What kind of gift do you give someone receiving hospice care? How do you celebrate knowing it might be your last holiday with a loved one?
Suffice to say, the holiday season brings difficult challenges for families going through an end-of-life journey. While gatherings and gifts might look different, Joan Blessings with Emmanuel Hospice says it can still be a cherished time with the right support from friends, family and hospice care team members.
Blessings has walked alongside many families as they navigate the uncharted waters we will all face at the end of life. As a licensed massage therapist and member of the complementary therapies and services team, she is passionate about bringing comfort through the power of touch, art, music and more. She’s found that engaging different senses is one way to include patients in holiday festivities.
“Consider ways to create a peaceful environment through sights, sounds and scents,” Blessings says. “The sense of hearing persists even at late stages of end of life, so I always encourage families to continue talking to their loved one. Share reassuring words, talk about past holiday celebrations and other joyful memories.”
Blessings also recommends adjusting lighting and playing music based on a patient’s preferences. Emmanuel Hospice utilizes its complementary services such as music therapy and essential oils to help create a calm environment and manage symptoms. While these services are offered year-round, Blessings says they can also serve as meaningful gifts.
One of her favorite Emmanuel Hospice offerings is a heartbeat recording, which is captured by a music therapist and then merged with a song that’s special to the patient. Similarly, hand molds and fingerprint art become legacy items families cherish long after their loved one’s passing.
Blessings adds that maintaining a soothing atmosphere should be a priority for guests in the home, too.
“If you want to visit a family going through hospice, be sure to schedule a time to visit rather than dropping in unexpectedly,” she says. “Limit the number of people coming at once and keep visits short so it’s not overwhelming.”
Being a good listener and offering practical support is another way to uplift families with a loved one facing a serious illness.
“Drop off a meal or offer to run an errand so they have one less thing to worry about,” she suggests. “You could also offer to spend time with the patient so caregivers can feel empowered to go out and do something relaxing to reset themselves. Let the family know they can call at any time, and you’ll be there to listen or help in some way.”
For those wanting to give a tangible gift, Blessings recommends items of warmth and comfort.
“Cozy slippers with grippy bottoms, handmade quilts and prayer shawls are great choices for hospice patients,” she says. “If the patient is still eating and their family is comfortable with it, gift a sweet treat you know they love.”
As for a hospice provider’s role around the holidays, Blessings wants families to know that availability of care does not change. In fact, hospice brings an added layer of support that helps patients remain at home for the holidays, surrounded by loved ones.
“Emmanuel Hospice is available 24/7 to answer questions and dispatch care,” she says. “Our holiday hours are whenever patients and families need us so they can focus on cherishing time together where they are most comfortable.”
To learn more about hospice care during the holidays and beyond, call 616.719.0919 or visit EmmanuelHospice.org.