Expert: Michalene Peticca - 8/16/2006

Question
Hospice patients are required to be at Stage 7 of the FAST Scale.  Do they have to meet all the requirements of each sub-scale or does fitting into any of the sub-scales place them at Stage 7?
Thank you for your help.
Dorothy

Answer
Hello Dorothy,

Thank you for writing.   I assume you are asking about an individual that is diagnosed with Alzheimer's/Dementia and their qualifications for recieving hospice care?

I have not worked in the hospice field; however, i have utilized hospice for many patients in long term care.  In my experience, with any patient, a licensed physician must provide a terminal diagnose to accompany the individual before hospice services begin.

If the individual is in a determined "end stage" of Alzheimer's disease, than hospice is perfectly acceptable to be utilized.

However, just note that use of hospice in a long term care setting may not provide the room & board reimbursement for the resident.  You would need to check with the hospice provider and the long term care provider for further financial information.

Hope this helps.   Thank you for your interest!

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, MA