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If a parent has a terminal illness, choosing to move them into a hospice facility ensures they have the care and support needed at the end of life. Even though you can still spend time with your loved one, the anticipation of their death can be difficult to process. Following the suggestions outlined here will help you cope with the grief now to make it easier to heal after your parent is gone.

3 Ways  to Cope When a Dying Parent Is in a Hospice Facility

1. Spend as Much Time Together as Possible

Seeing a once vibrant parent as a shell of their former self can be painful for a child. Although you might want to remember your parent in better times, make a point to visit them as much as possible while they’re in hospice care. Avoiding them and refusing to acknowledge the situation could lead to regret after they’re gone. To make the time together more meaningful, read their favorite books aloud or recall fond memories. Even if your parent is too sick to articulate their feelings, having you close by will be appreciated. 

2. Reach Out For Support

Rochester-Lakeville-Newark-New-York-hospiceWhen a loved one is in the last stages of life, you might be tempted to suppress feelings of anguish since it might be viewed as a sign of giving up. However, ignoring your feelings of anticipatory grief could create more stress, making it difficult to be emotionally present during your parent’s final days. To help work through your emotions, surround yourself with a support system. Seeing a grief counselor or joining a support group will give you the chance to express your feelings. A therapist can also offer advice to help you regain your sense of control and manage the anger and depression you might feel over the approaching loss. 

3. Try Meditation

It’s natural to feel panic at the thought of losing someone close. To remain calm, try meditating. Form relaxing images in your mind to help remove worrisome thoughts. Taking deep breaths as you concentrate will slow your heart rate and curb stress hormone activity as well. 

 

If your ill parent needs hospice care, the professionals at Lifetime Care will provide 24-hour, on-call assistance and palliative care services to help alleviate their condition. The compassionate team also provides bereavement services to help surviving loved ones cope with the anticipated loss. To learn more about hospice options available in western New York, contact the Newark location at (315) 331-7990, the Lakeville location at (585) 214-1000, or the Rochester branch at (585) 214-1000. Visit the healthcare providers online to explore how they will care for your parent and on Facebook for announcements. 

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