When you know somebody who is facing a serious illness, it can be difficult to know how to support them. Whether you have a friend or family member who is in hospice care, there are ways to be there for them in their time of need. Continue reading for ideas on how to support people in hospice care.
One of the best ways to support family members and friends who are in hospice care is to be their friend. There are several ways to do this.
One of the worst things that people can do when a friend or family member gets sick is staying away. It may be difficult, but it is so important to be there for your friend by still showing up for them and being the same friend you were before they got sick. Make sure to call ahead to make sure that they are feeling up to company, but visit as often as possible.
Another great way to support people in hospice care is to bring some joy to them. Make them tasty eats and offer to watch a movie with them or play their favorite board game. Don’t be afraid to hold their hand or give them a hug if appropriate and bring a positive attitude. Do some of their favorite activities with them, but make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t over do it. Keep their home lively with their favorite music, decorations and friendly faces. Let them know how much you love them through your actions.
Even though being positive is important when helping a person in hospice, it is also important to express your emotions. Take cues from the individual. Cry with them, laugh with them, and connect with them as much as possible. Be willing to talk about their feelings regarding their illness if they want to. Continue to talk about your life with them; they still want to hear the good things that are happening for you. Another way to show your heart is to bring small gifts and cards that show you care about them.
If you were stuck in bed or had limited mobility, it would be difficult to get daily tasks done. A great way to support people in hospice care is to help them get those tasks completed. That may include cleaning, taking care of children, watering the plants, or helping with laundry. If the person you know in hospice is not a part of your family, do what you can to support their family as well. Be a shoulder to cry on and help out where you can. It would also be good to be there if the sick person needs a ride to the hospital or picking up groceries.
If you are unable to be around your friend or family member in hospice very often, there are other options available to help support them. Speak to the neighbors and ask them to check in on your loved one. You could also consider using a hospice answering service with your doctor so that they can check in with your loved one to ensure that each day is as comfortable as possible.
Here at CareXM, we offer top of the line solutions to improving hospice care. We strive to help individuals and their families navigate through a difficult time and offer many different customizable options to help support patients. If you have any questions regarding our services or want to schedule a demo, contact us today!