Hospice

For those in hospice care, improving quality of life is an important goal. Much like music therapy, art therapy can bring joy to hospice patients and improve their mental and physical health.

While art has been used as a form of therapy and grief care in cultures around the world for hundreds of years, the term “art therapy” wasn’t used until the 1940s. In the decades since, art therapy has taken on new forms and been used in new ways, with formal training and licensing regulations now in place.

When used for those in hospice, art therapy can provide substantial benefits for patients and caregivers. Let’s take a closer look at art therapy in hospice care!

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy uses the creative process to help alleviate pain and improve patients’ mental health. For those in hospice, it can improve quality of life, reduce some symptoms, and provide a way for patients to express their emotions.

Art therapy programs come in many different forms and can be tailored to a patient’s specific needs. Typically, art therapy involves drawing, painting, creating collages, or another artistic endeavor. An art therapist will often offer group or one-on-one sessions.

Benefits for Patients

The benefits of art therapy have been observed in many different studies, and researchers have seen physical, mental, and emotional benefits for patients. From reducing patient pain to helping patients come to terms with their diagnoses, here are a few of the main benefits:

1. Reduce Pain

Many patients who have participated in art therapy have reported decreased pain. This could be partially because art provides a distraction from the pain a patient feels. Creating art also releases endorphins, which can help block pain. Plus, the creation process involves movement, which encourages patients to actively engage with their art and the environment.

2. Increase Quality of Life

One of hospice care’s main goals is improving a patient’s quality of life, and art therapy does just that! Patients who participate in art therapy have said that they feel calm, entertained, and motivated throughout the process. Art therapy can also give patients a sense of empowerment and increase their self-worth, which improves their quality of life.

3. Express Emotions

When coming to terms with a terminal diagnosis, hospice patients may struggle to put their emotions into words. Art provides a creative outlet for patients to express their pain, confusion, and inner conflict, allowing them to communicate without words. This act of self-expression, especially with the guidance of a licensed art therapist, can help patients better understand the emotions they’re trying to process.

4. Improve Mental Health

Many patients in hospice struggle with mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Because art therapy causes endorphins to be released and encourages self-expression, it can also improve patients’ mental health. By strengthening positive feelings, alleviating distress, and helping patients relax, it can help reduce anxiety and depression.

5. Process Questions About Life

One of the hardest parts of receiving a terminal diagnosis is processing and accepting it. Many patients find themselves reviewing their lives, wondering if they left behind a meaningful legacy, or facing their fear of death. Art therapy can help patients face their questions and examine their feelings about life and death. Plus, the creative process gives the patient a piece of art that helps them leave a legacy for their loved ones.

6. Find Support

Many hospice patients struggle with loneliness and isolation. Receiving a terminal diagnosis can shift relationships and leave a patient feeling alone. Art therapy provides patients with the support of a licensed art therapist, who can help them process what they’re going through. Plus, group sessions can help a patient build community and receive support from others in similar situations.

Benefits For Caregivers

While most hospice art therapy programs are mainly for hospice patients, families and caregivers have also seen benefits. Seeing their loved one involved in art therapy can give them good memories to hold onto.

If a caregiver can participate, art therapy can be a great source of self-care, helping them cope with their own feelings of grief. Plus, if caregivers participate alongside their loved ones in hospice, they may be able to process any conflicts and open up about their emotions together.

In addition, caregivers can receive social support from the art therapist and other caregivers involved in the art therapy process. They can ask questions about their complicated emotions and find community with others in similar situations.

Processing a terminal diagnosis and entering hospice care can be difficult for both patients and caregivers. However, art therapy can improve quality of life and allow patients and caregivers to receive the support they need. Plus, it can help participants express their emotions and wrestle with the deep questions coming to the surface. Whether in a group setting or one-on-one with a licensed therapist, art therapy can be an excellent option for those in hospice to explore.

When you or someone you love receives a terminal diagnosis, laughter may be the last thing on your mind. As the transition to end-of-life care begins, you may feel overwhelmed by various emotions, like fear, anger, sadness, or despair.

