Our Services of Hospice Care for Dementia
In this article:
The Alzheimer’s Association defines dementia as “an umbrella term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life.”
Diseases labeled as dementia come from abnormal brain changes, and those with dementia often have problems with:
- Short-term memory
- Paying bills
- Planning and preparing meals
- Remembering appointments
- Traveling outside the neighborhood
- Keeping track of their purse or wallet
These are some of the reasons we believe it is crucial to offer quality hospice care for dementia
Dementia: By the Numbers
Millions across the country have dementia. In fact:
- The National Institute of Health estimates more than 6 million Americans are affected by dementia.
- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services cited the Alzheimer’s Association as reporting 210,000 North Carolinians living with Alzheimer’s in 2020, the most recent figures available.
- A study in Nature Medicine published in January 2025 reports a lifetime risk of dementia of 42 percent occurring after age 55.
The team at Albemarle, North Carolina-based Tillery Compassionate Care has hospice care for dementia and palliative care options available to comfort your loved one during their varied stages of dementia.
Our Individualized Approach to Hospice Care for Dementia
Dementia impacts individuals and families in different ways.
Each case is different.
So is Tillery Compassionate Care.
Tillery Compassionate Care most often provides care for your loved ones at home. It was the first hospice in North Carolina to be named an Age-Friendly Care at Home organization by the Community Health Accreditation Partner, Inc.
Under Care at Home, Tillery Compassionate Care follows an essential set of evidence-based practices, causes no harm and aligns with what matters to the older adult and their family caregivers.
However, assistance is not limited to the home, as it is also provided by Tillery Compassionate Care in skilled nursing centers and in the hospital. Tillery Compassionate Care meets you on your terms, no matter where you or your loved one resides.
The Goal of Our Hospice Care for Dementia
Tillery Compassionate Care’s goal for the hospice program is to help individuals in their remaining weeks or months live life to the fullest, in comfort, while enjoying time with family and friends.
Our team includes:
- A medical director
- Nurses
- Social workers
- Personal care aides
- Chaplain
- Volunteer caregivers
- Bereavement counselors
They enable Tillery Compassionate Care to fully treat its clients – both patient and family.
The Highest Level of Customized Care
Based on your plan, customized with consultation of you, your family and your doctors, Tillery Compassionate Care will provide medical equipment, supplies, oxygen and all medications related to the illness.
Hospice care also provides:
- Emergency transport
- Outpatient services
- Short-term general inpatient care
- …and more.
In most cases, hospice care is paid by Medicare, Medicaid, insurance or private pay. Our billing specialist can answer specific questions, but as a nonprofit organization, Tillery Compassionate Care is committed to providing care regardless of ability to pay.
Anyone can refer a patient to hospice, including:
- A physician
- A healthcare professional
- A family member
- A friend
- The patient him/herself
Eligibility for care is based on a patient’s life expectancy (six months or less as certified by a physician), whether a patient or caregiver elects to receive hospice care, and whether the patient desires to receive comfort care, as opposed to curative treatment.
Tillery Compassionate Care: Serving the Community
Tillery Compassionate Care traces its roots back to 1981 and the founding of Hospice of Stanly County. Since then, the nonprofit organization has provided care to more than 8,000 terminally ill residents.
Call 704-983-4216 or visit tillerycompassionatecare.org to learn more about how Tillery Compassionate Care can meet your needs today.
Key Takeaways:
- Dementia is a progressive condition marked by memory loss and cognitive decline. It makes everyday tasks difficult.
- Over 6 million Americans live with dementia, including more than 210,000 North Carolinians with Alzheimer’s, making compassionate, tailored care essential for patients and families.
- Tillery was the first hospice in North Carolina to be recognized as an Age-Friendly Care at Home organization
- Hospice care is highly individualized, and a comprehensive team works together to develop a care plan with the patient, family and health care professionals.
- Your hospice care team will include physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
- Bereavement counselors and chaplains are also a part of the hospice care team.
- Services are provided in various settings, including private homes, skilled nursing centers, and hospitals.
- Anyone can refer a person to hospice care, including friends or family members.
- Hospice services are generally covered by Medicare, Medicaid or insurance.
- As a nonprofit hospice, Tillery Compassionate Care provides care regardless of ability to pay.
Hospice care eligibility is determined by a life expectancy of six months or less, as certified by a physician, and a decision to focus on comfort rather than curative treatment.
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Sources:
Alzheimer’s Association, “Public Health State Overview: North Carolina,” https://www.alz.org/professionals/public-health/state-overview/north-carolina#:~:text=211%2C000%20people%20aged%2065%20and,care%20provided%20by%20Alzheimer’s%20caregivers.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, “Dementia Capable NC,” https://www.ncdhhs.gov/dementiacapablenc
