The families of loved ones who are terminally ill already know all too well that the grieving process begins before the death occurs. But anticipatory grief is not as widely acknowledged and so families may not take the time that they need to acknowledge their own emotional needs. It’s important for families to reach out for help when needed. A caregiver agency near Memphis can provide in-home hospice care to help families focus on their emotional and spiritual needs.

Understanding Anticipatory Grief

Anticipatory grief shares many of the same characteristics as grief after a loved one has passed. Some individuals describe feeling as though they’re losing their minds or can no longer think clearly. Anticipatory grief encompasses anger, sadness, loneliness, depression, and guilt. It can also bring feelings of fear, fatigue, and emotional numbness. It’s important to understand that there is no “normal” way to grieve for someone who hasn’t yet passed on; everyone will have a different experience. It’s not uncommon for individuals to imagine what life will be like after the death; some may go as far as to imagine what they will do with the person’s possessions or with the family home. These thoughts should not be interpreted as indicating callousness. They are simply the mind’s way of trying to cope with an unimaginable situation.

Identifying End of Life Services

During such a difficult time, your family needs elder care services more than ever. At this stage, these services are known as end of life care or hospice care. While many individuals feel that they ought to provide all of the care themselves, this is often not practical and it can detract from the process of saying goodbye to the dying family member. Instead, hire a hospice caregiver to provide services such as personal hygiene tasks and light housekeeping. You owe it to yourself to give yourself a break.

Saying Goodbye Without Regrets

Ask yourself if you will have any regrets when your loved one is gone. Many people regret never truly saying goodbye or making amends for past conflicts. When the dying person is a parent, many adult children regret never reassuring him or her that they will take care of the surviving spouse. Spend time with your loved one in quiet reflection, share treasured memories, and say goodbye without regrets.

The team at Caring Companions has been caring for elders in Memphis and the surrounding areas for more than 14 years. Our mission is to improve quality of life for the families that we work with. The work that we do is much more than a job; our caregivers view elder care as a ministry of service to others.

When you watch this video, you’ll hear from Renee Smith, the owner of Caring Companions, who explains our respite care services available to family caregivers. You’ll also hear from one of our in-home caregivers and from a family who is receiving services. Our in-home care services provide so much more than just practical assistance; they also offer loving kindness and companionship.

When diagnosed with a limited life expectancy, patients, as well as their families, are left with decisions to make about end of life services. If you’re considering hospice care near Memphis , it’s vital to understand how this service can help patients and their families.

For Specialized Care

Hospice care providers are uniquely equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for helping terminally-ill people feel more comfortable and at ease during their final days. The support that these providers can lend can make the end of life process easier on both the patient and his family. When you and your loved one choose to benefit from hospice care, this prevents complications associated with overtreatment at this stage in the patient’s life. Additionally, hospice providers can help patients and their families cope with the final stages of life.

For Personal Assistance

When a patient is considering hospice care, they may be worried about the help they will require in their final days. Opting for specialized end of life care can help patients and families enjoy more time together. Caring for a sick individual can be time-consuming and exhausting, as well as stressful. Hospice care providers can help by providing assistance with light housekeeping, laundry, food preparation, and personal hygiene. These services allow family members to take a break from their caretaker duties and spend more quality time with their loved ones during this emotional period.

For Quality Time

Making patients as comfortable as possible during the final stages of life can help them feel less fearful about the dying process and ease some of their stressful emotions. Hospice care providers are skilled at helping patients who are terminally ill, and can be prepared for situations that family members may not be prepared to handle. Hospice care enables families to enjoy more of their remaining time together by experiencing less stress and worry. When family members feel confident that their loved one received quality care in his last days, the grieving process can be less painful and confusing, making the transition easier for all involved.

When your senior loved one requires assistance after an illness or medical procedure, the stress of making decisions and planning for their needs can be difficult for your family. When deciding on transitional senior care services serving Memphis, there are a few things you can do to help the planning process go smoothly among your family members.

Begin preparing and reach a decision as quickly as possible.

Starting the planning process early is one of the best things that you can do to make the transition to in-home care less stressful for all involved. If your family members are in disagreement about the best strategy for providing your senior loved one with help, starting early and working continuously to make a decision is ideal. Once you realize that your loved one may need help at home, begin the discussion and talk with your family until you can reach a conclusion. Doing this can help you avoid being left without a plan or many options once your loved one is ready to come home.

Explain to your family that change is necessary.

In many cases, families disagree about assisted living options because they dislike the idea of someone that they don’t know caring for their loved one. Making it clear to everyone why your loved one needs help and why you and other family members might not be able to provide her with everything that she needs during this period can help those in disagreement gain a better understanding of the situation.

Compare the benefits of different transitional care plans.

There are many types of elder care programs available, and choosing the one best suited for your loved one can be challenging. First, speak with the senior to determine how she feels about having assistance at home. Next, talk to her doctors to learn what she will require help with during her recovery time. Once you know what needs will have to be addressed, you and your family can discuss transitional care plans with a better understanding of what support your loved one requires during this critical time.