But a positive mindset and humor can improve the quality of life of a hospice patient, boost their physical and mental health, and help them cope with their new situation. As you and your family begin to process the terminal diagnosis, laughter – at appropriate times – can bring you together and help you grieve well.

Here are four ways laughter and humor benefit those in hospice care. Plus, make sure you read to the end for some helpful tips for creating a positive atmosphere during this difficult time!

Benefit #1: Laughter helps you cope

Coping with a terminal diagnosis can be difficult for both a hospice patient and their family. But humor can help you change your perspective and make the most of the time you have left together. While death is serious, end-of-life situations often come with weird, peculiar moments, and laughing at those situations can help you have a more positive mindset. Plus, humor is a positive coping skill that can show acceptance, rather than avoidance, of the situation.

Benefit #2: Laughter provides relief

Laughter can also benefit those in hospice by relieving stress and tension. When we’re in a stressful situation, we often hold in our emotions. These emotions build within us, creating pressure. Laughter releases that pressure and brings those emotions to the surface, providing relief from the stress and tension. This doesn’t mean that negative emotions disappear; instead, laughter helps us relax and cope with our emotions in a healthier way.

Benefit #3: Laughter boosts physical health

Most of us know the old cliche, “Laughter is the best medicine.” While this statement is an exaggeration, laughter does have some healing properties! Hospice is about improving a patient’s quality of life, and laughter can help. Laughter increases oxygen intake, which provides a boost for your internal organs, and it can alleviate pain by releasing positive endorphins. Plus, laughter helps boost your immune system, improve your blood flow, and burn calories – all of which can improve your health.

Benefit #4: Laughter connects you to others

Have you ever seen or read something so funny that you had to share it with someone else? Humor has a way of bringing people together and creating connections. Laughing with others helps you let down your walls and be less defensive, encouraging you to be more vulnerable. Laughter can also decrease loneliness, which can be a big problem for some hospice patients.

Laughing with others can also help decrease relationship tension and stress. During stressful situations, like coping with a terminal diagnosis, tensions can run high, creating conflict. Humor and laughter (at appropriate times) can alleviate tension in these difficult situations. Learning to make light of the awkward moments that may come with end-of-life care can help the patient, family, and hospice workers feel more comfortable with each other.

How can you create a more positive atmosphere?

After you or a loved one receives a terminal diagnosis, it may be hard to find ways to laugh. Here are a few different ways to incorporate more humor into your daily life.

• Find humor in situations. Little funny things happen around us all the time, and finding humor in those moments is great! Just make sure that you’re laughing with someone, not at them.
• Watch a funny TV show, movie, or video. Everyone has a different type of humor that makes them laugh. You can watch a favorite movie that you’ve always found funny or try something new!
• Talk with kids. Kids can say the silliest things sometimes. If you have kids, grandkids, or know anyone with kids, take time to talk to them, play with them, and ask them questions.
• Have a game night. Playing games with friends and family can often lead to shenanigans. Just stay away from Uno Draw Fours and Monopoly’s Boardwalk!
• Share a cheesy joke. The best part of telling someone a cheesy joke or terrible pun is making yourself laugh! Even if no one else finds the joke funny, their groans are sure to make you laugh.

As you look to laugh more, remember that timing matters! Not everyone will feel like laughing during this time, and it’s important to be sensitive to the emotions of those around you – whether you’re the patient or your loved one is. Above all, focus on using laughter to create a positive atmosphere and mindset to make this difficult time a little easier for everyone.

For most families, hospice care takes place right inside the home. But your home isn’t a medical facility – how do you access the medical equipment and supplies needed to properly care for your terminally ill loved one?

Thankfully, Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance companies provide generous coverage for hospice care, including medical equipment and supplies. In most cases, the family won’t have to pay for any medical equipment or supplies out of pocket, but always confirm with your insurance provider so you don’t end up with unexpected expenses. Some insurance companies require that you acquire equipment from certain sellers.

Now, to give you a well-rounded understanding of hospice medical equipment and supplies, let’s review 6 frequently asked questions.

How do I know which medical equipment or supplies my loved one needs?

