I've been enjoying a blog by Judi Chamberlain and I've learned a ton about how to help a person in Hospice. Here's a list of things you could take a person:
-Variety of Pillows to help them sit up in bed better.
-A comfortable chair that doesn't require the client to hold themselves up by themselves so much.
One that is supportive to the neck and back and legs and is comfortable and can be moved around.
-Manicures & Pedicures. The client gains self-esteem from being taken care of the same as when they
could do it themselves.
-Massages. The client looks forward to relaxation and being touched, soothed, and cared for.
-Bath Chair. The client doesn't always feel up to showering but a bath chair is necessary.
-Someone to comb the client's hair. It's taxing to for the client to do and feels good when someone else
does it!
-Rides. If the client can go out, they need rides to massage visits, to go places they've been invited to,
and to just get the client "out" for scenery is great!
-Food. Already prepared casseroles, or snack cups such as Jello, Pudding, Applesauce, yogurt, and
fruit. If the client has a cooler on their front porch, it can be used to drop food off without disturbing
the client, especially in the evenings.
-Games to distract the client from being sick such as word puzzles.
-Clothes since the client is generally gaining or loosing weight.
-Clients have cravings when they are dying. A Visitor can call ahead and ask, "What are you craving today?". Then bring it with you.
-Some clients like flowers as it gives them a feel for "outside" when maybe they can't go outside any
more.
-A food tray for the bed since clients are too weak to walk to the kitchen to eat.
-Laptop table or swivel-tray-table, even if the client doesn't use a lap top it's great for eating on, setting
books and magazines on and guests can use it too.
The visit should be centered around the client / loved one. Their comfort level, including temperature in the home, whether they are thirsty, if they want to sit up or lay down, and they should know it's fine if they nod off. They are usually taking morphine. Some visits may have to end and resume another day. I remember when my Uncle Siby was still at home before going in to Hospice, he would say he couldn't understand why no one had been calling him or visiting. Judi Chamberlain said in her blog that visitors "energized" her. I myself have to get over my reservations that "I'm bothering the dying person with my visit" and rather call ahead and just do it!
Some clients need encouragement if they want to make their own "arrangements". They should feel 100% confident that their every wish will be carried out.
I think we should try to never arrive empty-handed. Call ahead, see what's needed specifically. And help by bringing it. If nothing else, always bring food. It improves the whole situation for the caregiver as well as the client.
