How to Build Connections with Hospice Care Staff
Hospice care is about more than managing a patient’s pain and supporting them in their final days, weeks or months. This level of care, like what is offered by Ethos Hospice, is about caring for the entire family unit. Knowing and trusting your loved one’s hospice team can provide you the emotional and spiritual support you need throughout this end-of-life-journey.
These relationships should go beyond the more formal connections you have with your primary care physician. In this blog, we’ll give you tips on how to establish connections with your parent’s or family member’s hospice care team.
Tips for Building Relationships with Hospice Care Team Members
From registered nurses and therapists to home health aides, social workers and chaplains, there are a lot of people determined to support your family. The more you connect with them and let them get to know you, the better they can provide the holistic care your family deserves.
As you transition your parent into hospice care, consider the following for building connections with hospice care staff:
- Get to Know the Care Team. You’ll want to learn what each individual caregiver’s role and responsibility is with taking care of your loved one. Jot down each professional’s name and what they do, so you know who to go to if you have questions about their area of expertise.
- Let the Care Team Get to Know You. As important as it is to learn about your loved one’s hospice team, it’s just as important for them to get to know you. Share family memories and traditions with them, talk about activities you enjoy and open up about your concerns and fears. This will help you establish a rapport with the hospice team and clue them in on what sort of support you, specifically, need during this time.
- Ask Questions Often. Hospice is an emotional and overwhelming time in families’ lives. Fortunately, asking questions can provide some relief and peace of mind. For example, are you unsure what to expect from your loved one’s health in the coming weeks? Ask and let the hospice team provide knowledgeable guidance. Asking questions, actively listening and conversing openly with the hospice care team will establish the trust and comfort your family is looking for.
- Show Appreciation. The hospice care team strives to provide the highest quality care and compassionate support to your family, day in and day out. A great way to strengthen your relationships with these professionals is to show your appreciation often. Express your gratitude on a daily basis and talk to them in a respectful and caring tone. If you like to express your thanks in more creative ways, consider writing thank you cards or making the team a delicious dessert. From managing your loved one’s pain to bereavement support, it’s crucial you show your family’s hospice care team just how much you appreciate them.
- Spend Time with the Hospice Team. Last but certainly not least, spend time with your loved one and their hospice care team. You can engage a home health aide in a rowdy conversation with you and your parent about last night’s hockey scores. You can join the chaplain in a prayer service to connect with your loved one spiritually. Just spend time with the professionals taking care of your family, so you can develop a sense of contentment and calm when they’re present.
Ethos Hospice Offers the Compassionate Support Your Family Deserves
At Ethos Hospice, we strive to make every day more comfortable and joyful for your parent and family. If your parent is in need of hospice care, our team is ready to help and support you during this time.
Please contact us today at 701-356-3803 to learn about our hospice care approach and care services.
