The holidays are often a time when families come together—but it can be difficult for anyone who has lost a loved one. It can also be challenging for families who have loved ones with a terminal diagnosis or who are on hospice services.
There’s an overwhelming feeling that this may be the last year they have with their loved one and the last holiday they get to spend with them. Or, based on their diagnosis, their loved one might not fully be present or able to enjoy the time with their family. That’s why families need the support this time of year most of all.
At Ardent Hospice & Palliative Care, we’re here to provide not just care to our patients—but that extra support to our families during the holidays.
Spend the Season Making Memories & Creating New Traditions
We always encourage our families to treasure their time together because they’ll be the memories you’ll cherish every year. You’ll be able to reflect back on the traditions you start now and continue to honor them for years to come. It’s a way to feel your loved one’s presence, even though they may no longer be there.
With a team like Ardent involved in your loved one’s care, you can spend more time just being present with your loved one. We can also share techniques and ideas to help you create these traditions and memories you’ll end up looking back on. Here are five ways we’d encourage you to spend your time together this year.
- Share stories
This year can be your chance to ask your loved one questions and listen to the stories of their past. You might even want to record or write down what they share; that way you can re-read it or create a keepsake for your family.
- Spend time enjoying traditional activities
Young children can visit their grandparent and read them holiday stories or sing Christmas carols. Many patients—especially those in assisted living communities—really appreciate visitors, and your children will be able to remember that time spent together when they’re older.
- Save presents to open
We have many patients whose families bring a few presents to open with their grandma or grandpa on Christmas day. You can save a couple gifts—maybe a few from Santa or one you know will be super special—and tell your kids they get to open it with their grandparent later. If your loved one is in a nursing home, it’s a way to bring Christmas to them and makes the day so much more special for them.
- Take a trip
A lot of the families in our services already have their own traditions in place and sometimes it involves going away for the holidays. This can be challenging for hospice patients, especially for those who have limited mobility. Our team can help facilitate special transport for your loved one so they can be with you wherever you may be and still keep up your traditions.
- Check for holiday festivities at their care facility
Our team hosts activities at the various assisted living communities in our network. In previous years, we’ve done cookie decorating with our patients and their families. We always try to let our families know when we’re hosting events or activities so that you can get involved and spend time with your loved one. It gives patients living away from home the feeling that they’re getting the full holiday experience.
Our Role in the Holidays
The amazing volunteers at Ardent play an important role in bringing holiday cheer to our patients. On their visits, they’ll read Christmas stories, play holiday music, wrap gifts, and even help decorate a patient’s home.
Our No One Should Die Alone Foundation (NOSDAF) also gives us a chance to help make the holidays more festive for our patients. Through it, we’re able to help purchase gifts for our patients’ grandchildren, bring in some decorations, or grant their holiday wishes.
Whether it’s starting a new tradition or remembering an old one, we can help make the holidays a special time for our patients and their families. More than that, we’re here to support you any time of the year. To find out more about our hospice and palliative care services, visit us online or call (559) 408-5945.
Our team wishes you love, warmth, and joy this holiday season.
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