How Hospice Can Assist

When a loved one has a limited life expectancy, family members and other loved ones are sometimes thrown into the role of caregiver with little preparation or information about what to expect. Even if they have been giving care for a long time or for a chronic condition, the transition to hospice care is a new and frightening experience.

Hospice team members understand that family caregivers may feel unprepared and work with them to build a care plan, provide information, and answer concerns. Caretakers are also provided practical guidance, suggestions, and tactics to help them manage their position as caregivers, such as medicine administration, feeding, and assisting the patient with personal cleanliness. Caregivers can contact Oasis hospice or the grief support Agrace care staff at any time if they have a question about supporting a loved one, worry, or need advice on hospice patient care services.

Self-care is essential.

It is critical to developing strategies to care for both yourself and your loved one. Eating correctly, getting adequate rest, and, if time allows, exercising frequently all contribute to a sense of well-being and improve overall health. If you have a network of relatives and close friends nearby, you may wish to take turns caring for your loved one in hospice care. Consider accepting offers from family, friends, or neighbors to cook, clean, or shop; assisting will likely be as rewarding to them as it is to you. Don’t be reluctant to solicit assistance from neighbors and friends, who are generally willing to assist if they know what is required.

Some carers may find it necessary or advantageous to engage additional help from agencies that provide supplemental caregiving through licensed practical nurses or certified nursing assistants if they have the financial means to do so. Families may also hire death doulas, who support the individual in hospice and assist unpaid carers with practical problems. If you desire and can afford additional caring assistance, make sure to discuss it with the hospice so they are aware of such plans.

Because caregiving can be difficult, it is critical to managing your stress. Massages, walks, warm baths, and conversing with friends are just a few methods to pamper yourself and relieve stress.

Reading books and websites about caregiving, joining a caregiver support group, or seeking counseling may be beneficial. Some support groups provide phone or internet access, allowing you to be at home with your loved one. These exercises allow you to communicate your emotions, concerns, and ideas. They also provide an opportunity to talk and learn how others deal with similar difficulties. Counseling, whether in a group or individual setting, also provides the comfort of knowing that others can support your mental health at this difficult time.

Take a breather.

Caregivers frequently work erratic hours and have limited time “off.” It’s not so much a question of “if,” but more of “when.” You can start looking for people who are willing to step in as

caregivers on a regular basis so that you can relax. The hospice should be able to supply an adult volunteer who can come by for an hour or two each week to help you with other duties or simply rest.

If a longer break is required, or if there is a sudden change in the household that means that caregiving support is temporarily challenged (e.g., hospitalization of the primary caregiver due to sudden illness), speak with your hospice provider about arranging for respite care, which provides care for the patient outside of the home, usually in a local nursing home or hospice inpatient facility for up to five days.