Caring for a loved one who is under hospice care can be a difficult and emotionally draining experience. At Shining Light Hospice in Las Vegas, we strive to provide compassionate, quality care to all of our patients and their families during this time. To aid caregivers in providing the best care possible for their loved ones, we have put together a list of guiding principles for successful hospice care.
See Your Loved One As An Individual
The first principle is to see your loved one as an individual. No two people will feel or experience the same realities when coping with a terminal illness and approaching death. Each person’s situation is unique and should be approached with respect, understanding, and sensitivity. It is important to remember that feelings of anger, frustration, and sadness are normal parts of the process, even if you think your loved one may not be able to express them themselves.
Counseling Can Be Beneficial
In addition to grief counseling for survivors, counseling can help a terminally ill patient as well. This can include talking through difficult topics, such as the fear of dying, concerns about finances or other matters of practicality, and any spiritual issues that may arise. Counseling can also provide a platform for the patient to express their wishes, allowing them to maintain some control over their care.
Help Your Loved One Get Their Affairs In Order
It is common for people to procrastinate or avoid preparing in advance for their death, so a hospice patient might need to take steps to get their affairs in order. This can be anything from preparing legal documents like wills, living wills, or trusts to ensuring that their loved ones have access to important files – and even to their social media profiles.
Some terminally ill patients might want to participate in plans for a funeral or memorial service, or even to write their obituary.
Create Meaningful Moments
Focus on creating meaningful moments with your loved one throughout their hospice care journey. Whether it is through holding hands while watching television, going out for a walk on a sunny day, or participating in other activities they enjoy, find ways to make every moment special with your loved one. Remembering these special times can provide comfort both during the hospice stay as well as after your loved one has passed away.
Take Care of Yourself
It is important for caretakers to take time for themselves. Caregiving for someone who is dealing with a terminal illness can bring about many emotions; it’s essential to recognize your needs so that you don’t become overwhelmed or exhausted by the situation. When taking care of others takes precedence over everything else in life, it can lead to physical exhaustion and emotional stress. Do not forget to take breaks and nurture yourself through whatever activities help you relax, such as reading books or listening to music, attending church services, or seeing friends – anything that gives you peace and relaxation.
Share Stories
Share stories about your loved one’s life with family members so that they too can reminisce on happy memories associated with them before their death occurs. Collecting photographs, writing down favorite quotes/recipes/stories, and investing in any related keepsakes are great ways of cherishing fond memories once your loved one has passed away from this life. Such keepsakes may play an instrumental role in helping other family members cope when mourning sets in after death has occurred – allowing families to come together during this sad time but also enabling each member to recall pleasant moments shared before their loved one’s passing occurred.
Death and dying is a complex process, and no two individuals or their families will face the exact same situation. It’s important to approach the topic with understanding and sensitivity, remembering that your loved one is likely experiencing many emotions that require patience, understanding, compassion, and strength.
Las Vegas Hospice Care
At Shining Light Hospice, our team has the experience and the compassion to help terminally ill patients and their loved ones through the process. We offer physical, emotional, and spiritual support for patients and families that can help make a challenging time more comfortable.
For information about our services, contact us today. One of our hospice professionals will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