Short answer: Talk to your terminally ill family member’s doctor. When you first request hospice care, both the primary care physician and the hospice medical director will assess your loved one’s overall health. If they certify that your loved one is eligible for hospice care, they will also determine what medical equipment and supplies are needed for your family member’s care.

Then, your hospice team of experts will work closely with you to coordinate the delivery and set-up of any equipment at your home. As your loved one’s condition changes, the equipment and supplies will change. For example, an oxygen tank may not be needed in the first month of hospice care, but it becomes necessary in the third month. Your loved one’s care is a continually evolving process, and your hospice team will help you navigate those changes.

What items qualify as “medical equipment”?

Medical equipment refers to items that are re-usable or intended for long-term use. Every hospice patient’s situation and care regimen are different, but some items commonly considered “medical equipment” are:

• Hospital bed
• Oxygen equipment
• Geriatric recliner
• Bedside commode or bedpan
• Nebulizer
• Shower chair
• Wheelchair
• CPAP machine
• Blood pressure monitor
• Walker or crutches
• Bed lift
• Feeding pump

This is not a comprehensive list, but it gives you a sense of which items are considered medical equipment. Your hospice team will continually assess your loved one’s condition and ensure that the right equipment is delivered when it becomes necessary.

What items qualify as “medical supplies”?

On the other hand, medical supplies are designed for one-time use. They are often easier to acquire and will be replaced as needed. Here’s an example list of medical supplies:

• Bandages and gauze
• Briefs, pads, and other continence care supplies
• Disposable gloves, needles, or syringes
• Oxygen tubing
• Personal care products, like soap and shampoo
• Cushions and wedges
• Catheters

You can certainly purchase any personal care items on your own, but hospice care will provide them, if you wish.

Will someone show me how to use the medical equipment and supplies?

Absolutely. A member of your hospice team will clearly explain how to use each piece of medical equipment. They will also educate you on the correct use of any medical supplies, as you may need to clean wounds or administer medications. If you have questions, your hospice provider will provide an emergency assistance number.

What happens when the medical equipment is no longer needed?

As your loved one’s condition evolves, medical equipment will come and go in your home. When something is no longer needed, your hospice team will arrange its removal.

Are there any extra supplies I should gather?

When you sign up for hospice care, the admissions nurse may suggest that you purchase a few supplies. While most things are provided through your insurance policy, there may be some items to purchase on your own. Confirm with your chosen hospice provider, but here are a few items you might choose to have on hand.

• Twin sheets (two sets)
• Disposable or cloth under-pads
• Baby monitor or bell for the patient to use when they need help
• Thermometer (forehead type is best)
• Bendable straws (if the patient does not have swallowing issues)
• Mild or bland food (like oatmeal, applesauce, pudding, or yogurt)
• Night lights for hallways and rooms
• Wastebasket near the bed
• Loose nightshirt or nightgown

You are not required to have any of these items on hand, but it may make the transition to hospice less stressful if you are prepared in advance. You can always double-check with the hospice provider to see if they will provide these items. In some cases, they will.

If you have more questions, reach out to a respected hospice provider in your area. They can answer any additional concerns you may have, regarding medical equipment or hospice care in general.

Choosing hospice care can be a difficult decision. Often, the conversation is hard and can bring a weight of reality to your situation. Even so, choosing end-of-life care may be the right and best next step for your family. Hospice care can actually lighten your load as a caregiver and make your remaining time as a family more enjoyable and comfortable.

If you’re wondering if it’s time for hospice care, here are 6 signs to consider. But first, let’s start with a basic understanding of the purpose of hospice care and how it can help your sick loved one as well as the rest of your family.

The Purpose of Hospice Care

While the phrase “hospice care” may seem a little scary, it’s important to remember the true mission and purpose of hospice care organizations. Hospice programs are designed to support and guide families. The experienced staff will care for your loved one during their final days and assist your family with caregiving needs. The goal of hospice is to allow a person to die comfortably and with dignity in their home or hospice centers, surrounded by those they love.

6 Signs That it’s Time for Hospice Care

Now, let’s talk about 6 signs that may signal it’s time to consider whether hospice might be the right option for your family.

