For hospice care agencies in Virginia Beach, the primary goal in caring for patients is to enhance quality of life. Physical, mental, social and spiritual support is provided, but services are always personalized – the reason being, everyone has unique needs, preferences and goals.
Still, many people who are in hospice care can benefit from partaking in one activity. Creating a bucket list, focusing on special interests and fun pursuits, can help make the final chapter more pleasurable. And by checking off items on that list, patients feel a sense of empowerment and accomplishment. Family caregivers benefit, too, as learning what a loved one would like to do before they pass away offers insight on their priorities. With this knowledge, caregivers are able to adapt their approach to better fit the individual’s wishes and needs.
Some Virginia Beach hospice patients already have bucket lists, but if a loved one in hospice care doesn’t, creating one together can be an excellent bonding experience. And if you’re in need of ideas, consider the following.
Enjoy Cultural Experiences
Does a loved one in hospice care like to learn about different cultures? Virginia Beach is home to a treasure trove of museums, art galleries and artisan shops, any of which could be interesting to explore. Or, the two of you could get tickets to a concert, an orchestral performance or live theater production.
Check Out Local Attractions
Many of us overlook the spots that bring tourists to Virginia Beach, and for hospice patients, seeing local landmarks can be quite satisfying. The boardwalk, state parks, and many other attractions offer fun and entertainment, and by planning day trips in the area, friends and family members can come along.
Attend a Sporting Event
While the state of Virginia doesn’t currently have any major-league teams, there are plenty of activities for sports fans to enjoy. Individuals in hospice care can take advantage of the courts, tracks and amenities at a few local sports complexes, and the many different tournaments and events can be quite entertaining.
Indulge in Fun Adventures
People in hospice care often have some wild or silly activity they’ve always wanted to try, and doing exactly that provides a feeling of achievement. Whether it’s a hot air balloon ride, an escape room, a ghost tour, axe throwing or anything else, your loved one’s zany goals should definitely be on their bucket list.
Take a Short Road Trip
After entering hospice care, many people remain at home for much of the time. Taking a drive around town offers an escape, and planning a route that goes past spots that are personally memorable makes a road trip a bucket-list worthy activity. For even more fun, ask other loved ones to travel with you.
Delight in Virtual Thrills
As your loved one in hospice care is terminally ill, some of the items they might like to put on their bucket list – like swimming with dolphins, going to Paris or visiting an ice cave — may be impossible to accomplish. In that case, why not consider virtual reality? The experience isn’t exactly the same, but it’s a close second.
Have a Celebration of Life
When the end of life is drawing near, some people simply want to spend time with family and friends. If that’s true for a loved one in hospice care, a party to celebrate their life might be a good idea. Invite everyone they hold dear, serve their favorite foods, play games they enjoy and take plenty of pictures to keep the memories alive.
Create a Family Scrapbook
Speaking of pictures, another rewarding bucket-list idea for a hospice patient is to compile mementos in a scrapbook. The activity isn’t too strenuous, and by including copies of treasured photographs, old letters, favorite recipes and other important items, your loved one can create a life record to leave for everyone.
Tips on Planning Bucket-List Activities for Hospice Patients
For someone in hospice care, there’s no wrong way to create a bucket list. It can be handwritten in a notebook, or the two of you can use a digital planner, online template or bucket-list app. Whatever route you take, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Set goals that are achievable. If a loved one in hospice care has mobility issues, medical equipment that must remain within easy reach or any other restrictions, certain activities may not be possible.
- Don’t shoot down any ideas. Anything your loved one wants to put on their bucket list is important to them, so if one of their goals seems unattainable, try to think of an alternative approach.
- Avoid putting on the pressure. A bucket list doesn’t need momentous activities or large-scale exploits. For someone in hospice care, simple pursuits may matter more, so encourage your loved one to do what they wish.
One last tip — look for a Virginia Beach hospice care agency that offers an exceptional end-of-life experience. For instance, here at Suncrest, we provide Bucket List Assistance, and our team goes the extra mile to help hospice patients achieve their goals.
Would you like more bucket-list ideas? For that along with answers to your questions and information on hospice care, contact Suncrest Hospice of Virginia Beach today.
