End of life decisions | Parkinson Support Center of Northern Nevada

End of Life Planning

Planning for end-of-life care is an important part of living well with Parkinson’s.

Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life by managing symptoms, providing emotional and spiritual support, and assisting individuals and families in making informed care decisions at any stage of the disease. It can be provided alongside active treatment and is appropriate early in the course of Parkinson’s.

Hospice care is a specialized service for individuals who are nearing the end of life, typically when a physician certifies a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease follows its usual course. Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and compassionate support rather than curative treatment.

Both palliative and hospice services usually require a physician’s referral and are commonly covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. Coverage may vary depending on individual policies and specific services. These important resources help ensure that each person’s choices, goals, and needs are honored during this time of transition.

It is also important to consider legal planning as part of end-of-life care. Documents such as advance directives, durable powers of attorney for healthcare, and living wills allow individuals to express their care preferences, appoint decision-makers, and ease the burden on loved ones. We encourage early conversations with healthcare providers, legal advisors, and family members to ensure wishes are clearly communicated and respected. Please visit our Legal Support page for more information.

Hospice

Hospice is ordered by a physician and provides end of life support to patients and their families. Care includes skilled nursing, nursing assistants for bathing and grooming support, spiritual care (if desired), and more.

A Plus Hospice Care

http://www.aplushospicecare.com/

775-329-0900

Advanced Home Health & Hospice

https://advanced-home-health-hospice-of-reno.business.site/

775-470-7300

Barton Health Hospice - South Lake Tahoe

https://www.bartonhealth.org/tahoe/hospice.aspx

530-543-5581

Circle of Life Hospice

http://colhospice.com/

775-827-2298