The Role of Caregivers in Hospice Care

When a patient is receiving hospice or palliative care, the role of the caregiver changes. Learn about the quality and comfort that caregivers may provide for their patients at this time.

Hospice Care

Hospice is a type of care aimed to support both the friends and family of a person who has a terminal disease. Hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life for the patient’s remaining years rather than finding a cure for the sickness. Hospice is to provide and maintain care without causing pain, providing patients comfort and time to spend with their loved ones. Hospice can also offer emotional assistance to family members who are preparing for the possibility of losing a loved one.

Palliative care

People with serious illnesses can receive specialized medical care called palliative care. It can be used in conjunction with curative treatment and concentrates on reducing stress brought on by the condition. Palliative care aims to enhance the patient’s and their loved ones’ quality of life. Doctors, nurses, social workers, and other medical professionals collaborate with a patient’s physician to offer further support.

Important Information Family Caregivers Need to Know

The main responsibility of a caregiver is to offer emotional support to both the patient receiving hospice or palliative care and their loved ones.

Families and friends of caregivers may require a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Services offered by St. Bernardine Hospice Care are intended to give caregivers a little respite from their hospice patient. This will enable the caregiver to take a quick getaway or go to a family gathering.

In order to free up their time to spend quality time with their loved one, family members can augment their caring by hiring a professional caregiver to handle critical activities and errands.

Improving Quality of Life

By performing numerous duties on their behalf, caregivers can improve the quality of life for elderly patients receiving hospice care. The preparation of small, simple-to-swallow meals is beneficial since some people may have a meager appetite and may experience swallowing problems. Additionally, having excellent, loose clothing that they can readily wear can enhance their appearance and comfort.

Staying Organized

The caregiver’s ability to get and maintain organization will be crucial. The more organized you are, the more fun you may have with the patient’s family.

Create a notebook where you may record crucial contact information, medication information, and patient notes. Use the notebook to record key caregiver chores, appointment times and places, patient daily habits, and more. A family will feel less of a burden if you are a caregiver who is more structured.

Safety at Home

Wherever a patient is, the room and shared areas can be made safe for them by caregivers. Caretakers can perform a general safety examination to ensure the home is appropriate for the patient, whether a loved one is hosting the patient in their home or the patient lives there alone.

Additional Hospice Care Advice

Hospice patients can get comfort care from a trained caregiver, who can also support family members who want to spend time with their loved one. A typical care schedule can include nighttime shifts, during which the caregiver keeps an eye on the patient to ensure comfort and is available to call for help if necessary.

For a free consultation, get in touch with St. Bernardine Hospice Care right away if you or a member of your family is thinking about in-home care as part of a plan to age in place. Our staff is committed to assisting your family and enabling senior citizens to live comfortably in their own homes for as long as feasible.