When you're caring for a loved one in hospice, sleep often becomes a precious and elusive commodity. Nighttime needs, medication schedules, and your own worry can create a perfect storm of sleep deprivation. Yet adequate rest isn't a luxury for caregivers—it's a necessity for maintaining the physical and emotional stamina that caregiving requires.

Caring for a loved one in hospice brings both meaningful connections and difficult challenges. While much attention goes to the hands-on aspects of caregiving, how you think and feel about your role can greatly affect both your well-being and the care you provide. The right mindset can help give you hope, give you energy, and give you the strength to continue doing your important job, even when times get tough.

One of the most common concerns for families providing hospice care at home is what to do when unexpected situations arise, especially during the night. That moment when something changes with your loved one and you're unsure if it's an emergency can feel overwhelming and scary. Thinking through a plan ahead of time can help you make better decisions in moments of crisis.