1. Rapidly declining overall health

Perhaps the biggest sign that it’s time to consider hospice care is when there is a significant decline in health. Frequent trips to the hospital or reoccurring infections can quickly lead to a lower quality of life. Even less severe trends such as increased sleeping, mental confusion, and falls can be causes for concern.

Another clear sign that end-of-life care may be needed is if the individual is experiencing constant pain or shortness of breath. Hospice nurses are equipped to care for these types of health issues and can offer relief from pain or discomfort.

2. Given six months to live by a doctor

When a loved one receives a terminal diagnosis, end-of-life care is usually the next conversation to have. Hospice care organizations offer medical care, comfort, and support to families. If you have financial concerns, Medicare or Medicaid often cover many aspects of end-of-life care, provided the doctor determines that life expectancy is six months or less.

Even if you enroll in hospice care, it’s possible that the terminally ill person could make a full recovery or symptoms may lessen. If this occurs, great! You can always discontinue care or request to receive care for longer than the standard six months after talking with a doctor. If it seems likely that they won’t recover, though, end-of-life care could be the right option for maintaining the best quality of life.

3. Eating and drinking less

Have you ever had an older pet that stopped eating and drinking? Similarly, human beings also have a sense of when the body is letting go. Whether because of disease, diminished mental capacity, or simply old age, loved ones typically tend to eat and drink less when their time gets closer. They also tend to lose weight and experience changes in their body composition during this time. If you see this occurring, it may be time to consider asking hospice care to help.

4. Unable to perform daily tasks

When a loved one is unable to care for themselves, especially if they live alone, it may be time to consider hospice care. Everyday tasks such as eating, getting dressed, walking around, using the restroom, maintaining personal hygiene, and more become very difficult as health deteriorates.

Talk to a doctor to have your loved one’s health assessed, and with approval, you can look into your care options. A hospice care professional can make sure that your loved one has all the assistance needed, while maintaining their dignity and making everyone feel as comfortable as possible.

5. Displaying unusual or abnormal behavior

It can be emotionally distressing to see a loved one go through sickness and enter the final stage of life. Not only do you see the sudden physical changes, you also witness changes in their behavior and actions, such as changes in how they interact with friends and family.

Many loved ones who are in hospice care often make statements and requests that seem out of character. They might also begin to give away their personal belongings on a whim. Another sign to keep in mind is if your loved one is making apologies or saying goodbye. Ideally, a person will already be receiving hospice care by this point, but if not, it’s okay. There is certainly still time to request it.

6. Feeling stressed and overwhelmed as a senior caretaker

Being a caretaker is a serious commitment. While you may want to commit to caring for your loved one, which is admirable, it can be stressful to take on that responsibility and maintain the other parts of your life. Choosing hospice care for your loved one is not a selfish decision, but an act of love. It’s giving them the care they need and deserve, just as they loved and cared for you.

In some ways, deciding to enroll in end-of-life care may feel like you’re giving up or that you’ve stopped caring. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Enrolling in end-of-life care is about making your loved one’s life more comfortable. It’s about doing everything possible to ease their pain and make life better.

What’s Next?

If your loved one is exhibiting any of these signs (or many of them), the first step is to get them an appointment with a doctor. It could be that something else is wrong, and it’s better to catch it early. However, if the doctor does determine that the end of life is near, you can request hospice care assistance.

With the help of a trained end-of-life care professional by your side, you and your family can cherish your loved one’s final days to the fullest and offer each other loving support during a trying time.

Caring for a terminally ill loved one is often equal parts rewarding and exhausting – physically, mentally, and emotionally. There are some amazing days where you make meaningful memories that will last a lifetime. Other days challenge you to the end of your endurance. To help caregivers stay balanced and prevent caregiver burnout, respite care is available to help.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care is short-term, in-patient care, designed to give family caregivers an occasional break to re-charge and rejuvenate. In many cases, Medicare benefits pay for patient transport and up to five (5) consecutive days of in-patient care at a Medicare-approved nursing home, hospital, or hospice facility. You can use respite care more than once, but only once during each benefit period. In case the term “benefit period” is unfamiliar, it refers to a 90-day period of care that your loved one can receive before they must re-certify that they are still eligible for hospice care.

