Facilitating Hospice Bereavement Support Groups

Facilitating Hospice Bereavement Support Groups

Nov 2, 2023 | Hospice Articles

caringedge hospice bereavement support groups

Death is a part of life and it is an emotional and difficult process for families and individuals. Hospices provide support and comfort to the bereaved, and bereavement support groups are an important part of these services.

Facilitating bereavement support groups is a challenging and rewarding experience. As a facilitator, you will be responsible for creating an environment where members feel safe and comfortable discussing difficult and emotional topics. In order to be successful, you will need to be well-prepared and knowledgeable about the topics to be discussed.

Preparing for the Support Group

Before holding a support group, it is important to plan and prepare the group space. You will need to make sure it is comfortable and inviting and that there is enough space for all group members. Additionally, it is important to provide materials and resources that will be helpful for group members. Make sure to Keep the atmosphere lighthearted and encouraging for all members.

You should also have an agenda for each group meeting. The agenda should include an opening that sets the stage for the meeting, a discussion of topics that will be discussed, and a closing of the meeting. It is also important to have a few activities planned that will help keep the mood light and positive.

Conducting the Support Group

Once the group is set up and the agenda is ready to go, it is time to begin the group. As the facilitator, you will need to be present and actively participating in all discussions. Your job is to monitor the conversations that are taking place and ensure that each group member is heard and respected. Additionally, it is important to remain impartial and non-judgmental while letting group members take the lead in the conversations. It is also important to provide a safe place where members can freely discuss any feelings or thoughts.

Tracking Group Progress

It is important to track the progress of each group member. This can be done by taking notes at each group meeting and tracking the topics that are discussed and the reactions of each group member. This will help you identify any issues that group members may be struggling with and help you tailor your approach to those issues. Additionally, tracking the progress will also help you gauge the effectiveness of the support group.

Conclusion

Facilitating a bereavement support group is a rewarding and challenging experience. It takes preparation, knowledge, and patience to be successful, but it can make a huge difference in the lives of those attending the group.  At CaringEdge Hospice, we understand that the journey of hospice care doesn’t end with the passing of a loved one. We recognize the profound impact that loss can have on families and caregivers. That’s why we are committed to providing comprehensive bereavement support to help you navigate this difficult time. 

Our hospice bereavement process is designed to offer compassionate guidance and assistance as you cope with grief and loss. We believe that healing begins with acknowledging and understanding your emotions. Our experienced and empathetic bereavement counselors are here to walk alongside you during this journey.

One of the key resources we offer is our bereavement support groups. These groups provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to share their experiences, connect with others who have gone through similar losses, and learn valuable coping strategies. Our support groups are facilitated by trained professionals who specialize in grief and bereavement.

If you have any needs or questions regarding our bereavement process or would like to inquire about joining one of our bereavement support groups, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your emotional well-being is important to us, and we are here to provide the care and support you need during this challenging time.

At CaringEdge Hospice, we are honored to be a part of your journey and committed to offering the support you deserve. Please feel free to contact us at (877) 907-8684 for any assistance or information you may require regarding our bereavement services.

Home Health, Hospice, and the Comfort of Late Fall and Early Winter

Home Health, Hospice, and the Comfort of Late Fall and Early Winter

Oct 31, 2023 | Caregivers & Families, Health & Wellness, Home Health Articles, Hospice Articles

caringedge home health hospice fall winter

As the summer fades away and evenings become cooler, the fall months of our year left many of us feeling comfortable and secure. After all, the changing of the leaves and the longing for something different is already setting in. But, with the reality of fall and the cooler temperatures come across different medical issues that can come up with home health and hospice care.

For many, starting the fall and beginning the winter brings about a flurry of changes in the weather and the temperatures. Those differences can make it harder to care for someone who is ill and sick. It can also make it harder for those in home health and hospice care to stay comfortable and safe.

For those in home health care, falls during the winter months can have a large impact on their health. With the colder temperatures and wetter conditions, falls can happen more often. That’s why home health care teams must be extra vigilant in helping to protect those that they are taking care of. The extra precautions and extra care to prevent falls is critical in order to keep those in home health care safe during the winter.

Home health care teams and those in hospice care can also take extra precautions during the winter to help those in their care remain comfortable. With cooler temperatures, patients can be more susceptible to illness. So, hospice and home care must make sure that patients have plenty of blankets, warm drinks, and warmer foods to remain comfortable. It’s also important to make sure that patients are wearing the proper fit of clothing to stay warm.

