New Year’s Resolutions for Children of Hospice Patients
Having a parent in hospice can be scary and exhausting. Everyone knows that this time of life will eventually come, but no one wants to think about it. You may be faced with having to make a series of difficult decisions, and you probably also have a long list of new responsibilities.
On top of all that, most people feel a lot of pressure to make resolutions and big life changes around New Year’s. But before you burden yourself with yet another item on your to-do list, we invite you to consider some alternative resolution ideas.
Maybe, instead of doing MORE this year, you focus on doing LESS, which frees you up to concentrate on the things that actually matter.
The amount of quality time you are able to spend with your parent is slowly ticking away. These resolution ideas will help you create more memories, stay healthy, and manage your stress levels better.
Resolution Ideas
Make a commitment to spend quality time with your parent. This could involve setting aside dedicated time each week to visit, have conversations, and do activities together.
Practice self-care and prioritize your own well-being. Caring for a loved one can be emotionally and physically draining, so it's important to take care of yourself too.
Seek out support and resources to help you cope with the challenges of being a caregiver. This could include joining a support group, talking to a therapist, or seeking out resources like respite care or home health services.
Stay connected with other family and friends. It's important to maintain a network of support outside of your caregiving responsibilities.
Consider setting a goal related to your parent's care. This could involve working with your parent and their healthcare team to develop a care plan, or finding ways to make their daily routine more comfortable and enjoyable.
Take breaks and find ways to relax and recharge. It's okay to take a break from caregiving duties and do something for yourself. This could involve taking a walk, participating in a hobby, or simply taking some time to rest and relax.
Which idea was your favorite? Share with us in the comments below!