Helping Hands Blog

Fall brings colder weather and shorter days. Before we know it Thanksgiving will be here and we will be preparing for the busiest time of the year. These changes may be exciting to some, but for others, fall can be a difficult time. For individuals suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia, a change in the environment can be confusing, and frustrating.

The Alzheimer’s Association (AA) has reported approximately 5.8 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease. By 2050, this number could increase to nearly 14 million individuals. With these high numbers, it is important to stay informed about the best ways to care for individuals and loved ones who are living with this disease.

As we get older it isn't unusual for our hobbies, interests, and habits to change. After all, if we continued to like and do the same thing our whole lives it would become less interesting. These types of changes in our behavior can be fun, and connect us with others. When it comes to the behavioral changes associated with Sundowners Syndrome, we can find our loved ones isolating themselves and becoming more irritable than usual.

June 18, 2019 was not only a day of celebration, but a day of remembrance. Members of our community, as well as our dedicated staff, came together to honor two individuals who fully embraced, and represent the true spirit of Gulfside.

1. Great prices! The Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes have the best prices in town on anything you’re looking for.
2. Designer brands, for much, much less! More times than not, you can find a great deal on top name brands like Vera Bradley, Dooney & Burke, Ann Taylor, Michael Kors, and so many more.
3. Find a one-of-a-kind gifts for anyone on your list! Our displays of unique collectibles are sure to make anyone smile.
4. Get your hands on some hard-to-find antiques! We have seen all kinds of things come through our doors, from antique glassware to vintage games and baseball cards.

Discussing hospice can be a beneficial option at any stage of a life-limiting illness. Patients as well as their families benefit the most when they are supported by the hospice team with physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual support from their hospice team as early as possible.

Did you know?

Below are some interesting facts and figures released by the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization.Gulfside is proud to have served residents of Pasco County, Fl for the past 30 years.

•  47.5% of hospice patients are ages 84 or older. Less than 6% are younger than age 65.
• Only 27% of hospice patients have a principal diagnosis of cancer. 18% have a diagnosis of dementia.
• The average length of stay for Medicare patients enrolled in hospice is 71 days.

Hospice Care

Hospice care is palliative by nature, meaning it provides comfort care. At the point of receiving hospice care, a patient's illness has progressed to where curative treatment is no longer desired or beneficial. Hospice care supports the patient and their families while focusing on relieving symptoms and offering comfort from pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, anxiety, insomnia or constipation.

Non-Hospice Palliative Care

By definition, non-hospice palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms that are related to chronic illnesses, such as cancer, cardiac disease, respiratory disease, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s and other dementias, AIDS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other neurological diseases.

As you can see, there are differences between non-hospice palliative care and hospice care – and yet there is a relationship between the two. Non-hospice palliative care can be used at any stage of an illness, not just the advanced stages.

Every year, hundreds of motorcyclists ride across Pasco County to participate in the Hittin’ the Road for Hospice event in support of Gulfside Hospice. Members of the Chrome Divas have been participating since the event began in 2012. One of the Divas’ fearless leaders, Roxy Philip, has been a constant presence at the event and an inspirational fundraiser for Gulfside Hospice. She is not only a cool biker chick, she’s also a natural when it comes to fundraising.

When asked how she’d describe the Chrome Divas of Trinity, Roxy Philip said, “We are a female riding organization that’s all about going out and having fun; and if we can help people out along the way, that’s gravy.”

When patients cannot be cared for in their home, they are welcome in one of ours. The Gulfside Centers for Hospice Care provide medical expertise in a home-like setting for patients who need short-term, round-the-clock, hospice care. Gulfside is proud to offer two Centers for Hospice Care: one in New Port Richey and the other in Zephyrhills.

Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about hospice care in a hospice house setting. For more information or to schedule a tour of either Center, click here or call 800-561-4883.

Who is eligible to use the Gulfside Centers for Hospice Care?

Hospice patients who need short-term, round-the-clock care because of care requirements or other needs that cannot be managed where the patient lives.

The beginning of a new year is a natural time to review your financial and estate plans, or even to finally put one in place. We sat down together with two local experts, Joan Nelson Hook, Esq., Board Certified Elder Law Attorney from The Hook Law Group and Patricia Jones, CPA/ABV CFF CFE from Jones & Company CPAs PA, for their advice on common financial and estate planning questions.