Hospice care is not always the most fun thing to talk about, but it is important to know your options.  In addition to services from a hospice organization, 24 hour home care is available to your family through an agency. Not only will these services be immeasurably helpful for your mother or father, they will be there for you as well. When a parent is dying, whether they are physically or emotionally suffering, it is important to address their needs as well as your own emotional needs. Families often travel through grieving stages even before the last breath is taken and Hospice Care Assistance can help families focus on letting go.

Talk with Your Parent

Providers of 24 hour home care encourage you and your loved one to share thoughts and beliefs about death and life that will enable both of you to come to terms with this loss as it is happening. This should be a time of when mom or dad’s opinions are the focus of the conversation.

Explore their needs and let them guide you. If your parent’s memory is deteriorating due to dementia, it is important to have those conversations sooner rather than later. It’s ok to hold on to the beautiful memories, however, holding on to the person who may no longer be there in body and soul may not be fair and may contradict their wishes.

End of Life Signs

As the end of life approaches, not only will caregivers witness the changes in your parent, you will sense the changes as well.  Your parent’s breathing will change as will their complexion. Mom or dad may sleep more, eat less, and have difficulty speaking. As death approaches, you may start to hope for recovery when it’s not possible. What is possible is the ability to provide the comfort and love your parent needs during this difficult time.

Sometimes the strength for saying goodbye comes directly from your loved one. Your parent may rally to provide you the strength you need to move forward. For others, it comes from inside; you may need to assure your parent that you will be ok when they are gone.

Hospice Care Assistance

During your loved one’s final moments, hospice care assistance services can be very beneficial. Our caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care will be there to keep your loved one comfortable during their final moments, whether its adjusting their pillow or just being there with them. We can also provide meal preparation, personal care and light housekeeping to allow you as much time with your loved one as possible.

Give us a call at (239) 337-4263 for more information or to schedule a free consultation regarding our hospice care assistance services.