How difficult is caring for a dying loved one at home?
It’s never easy and sometimes can be quite hard. At the end of a long, progressive illness, nights especially can be very long, lonely and scary. So, hospices have staff available around the clock to consult by phone with the family and make night visits if appropriate. To repeat: Hospice can also provide trained volunteers to provide “respite care,” to give family members a break and/or provide companionship to the patient.
It is never easy, and sometimes can be quite hard. Yet many caregivers have said it was an especially rewarding period of their lives, a time when they could express love and caring in a personal and meaningful way. One of the first things hospice will do is work with the patient and caregivers to prepare an individualized care plan. The hospice team works closely with the patient and caregivers to address their needs. At the end of a long, progressive illness, nights especially can be very long, lonely and scary. So, hospices have staff available around the clock to consult with the family and give the regular caretaker a break, if the need arises.
It’s never easy and sometimes can be quite hard. At the end of a long, progressive illness, nights especially can be very long, lonely and scary. So, hospices have staff available around the clock to consult by phone with the family and make night visits if appropriate. “Respite care” can be arranged to give family members a break. Arrangements can also be made for inpatient, nursing home or assisted living placement, should the need arise.
