Family members who have a loved one receiving end-of-life care from Beacon Hospice are often surprised to learn they are eligible for 13 months of bereavement support after their loved one dies. This on-going help for those grieving a loss is provided through limited one-to-one support, support groups, telephone calls, referrals to community support, resources and qualified professionals, sympathy cards, and other written materials.
Hospice views the patient and family as a "unit", therefore all comfort measures and interventions are focused on providing the best care and support available to not only the ill, but also their caregivers and loved ones This is also a rich opportunity for pre-loss support geared toward helping the patient and family cope with the present and plan for and accept the future . To this end, throughout the time the family ( "family" may include facility staff, paid caregivers, POAs and other identified involved parties) is on hospice services they are involved, to the degree they desire, with hospice social workers and chaplains, volunteers and nursing. These relationships provide nurturing, encouragement, education and support to the family as they support their loved one in their illness and death. Social work and chaplaincy aid in assisting with funeral and memorial plans, issues of anticipatory loss, financial concerns, spiritual and personal worries and struggles, and offer a caring, compassionate presence throughout the time the family and patient is involved with Beacon Hospice. Nursing and volunteers can provide extra hands, eyes,ears, and assistance with patient care and household tasks.
Many times due to the intense nature of hospice, the usual barriers to connection are weakened and rapport is established more quickly. Without a doubt, the longer the patient and family receive hospice services, the better supported and cared for they feel. All too often people come to hospice late in the game, and are not able to benefit from the care and support available to them weeks, if not months, earlier.
If you or a loved one is interested in hospice services please speak to your physician or call your local hospice. (There is a list of Beacon Hospice offices listed at the top of this blog)
Time is invaluable.