Again, the colder winter months can also make it harder for family caregivers to provide care. As the temperatures drop, the amount of time outside can be more limited. That’s why families need to make sure that they take extra care to ensure that their loved ones are warm and comfortable during these colder months.

Those in home health and hospice and family caregivers can also turn to the change of the season as a reminder to take extra precautions. As the leaves change, the temperatures change, and the days become shorter and shorter, remember to take that extra time to care for yourself and your loved ones during the colder winter months. After all, a little extra care and comfort can go a long way during these times.

Addressing Spiritual Needs in Hospice Care

Addressing Spiritual Needs in Hospice Care

Oct 23, 2023 | Hospice Articles

hospicespiritualneeds

End-of-life care is an important part of the hospice experience, and it’s been found that many terminally ill people and their families have spiritual needs during this time. In fact, many individuals nearing the end of their life find meaning and solace in connecting with a higher power. This is why addressing spiritual needs is an essential part of hospice care.

Spiritual needs can take many forms. It could be providing a space for prayer and/or meditation or offering spiritual counseling and grief support services for those who’s lost a loved one. It could also mean reaching out to local religious institutions and faith-based organizations that offer support services for those facing the end of their life. It’s important to note that spiritual needs during this time are completely individualized – what’s meaningful to one person may not be meaningful to another. That’s why it’s essential to always ask the individual and their family what they need and what forms of spiritual support they’re comfortable with.

In terms of actually addressing these spiritual needs, there are many effective strategies that hospices can use. For example, hospice providers can have a chaplain or another faith leader available to offer spiritual counseling and support. They can also enlist the help of local clergy and religious organizations to ensure that individuals and families get their spiritual needs met. Another important strategy involves offering prayer and/or meditation spaces and providing access to materials related to spiritual support. This could mean providing Bibles or religious texts or even books or movies related to spiritual healing. It’s important to create a supportive environment that allows the individual and their family to grieve and find peace.

When it comes to offering spiritual care, hospices need to be respectful of the individual’s beliefs. It’s important to always ask individuals and their families what form of spiritual support is meaningful to them, and it’s also important to respect their wishes and beliefs during this time. The spiritual care provider and hospice staff should always provide a judgement-free environment and allow individuals and family members to explore their beliefs and values without fear of judgement.

Overall, providing spiritual care as part of hospice care is an essential part of making sure individuals and their families get the care they need during this time. By making sure that Hospices are reaching out to local spiritual organizations, creating a supportive environment, and always respecting the individual’s beliefs, it’s possible to make sure their spiritual needs are properly addressed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s essential for hospices to be addressing spiritual needs during end-of-life care. By making sure that individuals and their families are getting the spiritual support they need, it’s possible to ensure that their physical, mental, and emotional needs are also being addressed. Hospices should always take the time to ask individuals and their families what form of spiritual support is meaningful to them and make sure that they are respected and supported throughout the hospice journey.

End of Life Care for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

End of Life Care for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Oct 12, 2023 | Hospice Articles

hospice intelectual

End-of-life of an individual with intellectual disabilities can bring its own unique set of emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges. The end-of-life process for those with developmental or intellectual disabilities has unique characteristics for each individual. Understanding end-of-life care is important for professionals, families, and friends who care for disabled individuals.

It is extremely important for family, caregivers, and other professionals to understand the end-of-life considerations of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This will allow them to better prepare for the journey and create the best possible comfort for the individual. To understand more, in this blog post we will discuss what end-of-life care for someone with an intellectual disability may look like and how family, caregivers, and friends can best support their journey.

Physical & Medical Care for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Providing the best physical care for someone with an intellectual disability at the end of life is an important goal. This includes making sure that they are comfortable, their pain is managed, and that their medical wishes are respected. It also involves making sure that the individual is brought into situations, such as hospice care, where they will receive appropriate and respectful end-of-life treatments.

Family, friends, and caregivers should also be aware of the potential difficulties that may arise for disabled individuals during the end-of-life process. For example, individuals with severe intellectual disabilities may have difficulty understanding what is happening and be unable to communicate their wishes or feelings. This underscores the importance of discussing end-of-life plans with the individual’s care team earlier in their life cycle, if possible, as this will help to ensure that the individual’s wishes are respected even if they can no longer communicate them at the end.

Psychological and Spiritual Care for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Some disabled individuals may not be able to understand death, which can present its own set of unique challenges. It is important for family, caregivers, and friends to recognize this as they provide support. It is important to remember that even though an individual may not fully understand what they are going through, it does not mean that they cannot benefit from psychological and spiritual comfort and support.

