The holiday season is often anticipated as a time of joy and gathering. For families navigating a loved one’s journey through hospice care, it can be a complex mix of emotions. Here are tips for navigating grief during the holiday season.
Tips for Providing Presence and Comfort for a Loved One in Hospice
When gathered around a loved one in hospice, simply being there speaks volumes, particularly when the outside world is bustling with holiday preparations. Here is helpful advice from our hospice team to guide time together during the holiday season:
- Focus on the Present: Ask, “Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable right now, maybe a cozier blanket or a holiday treat?” or simply state, “I’m just going to sit here with you for a while.” These phrases signal support and care.
- Share Holiday Memories: Reminiscing about Christmases or New Year’s past can be a beautiful way to spark joy and connection. Say something like, “I always loved the special holiday dish you used to make.”
- Express Gratitude: Simple words can have a profound meaning. Express appreciation with phrases like, “Thank you for making the holidays so special for me all these years,” or “I’ll always remember the warmth and joy you brought to our family gatherings.”
- Provide Reassurance: Follow their lead, creating a safe space to share feelings without pressure. Let them know, “It’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling,” or “We will take care of everything, all the gifts are wrapped and all the details are handled.”
Tips for Family Members Navigating Grief
Navigating a loved one’s hospice journey during the holidays means recognizing personal needs are important, too. Here are a few ways to tend to self-care this season:
- Allow for Joy Without Guilt: It’s okay to step away from the bedside and enjoy typical holiday activities. Taking a break to watch a favorite holiday movie or attend a simple gathering can replenish emotional resources.
- Choose Which Traditions to Keep: It’s also okay to let go of traditions that will add stress this year. Decide as a family what is important to do this year and which traditions can be passed.
- Lean on a Support System: Share feelings honestly with trusted friends and family. This is a time to accept help when it’s offered.
- Utilize Hospice Resources: Hospice is dedicated to supporting both the resident and the family. The social workers and chaplains can offer guidance, individual counseling, and support groups dealing with grief.
At Friendship Village, our team works diligently to provide a loving, warm and secure environment in which individuals and their families feel support for their mind, body and spirit. We offer support resources in navigating these conversations and emotions.