Get Holiday Support And Suggestions From Your In-Home Hospice Care Team
Hospice is a time for you to experience the fullest quality of life possible, and the holiday season is an especially important time to do it.
Receiving hospice care is an opportunity to find ways to make your special holidays meaningful to you in the way you see fit. Just because you’ve chosen hospice doesn’t mean that family traditions and the joy of the season have to end. In fact, you can find joyful new ways to spend time with your loved ones during the holidays ahead.
Experience the Holidays On Your Terms
Just like you chose hospice on your own terms, the holidays you spend while receiving care should also be on your terms. You bravely advocated for yourself and made the decision to seek a change through hospice. You can feel just as empowered to do the same for the holidays.
Finding an approach that fits your needs and comfort-level should be your primary focus for the holidays. You may be experiencing new limits, such as energy, mobility or specific care needs that change how you can visit with others. Instead of trying to meet others’ expectations, focus instead of meeting your own needs first. This can alleviate the stress you may feel during the holiday season.
Focusing on a holiday experience that honors what you’re capable of is a gift to yourself. You’ve been through many challenges seeking treatment and experiencing the pain and discomfort of your condition. Now is the time to celebrate the person you are in this new phase of life.
Consider What Really Matters to You During the Holidays and Put Your Focus There
As you think about the upcoming holidays, it may be helpful to make a list of what traditions or experiences really matter to you right now. What about this holiday will bring you the most joy and satisfaction?
Reflect on these questions:
- What do I want the holidays to look like this year?
- What traditions do I not want to go without?
- Who do I want to visit with?
- What would feel good to me during this time of year?
- What am I able to do that would make the holidays special for others this year?
These questions will help you plan a holiday experience that you know you’ll enjoy. You’ll also be able to effectively communicate your wishes with your family.
In fact, if you’re a family member with a loved one receiving in-home hospice care, you should ask similar questions. Ask your loved one how they imagine spending the holidays to recognize their needs during this part of their life, rather than planning their events for them.
How a Trusted Team For Hospice Care Near You Can Help
When you and your doctor decide that it is time for care from a provider of hospice near you, you’ll have access to services even during the holidays. This care includes:
- On-call nursing: You won’t have to worry about going without care during the holidays. Hospice nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Routine visits for your in-home hospice care: A registered nurse case manager sets up a schedule to manage your plan of care. If required, you will still be able to receive these visits, even during a holiday celebration. You can also work with your nurse case manager to adjust your schedule if a special celebration is taking place at a certain time.
- Chaplains for spiritual support and comfort: If you celebrate religious holidays, a chaplain can provide spiritual guidance or perform rites that are important to your religion.
- Trained social workers: The holidays can also be a lonely time of year for some people receiving hospice care. Trained social workers and volunteers are available to comfort you and provide companionship during the holidays.
- Respite care for your family caregivers: If your family is involved in your caregiving, you may be concerned that they won’t be able to fully experience their holiday time while taking care of you. If your goal for the holidays is to ensure that your family members take a break, respite care is available through your hospice benefit.
An exceptional hospice team will help make the holidays special for you, providing warmth, comfort, and connection that we all look forward to during this time of the year.
Hospice: A New Phase Of Life
Hospice is a significant change from the hospital and ER visits, treatments, pain, and discomfort that come with your life-limiting illness. When receiving hospice care, a new opportunity arises: being present at home with your loved ones, living as pain-free as possible, and finding joy in living, all as you see fit.
After the holidays, you can continue enriching your life. For ideas, read these resources:
