Entering hospice care doesn’t mean giving up on life. Patients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, don’t need to stop doing what they enjoy – in fact, since hospice services offer relief from the symptoms of disease, many people are able to pursue interests and hobbies they previously found pleasurable.
With that in mind, if you’re planning to visit a loved one in hospice care, consider how you might make the time spent together more special. Depending on how they’re feeling, one of these activities may help you accomplish that goal.
Grab a Bite to Eat
Dining out at a much-loved restaurant or heading to a local coffee shop can be a pleasurable and relaxing experience. If any friends or family can join you, all the better, as socializing helps foster positive emotions in hospice patients.
Head to the Zoo
No one is too old to enjoy the zoo, and with a hospice patient, there’s no pressure to follow a specific itinerary. Your loved one can decide which animals to see, and for their comfort, you can rent a wheelchair or scooter.
Take in Nature
Spending time out in the sunshine, breathing the fresh air, can be soothing to someone in hospice care. Taking a walk through one of the many Philadelphia parks or taking a wheelchair friendly trail might be thoroughly enjoyable.
Go for Gardening
Many hospice patients find gardening to be both therapeutic and rewarding. If your loved one is able, planting herbs and flowers in pots or in an easily accessible garden bed could be the perfect afternoon activity.
Build Something
Putting together a model kit, a DIY wooden birdhouse, a 3D puzzle or even a traditional jigsaw puzzle provides a sense of accomplishment. For those in hospice care, this sort of focused activity is often a welcome diversion.
Try Cooking or Baking
While a hospice patient may not be up to spending a full day in the kitchen, anyone who likes to cook or bake might enjoy a culinary activity. Let your loved one select a recipe, then follow their lead and provide whatever assistance they require.
Take a Scenic Drive
How long has it been since your loved one took in the local sights? Driving around Philadelphia, viewing the beautiful forestry, historic landmarks and beloved places could make for a fun and memorable journey for a hospice care patient.
Attend a Concert
If your loved one is like many in hospice care, listening to music is a favorite pastime. A concert might be right up their alley, and to ensure their comfort, you can get tickets with assigned seating or go to a live performance in the park.
Visit a Museum
The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Mutter Museum, The Franklin Institute and several other local exhibition centers are wheelchair accessible. For any hospice patient who enjoys seeing wonders, arranging for a museum trip could be ideal.
Reserve a Hotel Room
Many local hotels have fantastic amenities, like hot tubs, spas and room service. Book a room, and you’ll be able to enjoy all of those perks to the fullest with your loved one, even if you or the hospice patient decides not to spend the night.
Plan a Craft Project
Whether your loved one is an accomplished artist or new to the world of crafting, creating something together – a scrapbook, perhaps, or a group of paintings — might be fun. Choose the right project, and the activity can be an ongoing one.
Tips for Good Times with Your Loved One
Before planning any outing or special activity, check with your loved one’s hospice care team. Chances are, they’ll be happy to offer guidance on ensuring safety and comfort while you enjoy your time together.
Speaking with your loved one might be wise, too, as they might not be all that interested in a particular activity after reaching the point of needing hospice care. They may prefer that you plan a different outing or diversion, or if they’re not feeling energetic, simply sitting on the porch, in the backyard or in the house and enjoying a chat might be more appropriate.
In any case, when it comes to choosing a fun activity for a loved one in hospice care, keep the following tips in mind:
- Organize activities around the times members of the hospice care team visit. By doing so, you’ll help maintain the regular routine and ensure your loved one is ready to participate.
- If the two of you will be leaving the house, make sure to bring all the necessities. Without medication, snacks, bottled water and other essentials, the outing may prove to be problematic.
- Be adaptable and responsive, willing to change plans as needed. If symptoms flare, or if an activity becomes too much for your loved one to comfortably handle, call it a day.
Talk to the Suncrest Team Today
At Suncrest Hospice of Philadelphia, our professional team makes every effort to ensure that terminally ill patients can continue enjoying life for as long as possible. We’d be honored to help your loved one, and you can count on us to provide the support they need as the end draws near.
For more information on the services Suncrest offers, or to arrange for a hospice care consultation, contact our office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, today.
