home caregiver comforting senior man on Hospice

If you were to ask those who are within the last six months of their lives precisely what is most important to them, you’re very likely to hear answers such as:

  • Maintaining control over which services will be provided
  • To be pain free
  • Emotional and spiritual support
  • To remain at home

Residential hospice care meets all of these needs and so much more, particularly when paired with non-medical home care services, like those provided by Grace Home Care. Together, hospice and home care providers can ensure physical, spiritual, emotional, and practical needs are all addressed, based on the care recipient’s final wishes.

Hospice and Home Care Meet Physical Needs

In the final stages of an individual’s life, pain, fatigue, digestive issues, difficulty with breathing, skin irritation, seizures, and various other types of physical distress may occur. It is essential to understand how to read the individual’s nonverbal cues and take the appropriate measures to help ease symptoms. A hospice nurse will supply medical relief, while a home caregiver will:

  • Help the person take part in relaxation techniques such as aromatherapy, soft music, reading aloud in a comforting voice, etc.
  • Provide engaging distractions, such as playing a game or cards together, working on an art project, or looking through photo albums
  • Offer companionship so that the person knows she or he is not alone

Furthermore, the care team will closely monitor the individual’s skin. Dry skin and pressure sores are not unusual, and may be eased through consistent repositioning, using lip balm to soothe dry lips and ice chips in the event the inside of the mouth is dry, and making sure skin stays moisturized and clean.

Hospice and Home Care Meet Emotional/Spiritual Needs

Being available to listen to whatever the person wishes to discuss or say can be a tremendous comfort. A caregiver is there for just as much or as little time as desired to allow the person to share any thoughts and feelings nonjudgmentally. Our senior care experts know the need for never correcting or disagreeing with the person, or trying to change his or her thoughts or feelings in any way. The hospice provider and in-home caregiver will also respect and honor the person’s spiritual beliefs and needs, and help provide whatever brings the person comfort.

Hospice and Home Care Meet Practical Needs

Reducing the burden of simple, everyday tasks is a really important service for families. It frees up valuable time for them to spend with the person receiving hospice care. In accordance with the family’s wishes, our caregivers can help with:

  • Laundry and housekeeping services
  • Preparing meals
  • Running errands
  • Personal hygiene care, such as bathing/showering or bed baths, oral and hair care, incontinence care, and much more

If someone you love is receiving hospice or palliative care, contact Grace Home Care at 785-286-2273 for a free in-home consultation. We are here to answer questions any time, and to share more about how our Topeka senior care experts can enhance quality of life for both the person in need of care, and for you as well.