That support and comfort may come in various forms. One way is through familiar activities and routines that the individual finds enjoyable. Through this, the individual can be reminded of the positive memories and experiences they have enjoyed throughout their life. Music, for example, can bring a feeling of peace to those in their final days. It can also act as a way of expressing emotion when verbal expression is impossible.

Family, friends, and caregivers may also find spiritual solace through prayer, contemplation, and time spent in nature. Sharing memories and stories about the individual can bring peace and hope. Additionally, offering gentle physical touch such as a light massage can help the individual to feel comforted and calm.

Caregiver Support for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Family and caregivers are an integral part of the end-of-life process and should not be forgotten. They can provide essential physical, emotional, and spiritual support for their loved one. It is important to remember that caregivers need emotional support as well. Losing a special person in one’s life can be tremendously difficult, no matter the circumstances, so it is essential that family, friends, and caregivers are provided with the necessary tools and resources to cope.

Support can be found in various forms and must be tailored to each individual caregiver’s unique needs. In some cases, professional counseling or support groups may help. Spiritual guidance and prayer can bring comfort to some caregivers. Additionally, activities that the individual and caregiver once enjoyed together can be used to recall fond memories and bring peace of mind to the caregiver.

The end of life of an individual with an intellectual disability is a momentous occasion that can bring both joy and sadness. It can be a time of celebration for the individual’s life and memories, and a time of grief for those left behind. By understanding the unique end-of-life considerations of someone with an intellectual disability, family, friends, and caregivers can better prepare for and support this difficult time.

When There Are No Other Choices, Hospice Can Help

When There Are No Other Choices, Hospice Can Help

Mar 31, 2023 | Hospice Articles, Uncategorized

Senior and clinician holding hands

Former President Jimmy Carter is currently being served by hospice. Following several health disparities over the years, Carter, age 98, reportedly opted to utilize hospice for added comfort. Even after overcoming unimaginable setbacks like cancer and a fall, he’s decided to use hospice to prepare for the end of his incredible life’s work.

Hospice is a hard concept for many. Most of us never want to hear the words, “We recommend hospice.” That is a tough sentence to write much less hear, but what hospice can do, is offer peace of mind for both patients and families when end-of-life care is necessary.

Much of what folks think about hospice is incorrect. Did you know some patients have been in hospice for YEARS? This is not a frequent occurrence, but it does happen. Let’s dispel some myths about hospice:

  1. Hospice is giving up: While hospice does not provide curative treatment to improve someone’s terminal condition, what it CAN provide is comfort for the patient and their family during their remaining time together. Hospice offers a team of support including a medical director, skilled nursing support, a social worker, a hospice aide, and a chaplain. Hospice also offers volunteers to provide non-medical support based on someone’s wishes and interests.
  2. Hospice is a place that provides 24-hour care: Hospice services can be provided in any setting that you or your loved one call “Home.” Hospice care can be received in private homes, assisted living or memory care communities, or in a skilled nursing facility. While hospice isn’t 24-hour support, there is increased support available that can be explored based on your preferences and needs.

     

  3. Hospice is only there for pain control: Hospice focuses on the well-being of the whole patient spiritually, physically, and mentally. Patients can receive from hospice what works for them.

     

  4. Hospice care is only for the last 3 weeks of life: While a terminal condition with a prognosis of 6 months or less is needed to enroll, there have been patients who received hospice services for months to years before they passed away. If you qualify for hospice, timely enrollment can allow your team to get to know you, while you’re still you. Hospice services can also be extended as long as you medically qualify.

     

  5. Hospice care is only for the patient: Hospice is like a wraparound service, and not only does the person in need the most receive direct services and support, but their loved ones are also able to receive support for a full 13 months after they pass away.

     

  6. Pain is an inevitable part of the dying process: Pain can be a part of the dying process, but with hospice services, the goal is to minimize the pain and maximize comfort. Comfort measures can be provided medically, and/or through the support of a chaplain or volunteer. Hospice volunteers can offer services such as reading, singing, playing music, offering massage, or simply running errands to calm your mind.

     

  7. People pass away more quickly in hospice: The majority of people receiving hospice care do pass away, but the care provided by hospice does not speed the process along. Hospice can occasionally even delay passing due to the increased level of support and comfort that it can provide.

     

  8. Hospice is only for those who are diagnosed with cancer: Hospice can be ordered by a medical doctor for anyone with a qualifying and terminal diagnosis (life expectancy of 6 months or less).

