4 Tips for Living Your Best Life as a Hospice Resident

Coming to terms with a terminal diagnosis is a difficult challenge for patients and their families. While it may be a challenging time it’s important to do things that make you happy. Here are four tips for living to the full while in hospice care, from the team at our hospice community in South Jersey:

Bring Home with You. Rather than leaving the comforts and familiarity of home behind, bring it with you. Your favorite jerseys, softest comforter, the bedside lamp you love, and your favorite houseplant are all welcome. Some hospice facilities have guidelines of how much you can bring in with you, but it’s a generous process that’s all about making you feel at home.
Stress and Depression. It’s understandable that stress, anxiety and depression are common amongst terminally ill residents, but it’s important to know that there is plenty of support available.
Whether you’re worried about the future, have spiritual concerns or are feeling overwhelmed, there are therapists and spiritual advisors on call to give comfort, advice and support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you notice signs that you don’t feel like yourself —– it’s natural, and you deserve a helping hand.
Connect with People. Another good idea is to connect with people having a similar experience, and support groups offer a great resource for friendship, understanding, and support. Make time for your family and friends too, as they know and love you best. These strong social ties are key to keep enjoying life to the fullest.
Holistic Care. Holistic hospice care, also called coordinated care, is another essential resource. This entails hospice residents’ treatment by a team of nurses, therapists, counselors and more who keep clear lines of communication with you and with each other.
This means a better quality of care and pain management and helps with bringing in more unique team members to address specific issues and concerns aligned with your care plan.

Find Out More About End-of-Life Care Services from Our Hospice Community in South Jersey

At The Shores, a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit organization in New Jersey, we offer compassionate, professional hospice care in the Jersey Shore called Bridges. In this program, we focus on creating a nurturing and comforting environment for residents and their loved ones through customized care programs and compassionate support. To find out more about our hospice in Cape May County, please visit our website at https://umcommunities.org/theshores/hospice-care-nj/ or contact us today and organize your visit.