Holidays are times of happiness and celebration, but for Cincinnati families with a loved one in hospice care, the season often feels bittersweet. Coming together to share favorite traditions and create memories is still important, but the impending loss can make it difficult to fully enjoy the festivities.
With compassionate care from the skilled professionals at Suncrest Hospice of Cincinnati, the holiday season can be a cherished time. The services we offer help make special moments more comfortable and enjoyable for the incurably ill, and with hospice care at home, families can plan gatherings that everyone can attend.
That said, managing grief during the holidays is never easy. If someone you hold dear has entered hospice, acknowledging that this time of year is quite challenging and making specific plans that are mindful of your feelings may help. To that end, arranging for hospice respite care might make sense.
Understanding Hospice Respite Care
Respite care is a benefit made available to family caregivers of hospice patients. Essentially, the service offers a break from day-to-day responsibilities, as the incurably ill individual stays at an in-patient hospice care facility, hospital or skilled nursing facility for a short time.
Medicare covers the cost of in-patient respite care for up to five consecutive days, and Cincinnati hospice care agencies typically handle the arrangements. Families may have to pay a small amount, but time off can be invaluable during the holidays, and after taking advantage of hospice respite care, caregivers can function at their best.
Why Consider Hospice Respite Care?
With in-patient respite, hospice patients are safe, and skilled professionals tend to their needs at all hours. Utilizing the service can help reduce your holiday stress, giving you the time to focus on the festivities and the peace of mind in knowing that your loved one is in good hands. Any of the following would be a good reason to make a request for hospice respite care:
- You’d like to attend a special family gathering, and the event requires you to travel far outside the Cincinnati area.
- You need to handle the preparations for a holiday celebration, with friends and relatives coming into town.
- You’re feeling overburdened and don’t have enough time to take care of the many tasks the season brings.
- You simply need a break from caregiving, as it’s become physically, mentally and emotionally draining.
For family caregivers of Cincinnati hospice patients, a few days of in-patient respite can make a major difference. If you request the service, you can look forward to:
- Decreased holiday-related stress
- Flexibility to attend an important event
- Time to catch up on personal responsibilities
- Assurance that your loved one is supported
Hospice respite care doesn’t just benefit family caregivers – the service also pays off for hospice patients. If you take a break this holiday season, your loved one will enjoy:
- Around-the-clock care from a team of skilled practitioners
- Reduced guilt from relying on family members for care
- A change of scenery and a break from the regular routine
- Additional opportunities for socializing in a safe environment
Making the Most of the Holiday Season
Coping with the imminent loss of a loved one brings up a range of emotions. From anger at the situation and fear at what the future holds to depression, loneliness and guilt, there’s a lot to process – and while the benefits of hospice respite care are many, other strategies may also help you navigate the grieving process.
Because grief is different for every individual and for every loss, no single approach to coping is universally effective. Coming to terms with the fact that this may be the last holiday season with your loved one can be incredibly difficult, but members of the hospice care team are always ready to provide support. In addition, consider these suggestions for making the holidays merry:
- Let go of the usual holiday to-do list, scaling back on activities like decorating, baking and crafting if they increase your stress. If not, go ahead and partake – it’s okay to make time for a pleasant distraction.
- Find joy in simple traditions that a hospice patient can comfortably enjoy, such as watching a favorite holiday movie together or driving around Cincinnati to see the festive decorations and holiday lights.
- If your loved one is up for it, plan one last holiday gathering with the family. But make the get-together as easy on you as possible – plan a potluck or order food, and use paper plates for fast clean-up.
Speaking with a bereavement counselor can also be helpful, and with hospice care, grief support is covered for up to 13 months after a patient’s death. Social workers provide resources and education to grieving families, and hospice chaplains offer spiritual and emotional guidance. Don’t forget, too, that in-patient respite care can be beneficial during the holiday season, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you should ask your loved one’s hospice team to make the necessary arrangements.
Do you have questions about hospice care services? Or would you like to learn more about in-patient respite care? Turn to the team of professionals at Suncrest Hospice of Cincinnati, and you’ll get the information you need. Contact us today!
