How you can cope when a loved one is in hospice care

January 24, 2024

Treating a loved one in hospice care is a situation no one would choose.

It can be an overwhelmingly stressful time with extreme mental strain.

Preparing to say goodbye to a loved one can be very scary.

As you go through these difficult times, don't go through it alone.

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Use family, friends, therapists, support groups, and other people who will listen and have a shoulder to lean on.

Learn how to cope with the immense pain you feel when your loved one is in hospice care.

When a loved one enters hospice care, it can place a tremendous emotional burden on the family. (St. Petersburg)

find a way to support
Take time for yourself
be prepared for what's coming
We help make your loved ones as comfortable as possible
spend time in a diary

1. Find a path to support

It's easy to curl up and hide from the world when you're experiencing grief like this, but you shouldn't go through this alone.

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Take advantage of whatever support is offered to you.

Talk to your friends and family. If someone in your life offers to cook a meal for you, help with household chores, or pick up and drop off your child from school, accept the offer.

It's okay to accept help from others when you need it, and you don't need to feel guilty for doing so.

Seeing a therapist at times like this is also a good way to talk about your feelings and have them teach you different techniques to deal with your feelings.

You can also join support groups with people in similar situations.

Don't go through this difficult time alone. When you are in trouble, rely on the people around you. (St. Petersburg)

2. Take time for yourself

Give yourself space to do something for yourself during this time, even if it's a small activity.

This might mean spending time alone to read a new book or watch a calming show.

Channeling your energy into different activities allows you to focus on other things and reduce stress.

3. Prepare for what's coming.

It's difficult, but you have to be prepared to know what's going to happen.

When someone is in hospice care, it means that person is nearing the end of their life.

According to the Omnicare Hospice website, many loved ones receiving hospice care experience something called anticipatory grief.

This is “the sadness that you begin to feel when something negative approaches, such as the end of life when your health deteriorates.''

Omnicare Hospice lists several symptoms of anticipatory grief.

Many people experience unexpected grief when a loved one is placed in hospice care. (St. Petersburg)

loneliness
sorrow
depression
anxiety
Malaise
lack of concentration
Sense of guilt
rejection
emotional numbness
tearful
Consent

All of these symptoms can be experienced as you prepare for the end of your loved one's life.

If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to someone close to you or a mental health professional to help you deal with the complicated emotions you're feeling.

4. Help your loved one feel as comfortable as possible

People nearing the end of their lives have physical and emotional needs. They may experience pain, difficulty breathing, dry skin and temperature sensitivity, according to the National Institute on Aging.

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Helping your loved one in hospice be as comfortable as possible can be comforting to you as you spend time with them.

If you have difficulty breathing, the source recommends taking steps such as elevating the head of your bed, opening windows, and using a humidifier.

For dry skin, you can help your loved one by applying alcohol-free lotion and placing a damp cloth over the eyes. You can also apply lip balm or Vaseline to your lips.

There are several things you can do to help your loved one in hospice care feel comfortable. (St. Petersburg)

Sources say keep temperature sensitivity in mind and increase or decrease the amount of blankets as needed.

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To support their mental and emotional needs, the National Institute on Aging recommends physical therapy such as holding hands, light massage, playing soft music, communicating when possible, and reading stories. We encourage you to do things like provide personal contact.