Caregiver Information
WAYS TO SUPPORT FAMILY OR FRIENDS ON HOSPICE CARE
- Don’t avoid the patient. Be the friend or loved one you have always been.
- Call before you visit, but don’t be afraid to visit. They maybe lonely. Ask questions about what they need and when is the best time for company.
- Touch the patient. A simple squeeze of their hand can tell them you still care.
- Bring a positive attitude; it’s contagious.
- Cook a favorite meal. Bring disposable containers so they won’t worry about returns.
- Weep with the patient when they weep. Laugh when they laugh. Don’t be afraid to share these emotions.
- You don't have to talk. Sitting silently together can be a comfort to others.
- Take care of the patient’s children. They may need time to be alone with their loved one. The children may also need a short break.
- Take the patient out for a pleasure trip, but know their limitations.
- Ask the patient if they need transportation to the doctor or the store.
- Call for a shopping list and make a “special” delivery to their home.
- Celebrate holidays by decorating the patient’s room or home.
- Help the patient’s family. Offer to come stay with the patient to give the family a break, or invite them out.
- If appropriate, pray together.
- Send a card that says, “I care.”
- Bring small gifts of flowers or other natural treasures.
- Water the plants.
- Offer to help with laundry, dirty dishes or light housekeeping.
- Ask if the patient wants to talk about their illness. Ask, “Do you feel like talking about it?”
SOME WAYS TO MAKE CAREGIVING EASIER INCLUDE:
- Asking for help with anything and everything
- Keeping a baby monitor near your bed to better hear if your loved one needs anything while you are resting
- Appointing one person to keep loved ones and friends informed
- Developing a back-up plan in the event caregiving becomes overwhelming
- Keep a notebook with all caregiving information in one place; have this notebook with you when you talk to the hospice staff
- When you are describing a new symptom, give as many details as possible. These details help your hospice team find the best solutions
- Always feel free to ask questions and seek help from the hospice staff
- If you do not understand something, keep asking questions until you completely understand
Locations
Graham
Graham
604 Oak Street, Ste. 105
Graham, TX 76450
Granbury
Granbury
300 S. Morgan
Granbury, TX 76048
Jacksboro
Jacksboro
111 W. Belknap
Jacksboro, TX 76458
Lubbock
Lubbock
4523 114th St.
Lubbock, TX 79424
Vernon
Vernon
3301 Wilbarger St
Vernon, TX 76384
Weatherford
Weatherford
950 Hilltop Dr
Weatherford, TX 76086