Logan Voss
When people enter a hospice facility, they have a team of medical professionals there to care for them. However, individuals in hospice care still want and need support from their family and friends. Therefore, it’s important to show up for them. Here are some things you can do for your loved one in hospice.
Visit Them Often
Visitation makes a huge difference to hospice patients. There’s nothing like seeing your closest family members and friends during a challenging time. And someone living in a hospice facility isn’t in their regular home environment, so it’s common for people to feel lonely. Therefore, scheduling regular visits with your loved one is a fantastic idea to show them your love and support.
Make sure to contact the facility so you know when visitation times are. Then, you can set up an appropriate time to see your loved one. If the facility allows it, you may be able to bring presents and special treats with you to the visitation. But knowing what gifts to bring to a hospice center is helpful, so you don’t bring any restricted items.
Call Them Regularly
We recognize that visitation may be more challenging for some, especially those that live far away from the hospice facility. In these cases, you can call your loved one regularly to show your support. Sometimes, all a hospice patient needs is to hear the voice of their friends and family. Some facilities even allow video visitations, so you can see your loved one face-to-face. You can contact the hospice provider to find out if they offer this.
It’s a great idea to set aside some time each week to call your loved one to check in and see how they are doing. While it may seem like a small gesture, it makes all the difference to the person in hospice care.
Advocate for Them
Hospice patients often have to make medical and legal decisions. Therefore, it’s important they have someone to support them through the process and advocate for them when they need it. You can help to do this by discussing information with their medical team, counselors, social workers, and hospice nurses. Make sure you include your loved one in the process, so you can meet their wishes to the best of your ability. These things are especially necessary when determining final wishes, such as wills and funeral arrangements.
Now that you know how you can support a loved one in hospice, you can use these tips today. Show up for your loved one as much as you can during this time—they will appreciate it.
