Supporting with Compassion: Essential Tips for Caregivers of Loved Ones in Hospice Care

Hospice care is a team-based approach that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The hospice team includes nurses, doctors, social workers, CNA’s, counselors, chaplains, integrative therapists, and volunteers — all working together to support both the patient and their family.

Any time you are feeling uncertain or frustrated, make sure to reach out to your hospice team. They are there to help you better understand your loved one’s needs. They are well-versed in common changes that can occur at the end of life, and how an illness can progress. Of course, make sure to also recognize that you are also an expert in what matters to your loved one. So, it’s important to follow your gut when something doesn’t feel right and share your gut feelings with your hospice team.

Tip: Take advantage of the hospice team’s expertise. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, request demonstrations (like how to administer medications), or seek clarification on care plans. You’re not alone in this — hospice professionals are there to guide and empower you.

Your loved one’s comfort should always come first. Pay attention to signs of pain, restlessness, or fatigue and communicate these to your hospice care team.

Practical steps include:

• Adjusting pillows or bedding to prevent discomfort.
• Keeping their environment calm, familiar, and peaceful.
• Playing soothing music or surrounding them with comforting scents. The Lightways Integrative Therapy Team is here to support you and your loved one.
• Encouraging gentle conversation and quiet presence rather than constant activity.

Sometimes, the smallest gestures—holding a hand or softly speaking their name—bring the greatest comfort.

In hospice care, presence often matters more than words. You don’t always have to “fix” things; simply being there can provide reassurance and peace.

Allow your loved one to express their feelings, fears, or memories. Listen with empathy and without judgment. Silence, too, can be sacred — offering a sense of calm connection when words aren’t needed.

Caregiving can be emotionally and physically exhausting. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so self-care is not selfish—it’s essential.

Try to:

• Get enough rest whenever possible.
• Eat nourishing meals and stay hydrated.
• Accept help from friends, family, or hospice volunteers.
• Take breaks to recharge — a short walk or a few minutes of quiet breathing can make a big difference.
• Talk to your hospice social worker about what local resources you may qualify for, including respite, financial assistance, caregiver services, volunteers, support groups, and more.

Remember, caring for yourself allows you to care for your loved one with more patience and compassion.

Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care offer a wide range of support services, including a virtual caregiver support group, grief counseling (in-person and virtual options available), social work services, and spiritual care for families before and after loss. Engaging in these services can help you process emotions and find strength in community.

If you or your family are struggling, reach out to our Grief Support Team— they are trained to provide emotional guidance during this time. Bi-lingual counselors are available. Our services are offered free of charge to anyone utilizing Lightways services and to anyone in the community who has experienced a loss. Our team can be reached directly at 815.460.3282 or by email at [email protected].

Even in hospice care, there are opportunities for joy and meaning. Share favorite stories, look through old photos, enjoy a favorite song together, or simply sit in peaceful silence. These small, shared moments often become lasting memories of love and grace.

Caregiving can be made more difficult when you are also experiencing grief. Your loved one with a serious illness is experiencing many losses as they approach the end of their life. They may have increased fatigue, confusion, pain, agitation, or other symptoms that change who they are for you. You may also face physical separation from them due to changes in where they sleep or live. Caregivers are also at risk of experiencing financial losses, social losses, health challenges, and more.
Your hospice team not only cares for your loved one, but is also there for you for emotional support, the hospice social worker and chaplain can visit to help you navigate these feelings and challenges.

Remember that you are never alone. Hospice care exists not only to ease your loved one’s death but also to support you every step of the way. By balancing care for your loved one with care for yourself, you can help create a peaceful and meaningful experience in life’s final chapter.