Visit a Hospice
Hospice care is generally an in-home service providing comfort care for the elderly, but there are also stand-alone hospices and hospice units attached to hospitals. Whether your loved one is at a home hospice or a shared hospice, ensure that your visit to the hospice is as well-received as it is well-intentioned.
Instructions
1. Ask permission to visit, and schedule your visit in advance as often as possible. This allows the patient or primary caretaker time to anticipate your visit and plan accordingly.
2. Visit often. Frequent visits will likely comfort your loved one greatly.
3. Bring children after confirming that they are permitted and the patient desires their company. Limit the length of their visits if the patient seems at all fatigued.
4. Give a gentle massage (with caregiver's approval) or simply hold your loved one's hand. Physical touch is essential for their well-being.
5. Bring photographs, both recent and older, to share. It is a joy to see photographs of familiar faces and events, and pictures provide great conversation material when you visit a hospice.
6. Listen attentively, making eye contact, so your loved one knows you are paying attention. Inquire about your loved one's day, and ask what she has been thinking about or doing. Ask about health as well, but do not let it be the only focus.
7. Share your life in conversation. Tell about important decisions you have made and daily trivial happenings. Both will help an elder feel connected to you.
8. Get to know your loved one's caregiver(s). Ask them about your friend or family member's care and show them that you appreciate their care.
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