Hospice offers compassionate support for family members–not just hospice patients. We understand how difficult it can be to navigate this journey, but you are not alone. Your loved one’s hospice care team will be a valuable resource during this time. 

Hospice provides your family with the resources and tools to continue caring for and supporting your loved one in their final moments. This blog will discuss how hospice helps families through education and support. 

Caregiver education and training 

Knowledge is power–especially in times of uncertainty. Feeling overwhelmed when your family member transitions into hospice is normal. With the right education and training, families can feel more prepared and in control. 

Your loved one’s care team has the resources you need to educate and train you, so you feel more prepared to participate in your loved one’s care. For example, the RN Case Manager along with other hospice staff provide hands-on education about training for caregiving, managing medications, and recognizing signs and symptoms that may arise. 

Working together as a team, hospice staff and caregivers create a supportive environment that ensures your loved one receives compassionate, consistent care.

While our hospice staff is always eager to teach, we also offer helpful digital resources that can be accessed at any time by visiting The Reading Room. It’s our new, dedicated online tool filledwith information for patients, families, and healthcare providers. 

Whether you’re looking to better understand hospice care, explore specific illnesses, or find tips for caregiving, The Reading Room is designed to supplement the education and training you will receive from hospice staff.

Emotional and spiritual support

Taking care of yourself emotionally and spiritually is essential. Being a hospice caregiver for someone with a life-limiting illness is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. You do not have to navigate this difficult journey alone.

Hospice can provide access to social workers and counselors who can help you process the complex emotions associated with end-of-life care, like grief, anxiety, and fear. They will help you find a safe space to talk, provide resources on coping mechanisms, and help you care for yourself while you care for someone else. 

The care team is here to support your emotional and spiritual well-being, offering compassionate care themselves and connecting you with chaplains who can provide guidance based on your personal beliefs.

Whether you need a moment to breathe, someone to talk to, or help to make sense of this time, the hospice team is also here to support you. 

Grief and bereavement support 

Grief is a deeply personal and complex emotion, especially when you’re facing the death of someone close to you. Most families may experience anticipatory grief before losing their loved one. Finding healthy outlets to help you navigate these feelings is important. 

At Northern Illinois Hospice, we understand everyone’s grief journey is different. We offer continued support after the loss by connecting you with grief counselors and support groups. 

Finding a safe space where you can share your experience and find comfort in the community is essential during this time. 

Northern Illinois Hospice is here to provide education and support for you and your loved one

As the first hospice provider in the region, Northern Illinois Hospice has been helping people transition to hospice care for more than 45 years. Our team provides compassionate end-of-life comfort care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses. 

We honor patients and their wishes by providing specialized care that treats the person, not the disease. We offer a wide range of palliative and hospice care to improve your loved one’s quality of life in their final months.

At the same time, we also provide valuable resources for family members, so they can feel empowered and supported throughout their caregiving journey. Our experienced team of healthcare professionals, social workers, and volunteers, is here to ensure everyone feels supported and cared for. 

To learn more about our palliative or hospice services or how we can help you navigate end-of-life care for your loved ones, call us today at (815) 398-0500.