There is no place like home for the holidays and that is why hospice can be a blessing for families and their loved ones this time of year. A family member’s illness can be emotional, stressful and heartbreaking, especially during the holidays. However, it is important to fill this season with as much joy as possible and to cherish the Moments that Matter while you still can.

Liberty HomeCare and Hospice enables your loved one to be where they feel most comfortable: their home. Our hospice services and caregivers emphasize comfort measures and counseling to deliver physical, emotional and spiritual support for everyone involved. Families sometimes put off seeking hospice care until after the holidays, but hospice can actually help their loved one stay at home in the center of family holiday activities while our caregivers manage their pain and symptoms, improving their quality of life.

If you are struggling with how to celebrate the holidays with a loved one who is ill, below are a few ideas for how you can maximize time together and create meaningful moments.

• Modify your expectations and traditions: This holiday season will most likely feel and look different and that is okay. You may need to modify certain traditions because your loved one may not feel up to spending as much time together as they normally would like to. While this may be difficult to accept, try to focus on making the most of the time you are able to share together. Remember to listen to your loved one and acknowledge their feelings, concerns and needs.

• Bring the holidays to your loved one: If your loved one feels more comfortable in bed or a certain location in their house, bring the holidays to them. Decorate that room with their favorite holiday décor or special items that hold meaning for them.

• Don’t overdo it: This can be a stressful time for everyone involved. Packing in as much activity as possible as a distraction may not be the best thing for you or your loved one. Embrace quality time over quantity time. Just being present is enough. Make sure to take a moment for everyone to recharge. If you feel overwhelmed or need a break, Liberty HomeCare and Hospice offers respite care. Our team of volunteers can also step in to assist. 

• Play music: The sounds of the season can be therapeutic, having a positive effect on a loved one’s overall well-being. Play their favorite holiday songs, sing along together and let the music calm your souls and warm your hearts.

• Share family memories and stories: While gathering with family, encourage everyone to share a favorite memory or story. Stories that result in laughter will provide a sense of normalcy and comfort in the midst of this difficult time. Even if a family member is non-responsive, studies show they can hear their surroundings. Hearing their family tell stories and laugh can bring comfort and peace to your loved one. 

At Liberty HomeCare and Hospice, we want to be a support system for you and your family during this transition marked by dignity and meaning. We promise to provide care that will comfort and relieve stress for all involved. Whether your loved one needs nursing care from our team of registered and licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants, spiritual support from our chaplains and spiritual care coordinators or simply a caring, supportive hand to hold from our patient care volunteers, our team provides an integrated approach to care that evolves as your family’s needs change. 

To learn more about how Liberty HomeCare and Hospice Services can help your family, visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-999-9883.