Dementia and Alzheimers Referral Hospice Guidelines

When to call Arkansas Palliative Care

501-748-3388

Fast Scale Stage 6*
a. Difficulty dressing
b. Serious difficulties with bathing
c. Inability to toilet properly without help
d. Urinary incontinence
e. Fecal incontinence.

When to call Arkansas Hospice

Fast Scale Stage 7a*
a. Severely limited speech, just a handful of words a day
b. Little to no intelligible speech
c. Unable to walk
d. Unable to sit up without help
e. Unable to smile
f. Unable to hold head up without help

Referral Guidelines

Plus either:
1. Disease Related Complications such as:
a. Aspiration pneumonia
b. Pyelonephritis or upper urinary tract infection
c. Septicemia
d. Decubitus ulcers, multiple, stage 3-4
e. Fever recurrent after antibiotics
f. Difficulty swallowing or refusal to eat
g. If receiving artificial nutritional support (NG or G-tube, TPN), patient must be exhibiting continued weight loss despite the feedings
h. Protein calorie malnutrition:
i. Weight loss over 11% or
ii. BMI<18 or
iii. Albumin <3.1
Or
2. Significant Comorbidity such as:
a. Heart Failure
b. Advanced Cancer
c. COPD

If the patient does not meet above guidelines but is still thought to be appropriate for hospice (e.g., has comorbidities, recent rapid decline), please call for an assessment.

Arkansas Hospice now offers Telehealth support for patients and their families in nursing homes, inpatient centers, and their homes.

CLICK HERE for patient enrollment information

*SOURCES:

Sclan, S. G., & Reisberg, B. (1992). Functional Assessment Staging (FAST) in Alzheimer’s disease: Reliability, validity, and ordinality. International Psychogeriatrics, 1992 (4), Supplement 1:55-69.

I have nothing but the best things to say about Arkansas Hospice. They were so good to my Dad before he passed away. The love and care, compassion they showed to my dad was priceless. The nurses and CNA’s that took care of my Dad are the best and always be the best.

Linda M

We are just starting our dad’s final journey and Arkansas Hospice has been a blessing. They’ve taught us so much already and provide as much support and comfort to the family as they do my dad. I’m grateful they’ll be walking this final path with us.

Andrea E.

I love Arkansas Hospice. Every single employee has a heart of gold and takes the best care of their patients.

Lew R.

I would not hesitate at all to recommend this provider for anyone who is considering hospice care for themselves or for a loved one.

John B.

Arkansas Hospice took care of my Mom before she passed. It was my first experience with any hospice and I was amazed. They took such great care of her. They treated her with dignity and respect until the end.

Brenda R.

So many thanks for the way your staff treated my very dear friend, Jeff, as he raced toward the finish line. Words can’t express my gratitude for helping us to care for him and keep him comfortable. Top-notch professionalism and immediate responses to requests for assistance.

Aaron R.

14 Parkstone Circle | North Little Rock, AR 72116
(501) 748-3333 or Toll Free (877) 713-2348
contactus@arkansashospice.org

Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 71-0846826