Condition-Specific Hospice Care
Alzheimer's & Dementia
Expert hospice care focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
Pacific Hospice & Palliative Care provides specialized, comfort-focused care for eligible patients throughout San Antonio and surrounding communities. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions and help families understand whether hospice may be appropriate.
Signs Families May Notice
Changes Families May Notice With Advanced Dementia
These signs do not confirm a hospice diagnosis. A physician evaluation is required to determine eligibility.
Why Pacific Hospice
Our Approach to Alzheimer's & Dementia Care
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder that gradually takes away memory, thinking skills, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. As the disease advances, individuals become completely dependent on others for care.
Our hospice care focuses on comfort, symptom relief, and supporting patients and their families every step of the way — providing dignity, safety, and peace for both the patient and those who love them.
Why Hospice?
When Hospice Makes Sense for Alzheimer's & Dementia
When Alzheimer's disease or dementia is no longer responding to treatment or when the focus shifts to comfort, hospice provides expert symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and compassionate care — helping patients live as fully and comfortably as possible.
~7 Million
Americans age 65+ living with Alzheimer's
Projected to nearly double to 13 million by 2050. (Alzheimer's Association, 2025 Facts & Figures)
11.5 Million
Unpaid caregivers supporting someone with Alzheimer's or dementia
The estimated value of this unpaid care was $384.2 billion in 2024. (Alzheimer's Association, 2025 Facts & Figures)
Source: Alzheimer's Association. 2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2025;21(3):e13475.
Understanding FAST Staging
The Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST) is a scale developed by Dr. Barry Reisberg that describes the progression of Alzheimer's disease across seven stages. The later FAST stages describe progressive losses in speech, mobility, posture, and the ability to perform self-care independently. Advanced FAST-stage decline may support a hospice evaluation, particularly when accompanied by complications such as recurrent infections, weight loss, or swallowing difficulties. FAST stage alone does not determine hospice eligibility — an individualized physician assessment and certification are required.
Indicators That May Support a Hospice Evaluation
- Advanced FAST-stage decline may support a hospice evaluation, particularly when accompanied by complications or additional decline. FAST stage alone does not determine eligibility.
- Inability to walk, dress, or bathe without total assistance
- Loss of meaningful communication
- Difficulty swallowing or recurrent choking
- Weight loss greater than 10% in the past 6 months
- Recurrent infections (UTIs, pneumonia, etc.)
- Multiple ER visits or hospitalizations
- Decline despite optimal care
These indicators are educational and are not standalone eligibility requirements. Hospice eligibility requires an individualized clinical evaluation and physician certification.
Common Symptoms in Advanced Stages
- Severe memory loss and confusion
- Inability to eat or drink adequately
- Increased sleep and decreased interaction
- Agitation, anxiety, or restlessness
- Incontinence
- Loss of ability to recognize loved ones
- Complete dependence for all activities of daily living
Home Health-to-Hospice Bridge Program
Our Home Health-to-Hospice Bridge Program supports a seamless transition from home health to hospice — honoring your patients' needs and goals every step of the way.
Comprehensive Hospice Services
Sources
- Alzheimer's Association. 2024 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
- Alzheimer's Association. 2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
- Reisberg, B. Functional Assessment Staging (FAST). Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 1988; 24(4):653–659.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Hospice Benefits. medicare.gov/coverage/hospice-care
Statistics are provided for educational purposes. Clinical decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
We're Here to Help
Contact our care team to discuss hospice care for a patient with Alzheimer's or dementia.
Confidential & No Obligation
Ask Whether Hospice May Be Appropriate
A confidential conversation can help your family understand the available options.