There may come a time when you will let your parents live in a hospice. It could be because of a variety of reasons— you have a family to attend to, you have a career to build, and you have no one to take care of your parents. Some may view hospice homes as an insensitive way to leave your parents, but in reality, it is a sign of love. It is a sign of trust that they will be taken care of better than the way you take care of them.
You can always visit your parents at their hospice home in Indiana, and it is something that can make them happy. It is an occasion that can also put a smile on your and their face. Make sure that your visit will be worthwhile, though — that it will make your parents truly joyous. Here are some tips you may want to keep in mind:
Be gentle
There may be occasions when your parents will be grumpy and unbearable, and it is just normal. This is the time you need to be more than patient. You need to take the higher ground and be gentle. If you know that your parents hate surprise visits, then do not do it because it will just trigger some undesirable emotions. When you approach them, do it with caution. Do everything with extra care.
Always listen
During your visit, you may find that your parents will talk and converse non-stop. Do not cut them and do not show displeasure. Talking is their outlet, and they may be the happiest when they talk to you or tell you some of their stories. During this time, it is important that you lend them your ears, so listen with a heart and respond when it is needed.
Choose your words
To start or resume conversations, you need to tell yourself to be patient. Your parents may say something that you do not necessarily like. When that happens, do not retaliate. Again, remind yourself to just listen. When you respond, you have to choose your words. Do not hurt them with some of your insensitive remarks. Better yet, do not talk at all. After all, silence can actually help you create a stronger bond with them.
Bring them something
When you pay your parents a visit, bring them something that they like. It could be a food, an item for their hobby, or a relic from the past that will remind them of some happy memories. This is actually one of the ways that you can comfort them or make them smile.
Give them assurance
A long visit may not be necessary, especially if there are some health concerns. But do not just leave. Give them some pep talk and promise them that you will come back. If the hospice permits, you can even ask them to go out.
Having your parents at a hospice home is a sign of love. It shows that you want them to be better, to be comfortable. You know what makes them much happier? Your presence. So pay them a regular visit.
