As we stand on the brink of a new year, the concept of resolutions often dominates our thoughts. In the realm of hospice care, however, resolutions take on a different, yet equally significant, meaning. Let’s explore how setting intentional and compassionate resolutions can enhance the quality of life for both hospice patients and their families as they navigate this tender period.

Setting Meaningful Resolutions

In hospice care, resolutions aren’t about grandiose changes but rather about enriching the remaining time. Resolutions for the hospice patient and their families and/or caregivers could be things such as:

• Rediscovering Favorite Tunes: Creating a playlist of all-time favorite songs. Whether it is the song that played at their wedding or the beat that always made them dance, music can evoke emotions and cherished memories.
• Culinary Delight: Make a favorite meal, indulge in a decadent dessert, or record and share your loved ones’ special recipe with others.
• Capture Precious Moments: Create a photo album or a life review journal that captures the essence of your loved ones’ life. Sorting through old photos and discussing memories can be a very therapeutic exercise, allowing additional memories, stories, and life advice to be shared.
• Expressive Art Sessions: Engaging in drawing, painting, or any form of creative expression can serve as a channel for emotional expression and self-discovery. The artworks created serve as a lovely memory of time well-spent together.
• Virtual Reunions: Technology can allow for virtual reunions in our interconnected world. Hospice patients can look to connect with relatives separated by distance, or reconnect with long-lost friends. Video calls can foster a sense of belonging and rekindle valuable relationships that may not otherwise be possible.
• Acts of Kindness: Hospice patients and their caregivers can set goals to perform acts of kindness. Whether that is donation of time and effort to care for your loved one that receives hospice care, supporting a cause together, or initiating small, meaningful gestures within the circle of support.
• Virtual Travel Adventures: Embark on a journey through the wonders of the world without leaving your home. Utilizing online platforms, such as immersive video calls or virtual reality experiences, individuals can transcend physical boundaries and explore distant landscapes. This resolution not only enables them to visit places they’ve always dreamt of but also invokes a profound sense of pure joy as they virtually navigate through diverse cultures and awe-inspiring destinations, creating lasting memories from the comfort of their own space.

Focusing on Quality of Life

In the realm of hospice care, the concept of New Year’s resolutions takes a poignant turn. Rather than adhering to traditional goals, the emphasis shifts towards enhancing the quality of life for both patients and their families. It’s about curating experiences that bring comfort, ignite laughter, and foster connections, turning ordinary moments into cherished memories. This resolution encourages a mindful embrace of the present, seeking joy in the simplicity of shared moments and creating an environment where the essence of life is not merely sustained but profoundly enriched.

Tailoring Resolutions to Individual Journeys

Each patient’s journey in hospice care is a unique and deeply personal narrative. Tailoring New Year’s resolutions becomes an art of recognition — an acknowledgment of the individuality that defines their path. Here, we guide the process of crafting resolutions that resonate with the patient’s distinct interests, values, and aspirations. By weaving these elements into their resolutions, we not only honor their life story but also cultivate a sense of purpose that becomes a guiding light in their final moments. This personalized approach to resolutions is a tribute to the rich tapestry of every individual’s journey, ensuring that the goals set are not just meaningful but profoundly reflective of the person they are.

Personalized Hobbies and Interests: Identify the patient’s hobbies and interests, whether it’s music, literature, art, or nature. Craft resolutions that involve activities related to their passions, ensuring a deeply personal and enjoyable experience.

Values and Beliefs: Respect and integrate the patient’s values and beliefs into the resolution-setting process. This may involve spiritual practices, rituals, or activities that hold special significance, providing a sense of alignment with their core principles.

Meaningful Connections: Consider the patient’s relationships and connections. Craft resolutions that involve spending quality time with loved ones, creating opportunities for shared experiences and meaningful conversations that strengthen the bonds that matter most.

Aspirations and Dreams: Explore the patient’s unfulfilled aspirations or dreams. Tailor resolutions that bring elements of these aspirations to life, providing a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment even in the face of challenging circumstances.

Comfort and Preferences: Take into account the patient’s physical comfort and preferences. Craft resolutions that prioritize activities and experiences that align with their comfort levels, ensuring a positive and enjoyable journey.

Celebrating Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate significant milestones in the patient’s life. Craft resolutions that revisit these moments, allowing for reflection, gratitude, and the creation of new memories that build upon the legacy of their journey.

Incorporating Loved Ones

Resolutions, within the context of hospice care, are not solitary endeavors; rather, they become a shared journey embraced by families and friends alike. This collective effort not only enriches the experience for the patient but also creates a supportive environment that cherishes shared experiences and memories. Here are examples of how families can actively participate:

Family Memory Nights: Designate specific evenings for family memory nights where everyone gathers to share stories, reminisce about cherished moments, and create new memories together. This fosters a sense of connection and unity.

Collaborative Resolutions: Involve family members in the resolution-setting process. Through open communication and collaboration, collectively decide on goals that resonate with the patient’s wishes, ensuring that everyone plays a role in bringing these aspirations to life.

Shared Creative Projects: Engage in shared creative projects, such as crafting, painting, or writing. This collaborative effort not only provides a creative outlet for expression but also results in tangible artifacts that hold sentimental value for both the patient and their loved ones.

Family Outings or Virtual Gatherings: Plan outings or virtual gatherings that cater to the patient’s comfort level. This could be a simple picnic in a nearby park, a visit to a favorite spot, or a virtual get-together with extended family and friends. These shared experiences strengthen familial bonds.

Recording Family Messages: Encourage family members to record heartfelt messages or compile a video montage expressing their love, gratitude, and shared memories. This collection serves as a precious keepsake that brings comfort and joy to the patient.

Collaborative Legacy Projects: Undertake legacy projects as a family, such as creating a family tree, compiling a photo album, or contributing to a shared scrapbook. These projects not only celebrate the patient’s life but also emphasize the enduring connections within the family.

Embracing Growth and Healing

Resolutions, within the compassionate embrace of hospice care, become more than mere goals; they evolve into a powerful catalyst for personal growth and emotional healing. In this transformative journey, we seek to explore meaningful avenues for both patients and their families to express themselves, fostering a profound sense of peace and closure.

Establish Rituals of Comfort: Daily meditation, a candle-lighting ceremony, or incorporating calming scents can anchor the journey of emotional healing.

Meaningful Conversations and Storytelling: Facilitate open and meaningful conversations within the family. Encourage patients to share their life stories, lessons, and experiences. The act of storytelling not only preserves their legacy but also becomes a therapeutic process, offering a sense of closure and completeness.

Encouraging Symbolic Acts of Closure: Explore symbolic acts of closure that resonate with the patient and their loved ones. This could include symbolic releases, ceremonies, or rituals that mark the acceptance of the past and the embrace of the present, contributing to a profound sense of closure.

 

As we step into the new year, let’s redefine resolutions in the context of hospice care. By focusing on small, meaningful goals, embracing the uniqueness of each journey, and fostering connection, we can celebrate life in its entirety. In doing so, we honor the essence of the individuals in hospice care, creating moments of significance that linger long after the new year has begun.

From all of us at Honor Hospice, Happy New Year! Let’s make 2024 a wonderful year.