It’s impossible to go anywhere in February without being reminded of Valentine’s Day. If you have a loved one in hospice or palliative care, buying them a valentine card might be a great idea. But there are lots of other ways to show them how much they mean to you. During this “month of love,” here are several ways to show your love to someone in hospice or palliative care.
1. Decorate Their Room
Valentine’s Day decorations can be a great way to cheer someone up. Many patients don’t get much change of scenery. Holiday decorations are an easy way to break up the monotony they may experience being in their room. Be aware of any sensitivity to the color red before putting up decorations. You may need to use alternate colors like lavender or pink, but your loved one will still know how much you care.
2. Maintain Holiday Traditions
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or any other holiday, it’s important to keep up traditions. One of the worst things for a hospice patient is the feeling that their condition is upsetting the lives of their loved ones. Whatever you usually do on a special day, find a way to include them and keep it going.
3. Extra Quality Time
Because Valentine’s Day is about love, it may be a particularly difficult day for a patient. Make extra time this month to be with your loved one, especially on the holiday itself. Find ways to make your visits longer. Bring photos, play board games, or ask them to tell you stories from their life. You will benefit as much as they will.
4. Plan a Special Outing
Many hospice patients are still able to do a lot. Therefore, find something they enjoy and plan a day to do it with them. Take them to a favorite place or to visit someone they haven’t seen in a while. If they aren’t able to get out, bring the “outing” to them. Bring a movie, a special meal, or a friend to visit.
5. Personal Care
Because personal care may be difficult for a hospice patient, try helping with simple things. Doing hair, nails, or makeup may be a huge emotional lift for female patients. For patients at home, try refreshing bedding, cleaning windows, or helping de-clutter their bedside area. Sometimes little things can be a great way to show lots of love.
Speaking of care, if your loved one is in need of hospice or palliative care, that might be the best gift you could give them. At Crown Hospice in Victoria, Texas, we are here to help in all aspects of end-of-life or palliative care. Please do not hesitate to call (361) 575-5900 today. Our professional, caring staff will answer all your questions and work with you to give your loved one the best care available.
