Working as a hospice caregiver can be overwhelming, whether that be emotionally, mentally, or physically. It is very rewarding, to be able to care for and help those that have limiting conditions. But it can also be a lot to handle and can take a toll on the caregiver, especially if you are a family member or friend taking on the role of a caregiver. It is important that they have resources to support them as well through all of this. At BRiO Home Health and Hospice, we have all the support, education, and professional help behind you.
Hospice Caregiver Support
Support for Caregivers
What is Hospice?
Before looking into the caregiver support we offer here at BRiO, let’s look into what hospice entails on both sides. Hospice care occurs for those who have terminal illnesses that likely won’t get better so that they can feel loved and cared for as they approach the end of their life. Sometimes, they can get better with certain treatments, but they would rather not continue doing them and just enjoy the time that they have left.
As a caregiver, some of your responsibilities are:
- Assist with personal care: The patient may need help dressing, bathing, eating, and going to the bathroom. You can also help take care of little tasks around the house like cooking and cleaning.
- Handling medication: It is essential to make sure the patient is getting the medication they need to alleviate any pain and make them feel better. You can make a schedule and administer the medication to them so they are getting what they need.
- Emotional support: A big part of caring for those in hospice is being their emotional support. As they are going through this emotional time, being able to talk with you and share stories can help them feel a sense of peace. Be willing to listen and let them tell you about memories in their life.
Resources for Caregiver Support at BRiO
As I previously mentioned, being a caregiver can take a major toll on you. Having to take care of the physical and emotional needs of others may mean sacrificing yours at times. At BRiO, we have a team and many resources available that can cater to your needs as well as a caregiver. As a caregiver, you take on most responsibilities of the patient since they cannot be fully independent, and you also have responsibilities to do for yourself. We can help take some of the load off so you can remain healthy and happy.
Skilled Nurses
If you feel scrambled with getting medications together, administering them, and dealing with everything in between that seems unfamiliar, you can work with a skilled nurse to assist you with these things. They can ensure that the patient is getting the best treatments possible to make them feel comfortable while also letting you take care of other tasks that need to be done. They can also educate you on certain medications, how often to take them, etc. so that you can feel more comfortable with it.
Social Workers
Hospice is an emotional time for the patient and their family. If you are a family member caregiver, it can be emotionally draining to see the decline of your loved one every day in hospice. Social workers can help you cope with all the social and emotional challenges that come when your loved one is approaching the end of their life. They can assist you with financial responsibilities, decision-making, and goals for the future. They can also provide you with grief counseling or psychotherapy services if you are struggling mentally and emotionally.
Chaplains
If you are spiritual or religious, working with a chaplain can provide your family peace and comfort during a heavy-hearted time. Chaplains can provide meaningful conversations with the patients and help them come to terms with their illness as they are close to death. They are there to answer any questions about spirituality and practice things such as prayer with them if that is something that they believe in. A chaplain can be very helpful for caregivers who don’t quite know how to navigate these things.
Other Forms of Support
While we provide services that will help support you as a caregiver, there are also other forms of it right in your circle.
Family
If you are a primary caregiver who is struggling and feels alone, let your close friends and family know. They love you and have somewhat of an understanding of the emotions you may be feeling. Talk to them, let them know if you need help with anything, take a break. You do not need to carry the whole load.
Caregiver Support Groups
Finding other people who are going through a similar situation as you can help you feel less alone. It can be a safe place to discuss big emotions and anything else you may be dealing with. It may give you a new perspective or you might learn some things that will make caregiving a more positive experience for you.
Books and Online Tools
If caregiving seems daunting or overwhelming to you, there are many books and online services that can help educate you and make the tasks seem more manageable.
Self-Care
It is important that you take care of yourself just as much as the patient you are caring for in hospice. Relieve some stress by exercising, planning a fun activity, taking a walk, getting a massage, reading, etc. that will give you some time to relax. Spend time with friends to get your mind off of things. Or, if what you need is to spend time alone doing something you love, do that.
We Are Here to Support You
The care you are providing for patients in hospice does not go unnoticed. The patients are endlessly grateful and home health care clinics see how much you are sacrificing for those you love. That is why we are here to support you as a caregiver. If you or someone you know could benefit from any form of support, do not hesitate to reach out and see what we could do for you.
We're here for you.
If you are in need of any of our services, please call us for more information or start a free assessment today.
Services
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950 Memorial Dr. Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Phone: (208) 538-2223
Fax: (208) 538-2241