Volunteers also facilitate group activities in one location, such as a memory care unit. Depending on the need, the time frames for volunteering with hospice may vary and the help is always needed—especially for office assistance! Lastly, hospice offers many unique needs, so special skills are also welcome such as pet therapy, hair cutting—whatever your gift, we can use it at VNA! ~Katherine vnatexas.org N I J H 2016 Readers’ Choice ACCREDITED VNA Hospice Care VNA Care Choices VNA Hospice Care focuses on living life to its fullest and treating you with the dignity and respect you deserve. As a nonprofit, our bottom line is patient support and care provided by our highly qualified staff. Following the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, patients and their loved ones have many questions about the best course of action. VNA Care Choices provides supportive care services in the home while continuing treatment with your current physician. To schedule your free in-home informational visit please call [phone] or email [email protected] For volunteer opportunities please call [phone] or email [email protected] COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MAY/JUNE 2019 29