Unfortunately, I had a pretty traumatic childhood. My parents were always fighting, and I was faced with trying to decide what to do about my own personal feelings. When I got older, I knew that I needed to do something to relieve the stress that I was feeling even many years later, so I started focusing on going to counseling. My first few appointments were a little nerve-racking, but the counselor worked hard to make me feel comfortable. I was really impressed with how gentle and kind she was, and I felt really great about the progress I was making. This blog is all about benefiting from counseling.
Benefitting From Counseling
Open-Ended Questions To Ask A Loved One In Hospice Care
Ron Henry
The time that a loved one spends in hospice care can be both horrible and wonderful for everyone involved. While the person who is facing the last days of their lives may be facing many different emotions, they may also be feeling a sense of joy at the celebration of all the years that they lived. Here are some questions that you may want to ask a loved one who is in hospice care to get to know them on a deeper level. They're also things that can help you understand what the person is thinking and feeling so that you can make their final days as easy and comfortable as possible.
Ask: What are the first memories that come to mind when you think of joyful times in the past?
Not everybody has a specific best time of their life that they can point to as the exact moment in life when they felt the most joy. However, nearly everyone can recall specific times when they felt happy, and they may be able to share joyful memories that you didn't even know they had. The answer to this question can help you get to know your loved one on a deeper level.
Ask: How would you like to change the way your care is being handled?
Every patient will have some complaints. That goes with the situation. However, some people in hospice care have some requests that would make them much more comfortable. They can often be accommodated by the hospice care provider. It's worth asking your loved one this difficult question and seeing if you can have these changes made.
Ask: What can I do to make this easier on you?
Although you are limited in what you can do to help a loved one in their last days, there may be some simple things that you can do that would mean the world to the person who is in hospice care. Simply asking this question can show the person how much you care, and it can mean a lot to the person. Consider what the person requests carefully before committing to fulfilling it.
Ask: If you could hear from any people in the world, who would you like to hear from now?
The way that your loved one answers this question can help you understand what sort of relationships are on their mind now. Thankfully, with social media and the interconnectedness that the internet allows, you may be able to connect your loved one with long-lost friends and loved ones in their final days. Helping your loved one find closure with situations that were significant for them can give them peace of mind.
Finally, keep in mind that you should let the person who is in hospice care ultimately decide how they want to approach their last days. While they will have physical limitations, they should not have social pressures or any limitations on how they feel. Let the person know that you are there to offer support and that they can lead the way. Giving the person in hospice care a sense of control over their experience can help them get the most of the experience and enjoy their last days in the ways that they think are best.
For more information and help, communicate with different hospice care centers in your area, like Twin Lakes Hospice Inc.
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