     

  9. Hospice care takes away your voice: While receiving hospice care, patients are still advocates for their individualized healthcare decisions. When timely enrollment is considered, hospice patients can state their needs and wishes to ensure their wishes are honored during their journey.

     

  10. Once you’re enrolled in hospice, you cannot disenroll in hospice: Anyone can disenroll in hospice at any time if they choose to seek treatment options for their condition, or for any reason. On rare occasions, some hospice patients have also had an improvement in their health and have been medically discharged from hospice.

     

  11. Hospice patients must sign a “Do Not Resuscitate” or “DNR” Order: A DNR is not required.

If you or a loved one is faced with the difficulty of end-of-life decision-making, and you’d like to discuss hospice support, please reach out to us at Info@CaringEdge.com.

18 Hospice Truths & Misconceptions

18 Hospice Truths & Misconceptions

Apr 18, 2018 | Hospice Articles

1. All hospice programs are the same. 

Hospice programs must follow a set of rules and regulations determined by the state, however support services may differ. It is important to find one that offers the right care.

2. Hospice is giving up. 

Hospice care is not giving up. Instead, hospice services are there to provide comfort and improve quality of life and to help carry out the wishes of the patient.

3. Hospice is a place. 

Hospice is a philosophy of care and can be received wherever the patient and their loved ones prefer. This includes at home, in a senior living facility, or in-patient if needed.

4. If you choose hospice, you can’t keep seeing your primary care physician. 

Another common hospice myth is that you can no longer see your PCP (primary care physician). The patient’s current primary care physician may choose to remain their doctor while on hospice care. Most choose to turn the care over to the hospice Medical Director and coordinate with them.

5. Hospice is only for cancer patients. 

Hospice is available for any patient coping with the end-stage of any chronic disease, including kidney failure and Alzheimer’s, and virtually any other life-limiting condition.

6. An immense amount of pain is just a part of dying. It’s unavoidable. 

While pain often is part of the dying process, hospice care professionals are trained to help manage pain at the end-of-life. Hospice doctors, nurses, and other professionals are able to recognize what stage of the end-of-life process the patient is at, and adjust their care accordingly.

7. Hospice hastens death. 

Obviously, many hospice patients do pass away within hospice care, and this likely explains how this misconception came to be. But the truth is, hospice care does not speed up death. In fact, those who employ hospice care may live longer than those who choose not to use hospice services.

8. Hospice is only used in the very last weeks of life. 

Hospice care can begin when the patient’s physician gives a prognosis of six months or less if the disease follows the expected course. Hospice often provides such comfort and support that many outlive their expected prognosis.

9. Hospice only lasts for six months. 

A patient is referred to hospice care when a doctor’s prognosis is six months or less. However, if the patient lives longer, hospice care can absolutely continue.

10. Hospice care only helps the sick person. 

Hospice care is very much a comprehensive service for both the ill person and their family members. Spiritual and emotional support is offered for the patient’s loved ones as well as the patient.

11. Hospice administers morphine to speed up death. 

Morphine may be used in small doses to help patients feel more comfortable. It is not used in dosages large enough for patients to hasten death.

12. Hospice means the patient no longer has a say in their care. 

Hospice care is the exact opposite of this myth! Hospice care centers manage the wants and needs of the patient. Care plans are individualized to what the patient wants and needs.

13. Hospice care is not as good as curative treatment. 

The quality of care received while on hospice is just as high as being in a hospital setting; the focus of the care is just different. Hospices are staffed by highly trained medical professionals who are trained to handle crises and around-the-clock needs.

14. Hospice is only useful for administering pain medication. 

Hospice is so much more than just doling out medicine. Hospice care focuses on the whole wellbeing of the patient. This includes spiritual, emotional and physical care.

15. Hospice requires that you give up medication. 

Hospice care is focused on making the patient as comfortable as possible. This means that some patients may choose to give up medications that have heavy side effects, like chemotherapy. However, these decisions are left up to the patient and their loved ones.

16. Hospice patients are sedated so much that they sleep all the time. 

Pain management is the main goal of medications administered by hospice programs. But the dosage amounts start out very low and are only increased if the patient feels more pain. The idea that hospice providers sedate patients is a misconception.

17. Hospice patients must sign a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. 

A signed DNR is not required to receive hospice care.

18. Hospice stops providing food and water to patients so that they die faster. 

Hospice programs will never deny food or drink to any patient. However, it is a natural part of the process that some patients do not feel hungry or thirsty at the end of life. But it is a myth that hospice actively discourages eating and drinking.