The word “hospice” can bring up many emotions. And it’s true — hospice is a very challenging time for patients and loved ones. When you or a loved one has a life-limiting illness, it’s natural and valid to feel a whole range of emotions. But in the midst of the flurry of feelings, it’s important to remember: Hospice isn’t just about managing end-of-life symptoms. It’s about honoring and celebrating the life of your loved one. In this article, we’d like to share how hospice can be a celebration of life that empowers patients and their families to make the most of their remaining time together.
Hospice Care: More Than Managing Symptoms
Hospice is a specialized kind of care for patients facing a life-limiting illness (typically with a life expectancy of six months or less). During hospice, care focuses on quality of life rather than curative treatments. Hospice teams work closely with patients and their families to manage pain and symptoms, ease suffering, and honor their final wishes.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Although hospice goes beyond pain management, easing symptoms allows patients to feel more comfortable during daily moments. Hospice care prioritizes comfort and dignity, helping patients enjoy their time with loved ones while minimizing discomfort.
Respecting Cultural and Religious Traditions
We understand the value of cultural and religious practices in honoring a loved one’s life. That’s why it’s so important to know and honor these traditions through a patient’s care plan. Here at Envision, we communicate with patients and families to ensure that your family’s beliefs and values are respected. If a patient would like spiritual care, we have chaplains and spiritual care coordinators available for support.
A Celebration of Life: Facilitating Family Involvement
Family involvement is crucial in hospice care. We encourage and facilitate family participation in care, allowing everyone to create lasting memories together. Whether it’s spending quality time together, sharing stories, or engaging in meaningful activities, we support families in making the most of their time together. By working as a team, we help honor each person’s unique story, hobbies, and significant milestones.
So what are some ways to celebrate a loved one’s life during hospice?
Making Every Moment Count
Hospice care is all about living life to the fullest and making every moment count. We’ve helped patients and their families do this in a variety of ways:
- Facilitating Conversations: Having open, honest conversations is so important. Although these conversations might not be easy, it’s the best way to make sure a patient’s final wishes are known and understood. Conversation starters like “Are there specific people you’d like to see?” or “Is there anything worrying you at this time?” can help provide peace and closure for everyone involved.
- Sharing Stories: Celebration of life conversations often involve sharing stories and lessons. During hospice, you might consider documenting stories and lessons learned over the patient’s life.
- Celebrating Milestones: Hospice can be a time to celebrate milestones in a patient’s life. If they so desire, it’s an opportunity to recognize birthdays, anniversaries, and life or career accomplishments to honor a patient’s life.
- Sharing Hobbies: Does a patient have a hobby or interest you can do together? Are there skills they’d like to pass on to others? Hospice care provides the space to connect and make these memories together.
- Creating Memories: Would a patient or family find it meaningful to create a memory project together? Some families work together to make scrapbooks, video documentaries, or plant memory gardens.
Creating Lasting Memories Together
Hospice care provides opportunities for families to bond and create memories that will be cherished for years to come. Activities such as family photo sessions, storytelling evenings, and collaborative art projects help strengthen relationships and provide a sense of continuity and love.
Celebrating Life Through Special Activities
At Envision Hospice, we believe that celebrating life can take many forms. During a patient’s time in hospice, we’ve seen families honor their loved one and create happy memories in a variety of ways:
- Favorite Meals and Comfort Foods: Sharing favorite dishes can bring comfort and a sense of normalcy — a celebration of life that allows patients and families to enjoy familiar tastes and smells.
- Personal Playlists and Music Therapy: Music has a unique way of touching the soul. Is your loved one a jazz fan? Does he love 1970s rock? Creating playlists of favorite songs (or even arranging for live music!) can be a way to uplift spirits and make beautiful memories together.
- Virtual Gatherings: For families separated by distance, you might consider a virtual meeting so everyone can participate in celebrating their loved one’s life together.
However you choose to spend your time together, your hospice team is here to help you have the space and freedom to create lasting memories and cherish each remaining moment.
Assisting With End-Of-Life Planning
Hospice itself should be a time to celebrate a person’s life. When the time comes, we can also help families navigate the process of funeral planning and memorial or celebration of life services. These events can be a meaningful way to honor a loved one’s passions and legacy, as well as providing closure for their families. But we understand that navigating end-of-life planning can be overwhelming. Here are some ways we can help:
- Coordinating With Local Vendors: We can connect you with trusted professionals for services like funeral planning.
- Managing Paperwork: Our team can help you with necessary documentation and legal arrangements.
- Providing Resources: We offer information and support so that you can make informed decisions.
Our team is here to help ease the burden, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your loved one’s life.
Emotional Support Every Step of the Way
Everyone needs support, and no one should feel like they have to go through the journey alone. A hospice team provides support during this challenging time. We can help families:
- Life Review Activities: Reflect on meaningful moments and achievements in their loved one’s life.
- Legacy Projects: Create keepsakes that preserve memories for future generations.
- Bereavement Support: Provide support before and after the loss to help families cope and heal.
Our goal is to ensure that patients and their families feel supported and understood throughout the entire process.
Hospice: A Celebration of Life
Choosing hospice is a way to celebrate life and honor the legacy of your loved one. And through hospice care, we strive to support you during this journey. Remember: You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Do you have questions about hospice care? We’re here to answer your questions. Contact us today to start the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hospice care?
Hospice care is a service that provides compassionate care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on quality of life and supporting families.
Who can receive hospice care?
Patients with a prognosis of six months or less to live, as determined by a physician, are eligible for hospice care.
How is hospice care different from palliative care?
While both focus on comfort, hospice care is specifically for those nearing the end of life, whereas palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness.
What services does hospice care include?
Services include pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, assistance with daily activities, and help with end-of-life planning.
How do I start hospice care for my loved one?
If you or a loved one is facing a life-limiting illness, contact Envision Hospice to schedule a consultation. Our team will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.