6 Popular Bucket List Items for Hospice Patients
Facing the end of life doesn’t mean that you have to stop living. As a hospice patient, you may not be able to complete every item on the bucket list you’ve been thinking about for years, but there are still a lot of things you can do.
The key is to recognize that there may be a few edits to some of the items. Perhaps you need to consider things like wheelchair accessibility, if there are areas to sit and take a break, or if you can adjust the schedule to allow you to accommodate nap or medication schedules.
Here are 6 common bucket list items that many hospice patients can still accomplish:
Catch a baseball game
For baseball fans, attending a game is a bucket list must—and it’s more doable than you might think. Most stadiums are equipped with wheelchair-accessible seating, allowing you to relax and soak in the excitement. Bring along family or friends to share the experience, cheer for your favorite team, and savor the crack of the bat. Check the stadium’s accessibility options online or call ahead to ensure a smooth outing. This is a perfect way to create lasting memories with loved ones while enjoying a classic pastime.
Visit a national park
National parks are a fantastic place to get out of the city and escape the hustle and bustle. They are also perfect for people who are looking for a more peaceful experience. National parks provide an opportunity to spend time in nature, which patients can often find to be helpful.
The vibrant colors of a forest, the sound of birds, or the calm of a mountain view can ease anxiety and lift spirits—something many patients find therapeutic. Most national parks can be enjoyed via car, and there are generally plenty of picnic areas right next to parking where you can get out and enjoy the view.
Do volunteer work
Maybe you have always wanted to spend some time giving back to your community but never had the chance. There are many ways to volunteer, including things like reading to children, writing letters, crafting for charity, giving historical talks, and even things like visiting animals in shelters. There are even online projects, like this one from the Library of Congress, where you can transcribe historical documents written in cursive so that future generations can read and study them.
Go on a road trip
Road trips are a great way to make yourself feel happy and carefree. Going on a road trip is an easy way to escape the struggles of hospice, and the people you’re with will help to keep you upbeat. They are also a great way to spend time with family members or other loved ones, and you can ask them to be your driver. Roll the windows down, listen to your favorite tunes, and enjoy the ride.
Visit an art museum or gallery
You can’t visit all the art museums in the world in a lifetime, so let’s focus on where you live. The best place to start is at the local museum or gallery that has something different going on every month. They often have events and lectures to help you get excited about visiting museums, and they offer a variety of ways for you to explore new cultures through art. Some even have volunteers that can escort you around in a wheelchair.
Go To A Fancy Restaurant
Have you always wanted to visit a Michelin star, but just never got around do it? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try food from a particular country, or wanted to experience High Tea. Stop denying yourself and make that reservation today!