Support Resources & Self Care for Loved Ones of Those in Hospice
Seeing a loved one in hospice care can be emotionally, mentally, and spiritually taxing. Seeking support for yourself is a sign of strength and can aid in processing grief, managing stress, and maintaining your own well-being during this season.
There are numerous resources available to offer support and comfort to family members and friends of those in hospice.
Hospice Bereavement Programs
Your loved one’s hospice provider should also be a source of support for you. Bereavement services are designed to support families both during the patient’s illness and after their passing. At Friendship Village our programs include grief counseling with a dedicated chaplain team and support groups for sharing experiences, coping strategies, and empathy.
Self-Care Practices
Making time for daily self-care practices can make a significant difference in managing the emotional toll of this time. Find what you like best, but some common and effective practices include:
- Journaling– Putting your thoughts and feelings onto paper can be an intentional way to process emotions and gain clarity.
- Time outdoors– Getting outside in nature, even for a short walk, can be incredibly grounding and restorative.
- Adequate rest and proper nutrition– Sometimes self-care just looks like re-prioritizing your most basic needs. Fueling your body with healthy foods and getting a full night’s sleep are especially essential when coping with stress.
- Social connections– Lean on your trusted friends and family. Share your feelings, accept help, and allow yourself to be supported. Even just going out for a quick bite with friends can reintroduce some normalcy to your routine.
Even small breaks for self-care can accumulate to promote your overall well-being.
Educational Resources
Having a better understanding of the grief process, the challenges you might encounter, and the range of emotions you may experience can help you feel more prepared and more seen. The National Alliance on Mental Illness, What’s your Grief?, and Headspace, offer resources and articles for dealing with grief. Your hospice provider should also have resources they can pass along.
Supporting a loved one in hospice is challenging, but there are compassionate and knowledgeable resources available to help you navigate it. At Friendship Village, we encourage you to utilize these invaluable supports to care for your own emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being during this season.