When your loved one enters hospice, spending meaningful time together becomes more important than ever. Hospice care is about supporting quality of life by helping your loved one do what brings them peace, happiness, and a sense of purpose. Even small, everyday activities can be a way to make long-lasting memories together.

In this blog, we’ll share some engaging ways to connect with your loved one in hospice, including memory-sharing, hands-on projects, and relaxing activities. 

Memory-sharing activities

Reminiscing on the past can be a powerful way to connect with your loved one. Activities that allow them to reflect on fond memories can bring them joy, peace, and closure. 

Here are some activities you can do with your loved one that may jog their memory: 

• Tell or record stories from their favorite memories 
• Create scrapbooks or memory boxes 
• Look through old photo albums or keepsakes
• Listen to their favorite music from earlier years

Hands-on activities 

Hands-on activities can keep your loved one’s mind engaged without feeling overstimulated. These activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose. 

The following are some simple activities you can do together: 

• Bake easy recipes together 
• Plant small flowers in pots 
• Work together to solve jigsaw puzzles 
• Quilt or sew something new 
• Play familiar card games or board games 

Relaxing activities 

Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come from simply being present. Leisurely activities can offer a sense of peace without overwhelming or overstimulating your family member. 

Here are some activities you can do together to help them relax and unwind: 

• Watch classic movies or home videos 
• Read with or to them 
• Work on crosswords, word searches, or Sudoku puzzles  
• Spend quality time outside 

Spiritual activities

For many people in hospice, spirituality can offer a deep sense of comfort and peace. Finding meaningful ways to help your family member express their faith may help them feel more grounded and supported while they receive end-of-life care. 

The following are some thoughtful activities to help your loved one connect with their spirituality: 

• Spend time talking to a chaplain, pastor, or members of their faith community  
• Pray or meditate together 
• Assist them in journaling their thoughts and reflections
• Listen to spiritual music that brings them peace 

How to make the most of your time together 

As a caregiver, it can be emotionally challenging at times. Watching someone you love experience changes in their health and energy levels can be difficult. But spending meaningful time together can bring peace and comfort to both of you.

To ensure you’re making the most of your time together, here are a few things to keep in mind: 

• Be patient and let them go at their own pace
• Take breaks when you need to–being a caregiver can be demanding
• Respect their wishes, even if they change often
• Simply being there can help tremendously 

Everyone’s hospice journey looks different, so finding activities that they look forward to doing can bring a sense of peace and comfort during this difficult time. What matters most is being present and supportive. 

If you need help finding activities that you and your family member can do together, your hospice team can provide more assistance. 

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

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.

Since hospice care has so much to offer patients, families, and providers, it can be confusing at times. 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 hospice or palliative services or how we can help you navigate end-of-life care for your loved ones, call us today at (815) 398-0500.