Q. In addition to caring for terminally ill patients, how does hospice help family members who are also dealing with grief and loss?
A. While hospice care is centered on caring for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the terminally ill, many people do not realize hospice also offers support for the loved ones who are caring for and grieving with our patients.
Because the hospice staff offers care during regular visits and is not by the patient's side 24/7, the patient's in-home caregiver is a key member of our team. These caregivers are often close family members, so they are usually dealing with their own grief in addition to caring for the patient.
Hospice recognizes the demands of this role and strives to support family members and loved ones on many levels. Here are just a few ways hospice supports family and loved ones:
• During visits, our team of registered nurses, nurses aides, and home health aides are available to the patient's caregiver to answer questions, educate them on care approaches, or simply lend a sympathetic ear. When receiving hospice care, the in-home caregiver has access to an on-call nurse at all times to help them should any questions or concerns arise, night or day.
• Our volunteers are also specially trained to provide comfort to caregivers as well as the patient during their visits. In the event that an in-home caregiver has to step out of the house for a bit, hospice volunteers often provide caregiver relief and keep the patient company. Our special canine volunteers also serve in our hospice dog program, offering their unique brand of comfort to family members as well as patients. All volunteer services are offered at no charge.
• Even after the death of the patient, hospice care continues for the patient's loved ones. One form of this care is the hospice bereavement and support programs facilitated by a grief counselor. Our support groups, HEAL and Handling the Holidays are offered to participants free of charge. These programs are open to everyone in the community - not just hospice families. Below is a brief overview of the special programs Monroe Clinic Hospice offers families and love ones:
Hospice Grief Support Group: This group meets every month and is open to all adults who are who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. The meeting takes place on the third Thursday of the month at St. Camillus Center from 6-7:30 p.m.
HEAL (Hope Eternal After Loss): This grief education and support group usually gathers during six-week sessions and is open to adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one. It is an opportunity to join other individuals who are struggling with the death of someone special.
Handling the Holidays: This program is designed to support adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one by offering practical strategies to handle the holiday season while developing new ways to remember those who have passed.
Celebration of Lights: This annual celebration is a wonderful way to honor a loved one during the holiday season. For a minimum donation to hospice of $7, participants can order a customized ornament for loved ones. Each name is recognized at the Celebration of Lights service - a touching service that honors people who have passed away as well as people who are still living.
A. While hospice care is centered on caring for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the terminally ill, many people do not realize hospice also offers support for the loved ones who are caring for and grieving with our patients.
Because the hospice staff offers care during regular visits and is not by the patient's side 24/7, the patient's in-home caregiver is a key member of our team. These caregivers are often close family members, so they are usually dealing with their own grief in addition to caring for the patient.
Hospice recognizes the demands of this role and strives to support family members and loved ones on many levels. Here are just a few ways hospice supports family and loved ones:
• During visits, our team of registered nurses, nurses aides, and home health aides are available to the patient's caregiver to answer questions, educate them on care approaches, or simply lend a sympathetic ear. When receiving hospice care, the in-home caregiver has access to an on-call nurse at all times to help them should any questions or concerns arise, night or day.
• Our volunteers are also specially trained to provide comfort to caregivers as well as the patient during their visits. In the event that an in-home caregiver has to step out of the house for a bit, hospice volunteers often provide caregiver relief and keep the patient company. Our special canine volunteers also serve in our hospice dog program, offering their unique brand of comfort to family members as well as patients. All volunteer services are offered at no charge.
• Even after the death of the patient, hospice care continues for the patient's loved ones. One form of this care is the hospice bereavement and support programs facilitated by a grief counselor. Our support groups, HEAL and Handling the Holidays are offered to participants free of charge. These programs are open to everyone in the community - not just hospice families. Below is a brief overview of the special programs Monroe Clinic Hospice offers families and love ones:
Hospice Grief Support Group: This group meets every month and is open to all adults who are who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. The meeting takes place on the third Thursday of the month at St. Camillus Center from 6-7:30 p.m.
HEAL (Hope Eternal After Loss): This grief education and support group usually gathers during six-week sessions and is open to adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one. It is an opportunity to join other individuals who are struggling with the death of someone special.
Handling the Holidays: This program is designed to support adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one by offering practical strategies to handle the holiday season while developing new ways to remember those who have passed.
Celebration of Lights: This annual celebration is a wonderful way to honor a loved one during the holiday season. For a minimum donation to hospice of $7, participants can order a customized ornament for loved ones. Each name is recognized at the Celebration of Lights service - a touching service that honors people who have passed away as well as people who are still living.
