Supporting Someone With a Loved One in Hospice Care

Supporting Someone With a Loved One in Hospice Care
July 31, 2023
Article
Caregivers and Family

When someone you care about is navigating the difficult journey of having a loved one in hospice care, offering your support and being there for them can make a tremendous difference in their well-being. Hospice care provides vital assistance and comfort to people who are facing serious illness and have a life expectancy of six months or less.

Learn how to support someone during this challenging time while addressing their emotions, providing practical assistance, offering comfort, and ultimately, taking care of yourself too.

Understanding Hospice Care

The Importance of Hospice

Hospice care plays a crucial role in enhancing the comfort and dignity of individuals in their final stages of life. Often misunderstood, this specialized medical care aims to improve their quality of life and provide comfort by addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals with terminal illnesses. Click to read common hospice myths and misconceptions.

Hospice care offers hope for freedom from the fears of isolation, abandonment, loneliness, loss of control and physical pain; and hope that the family will be nurtured and supported. When a person decides to start hospice care, they are surrounded by a team ready to support their desires – to help make more moments that matter to them.

Empathizing with Their Emotions

Although hospice care seeks to improve the quality of life, it is common for patients and families in care to experience a wide range of emotions, including grief, sadness, anger, and fear. Showing empathy and understanding can provide significant comfort and help them navigate these emotions effectively.

Offering a Safe Space to Share Feelings

Create a safe and non-judgmental space for your loved one to express their thoughts and feelings. Encourage them to share memories, fears, and hopes without any inhibition. Assure them that you are there to listen and support them throughout the journey. Simply being present and offering a compassionate ear can provide immense comfort during this difficult time. Open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling today?” or “Would you like to talk about your loved one today?” can invite them to share their thoughts.

Conveying Support and Encouragement

Choosing the right words to express comfort and hope can be challenging, but your words have the power to uplift your loved one’s spirits and provide them with strength during this difficult time. Assure your loved one that they are not alone in their journey. Let them know that you are there to support them every step of the way. Simple expressions like, “I’m here for you,” “You’re doing an incredible job,” or “I’m just a phone call away if you need to talk” can offer immense comfort. Tailor your words to match their emotional needs and always speak from a place of love and sincerity.

Listening and Being Present

One of the most important things you can do is to be an active listener. Allow your loved one to express their thoughts and feelings without interruption and offer understanding and validation. Sometimes, silence can be powerful and comforting. It’s okay to not know what to say. Sit with them in silence, holding their hand or offering a warm embrace. Your presence alone can convey your love and support when words fall short.

Encouraging Self-Care

Amidst caring for their loved one, your loved one may neglect their own well-being. Encourage them to prioritize self-care and offer assistance in maintaining their physical and emotional health.

Reminding Them to Take a Break

Caring for someone in hospice can be emotionally and physically draining. Encourage your loved one to take breaks and rest when needed. Offer to take over for a short period, allowing them time to tend to their own needs or engage in activities that bring them joy and relaxation. Self-care is vital to prevent burnout and maintain resilience throughout this challenging journey.

Suggesting Support Groups or Counseling

Providing your loved one with information about support groups or counseling services can be immensely helpful. Hosparus Health Grief Counseling Center offers bereavement support groups and individual and family counseling sessions to help navigate the emotions that can accompany having a loved one with a life-limiting illness. These resources provide a safe environment for expressing grief, finding solace in shared experiences, and can provide additional guidance, support, and strategies for coping with grief.

Providing Practical Support

Aside from emotional support, practical assistance can significantly ease the burden on your loved one. Simple acts of kindness and helpfulness can go a long way in helping them cope during this challenging time.

Assisting with Daily Tasks

Offer to help with everyday chores and tasks that may overwhelm your loved one. Whether it’s preparing meals, running errands, or taking care of household responsibilities, your support can provide them with valuable time and energy to focus on being there for their loved one in care. Be proactive in your offers to help, but also be mindful of their desire for independence. Respect their boundaries and allow them to accept or decline your assistance without feeling obligated.

Taking Care of Yourself

Supporting someone with a loved one in hospice care can be emotionally challenging, and it’s essential to take care of yourself too. Remember that your well-being matters and seeking support is crucial.

Managing Your Emotions

Processing your emotions is part of the journey, too. Give yourself permission to feel and grieve. Seek solace in your support system, whether it’s sharing your experiences with a trusted friend or joining a support group for caregivers. Allow yourself time to rest, recharge, and engage in activities that bring you joy and peace.

Seeking Support for Yourself

If you find yourself struggling to cope, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Counselors or therapists experienced in end-of-life care can provide guidance and emotional support tailored to your individual needs. Remember, you can better support others when you prioritize your well-being.

Supporting someone with a loved one in hospice care can be an emotionally intense journey. By understanding the significance of hospice care, empathizing with their emotions, providing practical assistance, offering comfort and companionship, and taking care of yourself, you can be a source of strength and comfort during this challenging period. Remember that each person’s experience is unique, and your presence and support can make a real difference.