Visiting someone while they are in hospice can feel challenging. It can take a toll on you emotionally and may be difficult if you don’t know what to expect.

Making time to visit your friends and family in hospice can have a positive, lasting impact, especially around the holidays. In this blog, we’re walking through four tips to help you have a meaningful visit. 

Call to check in first

Before you plan your visit, it’s best to talk to your loved one’s family or caregiver to schedule a time to come over. Unexpected visitors may interfere with previously scheduled home visits from their hospice team. 

After these visits, they may feel worn out and need time to rest before seeing anyone else. By talking to your family or caregiver, you can determine a time that doesn’t overlap with other visits so you can have quality one-on-one time with your loved one without interruption. 

Be present

Your presence has the power to make a meaningful impact on your loved one’s life. If your loved one feels up to having visitors, remember to be present and in the moment with them. Social activity can take a physical and mental toll on hospice patients, so be intentional and thoughtful during your visit. 

Sometimes, all hospice patients want is a companion to sit with them, listen to their stories, and reminisce about their favorite memories. Other times, you may be able to find an activity to do together. 

Your support can bring comfort and peace during this difficult time. 

Respect their wishes and boundaries

Hospice honors their patients’ wishes and does everything they can to keep them safe and comfortable during this time. While you visit, you should also respect your loved one’s wishes and boundaries. 

If they don’t feel well enough to have company, then it may be better to reschedule your visit. If they feel uncomfortable talking about something, find a new topic. If they politely ask you to leave, you shouldn’t overstay your welcome. While you’re visiting, you should help them make the most of their time by focusing on what matters to them. 

Be patient

Patience goes a long way in hospice care. If you’re visiting someone in hospice who has memory loss, remember to be patient and kind. It can be challenging to see your loved one struggle to remember things or repeat themselves over and over, but you have to remain calm and understanding. 

You may be able to jog their memory by recalling old memories, looking through old photographs, or even listening to music. Sometimes it’s helpful to follow their lead in the conversation. By being patient and understanding, you’re allowing them to talk about what matters to them, which can make a meaningful difference. 

Follow health and safety precautions

It’s always best to check with the family or caregiver to see if there are any additional safety precautions you should take. If you’re experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, you should let the family know before you visit to determine whether you should reschedule. While it may be disappointing to reschedule, their health and safety should always come first. 

Additionally, ask the family members if there are any other safety precautions you should be mindful of. For example, if your friend or family member is in a long-term skilled nursing facility or other hospice facilities, they may take extra precautions to prevent your loved one from falling if they try to get up on their own. If you see something concerning during your visit, you should always let a family member know immediately. 

Remembering to follow health and safety precautions will help keep your loved one safe and comfortable while in hospice. 

Northern Illinois Hospice is here to provide compassionate end-of-life care

At Northern Illinois Hospice, we understand that every hospice journey is unique, which is why each care plan is tailored to the person’s goals and wishes. We take that information and create a team of individuals that can provide compassionate end-of-life care for 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 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.

Our experienced team of healthcare professionals, social workers, and volunteers is here to ensure your loved one’s comfort and support.

Get even more support with The Reading Room

Because hospice care offers so many services and benefits to patients, families, and providers, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to navigate. That’s why we created The Reading Room.

The Reading Room is a special place where people can learn and grow in their understanding of hospice and palliative care, anytime and anywhere. It’s like having a whole library in the palm of your hand or with a click of your mouse. With dozens of articles and helpful how-to videos in both English and Spanish, The Reading Room can serve as a helpful guide. 

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.