Also, while many insurances (including Medicare) help cover this type of care, there may be a minimal cost to the family. Check with your insurance provider before entering into respite care.

Why Would I Request Respite Care?

Being a primary caregiver is an admirable undertaking. Caregiving takes strength, patience, and perseverance. It is not an easy task, and the demands on your time can pile up quickly.

With the challenges of caregiving, you might request respite care for many reasons, including:

Taking a Break

Caring for a dying loved one requires a lot of time, energy, and commitment. Over time, you may begin to experience “caregiver burnout” – physical and emotional exhaustion. With respite care, you can take a few days off to re-charge and care for yourself. This break provides an opportunity to rest and relax without worrying about the level of care your terminally ill loved one is receiving.

Focusing on Personal Health

Caregivers often neglect their own needs and are continuously giving their time, energy, and effort to caring for their dying loved one. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for family caregivers to experience depression, insomnia, changes in appetite, or become more susceptible to illness. Respite care gives you an opportunity to focus on your own health and wellness, so that you can come back with renewed energy.

Recovering from an Illness

Though this reason is similar to focusing on personal health, it’s more focused on sickness. If you catch a cold, the flu, or some other transmittable sickness, you definitely don’t want to pass that illness on to your terminally ill loved one. With respite care, you can take a few days to recover from your own sickness before returning to care for a loved one.

Attending Important Events

Life keeps moving forward, even when someone you love is dying. That means, there may still be weddings, graduations, or other events that you must attend. With respite care, caregivers can take a few days to attend these events without worrying about medical care.

Getting Increased Care for Your Loved One

Throughout the hospice journey, your loved one will experience ups and downs with their health. There will be times when their pain and symptom management is too much for you to handle on your own at home. During these times, you can request in-patient care where your loved one can receive the medical care they need for more severe symptoms.

Now that we’ve discussed a few reasons why you might request respite care, let’s talk about the benefits.

 How Does the Caregiver Benefit from Respite Care?

For those who still aren’t sure about taking time away from a loved one, here are some of the biggest benefits caregivers see when they take advantage of respite care.

• Improved sleep
• Increased energy
• Improved outlook
• Reduced levels of stress and anxiety

Requesting respite care may feel like claiming a weakness or demonstrating that you don’t have what it takes to care for a loved one, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is – what you’re doing is hard and exhausting. Knowing your limits and taking time to care for yourself is a good thing. It will give you the energy you need to provide better quality care for your loved one and be at your best when they need you most.

How Does the Patient Benefit from Respite Care?

While respite care may seem like it mostly benefits the caregiver, there are also many benefits to the patient, including:

• Reduced guilt over their caregiver’s stress or anxiety; glad to give their caregiver a break
• Increased social interaction opportunities
• Improved relationship to caregiver; stress affects both the caregiver and the patient

It’s beautiful and good to receive care at home from a loved one, but at times, everyone needs a break. With respite care, both caregiver and patient can come back together more refreshed.

How Often Can I Request Respite Care?

With hospice care, there are benefit periods, and you can request respite care once per benefit period. Under special circumstances, you might be able to receive additional care, but you will likely need supporting documentation to ensure the request is valid.

Every caregiver’s life comes with its challenges. If you just can’t provide the at-home care necessary for a dying loved one, consider looking into another living situation. Perhaps a different family member can step in to assist or you can look into care at a hospice facility or nursing home. To learn more about the options, go to “Where Can You Receive Hospice Care?”

But remember – to the hospice team, your loved one’s wishes always come first and supersede anything else. Be sure to discuss the options with your loved one before talking to the hospice team about any changes in location of care.

How Do I Request Respite Care?

If you’d like to request respite care, the best thing to do is talk to your hospice care team. They will help you prearrange dates for care and ensure that all the details are taken care of. If you aren’t sure when it would be a good time to be away, the hospice team can assess your loved one’s medical situation and give you guidance on timing.

Now that you understand the value of respite care – to both the caregiver and the patient – don’t be afraid to use this beneficial service for your well-being.