Each person’s hospice experience is different, but everyone receives care tailored to their individual needs. One of the main goals of hospice is to enhance quality of life while offering physical, emotional, and spiritual support. In addition to pain management, many hospice programs also offer a variety of complementary therapies to provide comfort and support for your loved one. Here are three complementary therapies available at Northern Illinois Hospice that can make a meaningful difference. 

Aromatherapy 

Aromatherapy can be a simple way to create a comforting and relaxing atmosphere. This type of therapy uses essential oils to create soothing scents in the room. Your loved one may receive this therapy on its own or in combination with other care. 

Since scent is linked to memory and emotion, certain essential oils may help ease anxiety, reduce stress, or support more restful sleep. The specific essential oils used depend on your loved one’s needs and preferences. 

By creating a calming environment, you can help your loved one fully relax and rest comfortably. It’s a simple way to support their emotional well-being during hospice. 

Pet therapy 

Another common therapy available in hospice is pet therapy. Trained therapy animals can visit your loved one, allowing them to spend meaningful one-on-one time together. Animals give unconditional love that can help improve your loved one’s emotional well-being, especially if they’ve had pets in the past. Some people form strong emotional connections with the animals. 

Therapy animals provide companionship as your family member engages and interacts with them. Spending time with these animals helps reduce stress and ease feelings of loneliness. Having something fun and engaging to look forward to can help brighten your loved one’s mood and enhance their quality of life. 

Music therapy 

Music therapy is another service we offer that can make a positive impact. Guided by a certified Licensed Professional Music Therapist, sessions may include listening to familiar songs, singing, reminiscing, or simply creating a calm and comforting atmosphere.

Music is a great way to communicate and connect with your loved one and other family members. Since hospice can be an emotional journey, your loved one may find it difficult to express themselves. Music can be a creative and powerful outlet to communicate emotions, especially when putting feelings into words feels overwhelming.

Additionally, listening to calming, familiar music may help the body relax, easing discomfort and distracting your loved one from the pain they may be experiencing. 

Incorporating complementary therapies into your loved one’s care plan can create opportunities for comfort, connection, and peaceful engagement. These therapies are just one of the many ways hospice care supports the whole person during this time.

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 care 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.