At Hospice of the Piedmont, we know the holiday season can be a time filled with warmth and joy. However, for those in our community caring for someone facing serious illness and considering whether to call hospice, it can also be a time of great stress and worry.
As our President and CEO, Nancy Littlefield, recently shared, “Hospices often see a decline in families reaching out to discuss hospice enrollment during the holidays. While I understand that families may hesitate to make such an important decision during this special time, the unfortunate consequence is that they miss out on the valuable support a hospice team provides when the demands of the season can be overwhelming. By waiting, families may find themselves facing challenges without the extra help we can offer.”
So, as we reflect on the holiday season, let’s chat about some notable benefits hospice care can offer patients and their families during the holidays.
Here are nine reasons why Hospice of the Piedmont (HOP) is here for you when it matters most this holiday season:
1. 24/7 Nursing Support
Night, Evening & Weekend Team Supervisor
Imagine knowing that expert help is just a phone call away, day or night. Our hospice nurses are available by phone around the clock to answer questions and provide guidance. This is especially important during the holidays when other healthcare providers may be less accessible.
Nurse Brit Lewis, who leads our Night, Evening, and Weekend Team, understands that peace of mind can be a real game changer for families during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. “Just knowing that help is just a phone call away can ease the minds of both patients and their caregivers,” she says. “I want our patients and families to focus on creating lasting memories during the holidays, not worrying about every little health concern that arises. My team and I are here to take care of that for you.”
2. Home Visits for Care
Associate Medical Director
We get it—who wants to brave the cold and traffic for a doctor’s appointment when they could be more comfortable with loved ones at home?
“By providing medical care wherever patients call home, hospice eliminates the need for families to make additional trips during a hectic time of year,” says Dr. Michael Dobson, Medical Director. “Helping a loved one stay in a familiar environment while receiving the care they need can significantly reduce stress during the busy holiday season.”
3. Stay in the Comfort of Home
Speaking of home visits, it’s important to clear up a common misconception about hospice: many people think it’s a place you have to go to receive care. But here’s the good news—you can stay right where you are! While Hospice of the Piedmont is fortunate to have two in-patient care facilities, over 90% of our patients receive care in the place they call home.
“If your loved one wants to be ‘home for the holidays,’ hospice is designed to make that happen,” explains Nurse Molly Brumfield-Horner, HOP’s Director of Hospice Homecare. “We’re here to provide all the support you need without having to leave the comfort of your home. After all, there’s truly no place like home, especially during the holiday season when being surrounded by loved ones makes all the difference.”
4. Symptom Management
RN Case Manager
It’s no secret that the holidays can amplify stress. If a loved one is dealing with pain or discomfort, it can feel even more overwhelming. Effective symptom management is a cornerstone of hospice care. By helping to minimize pain and discomfort, hospice allows patients to participate more fully in holiday activities.
With a focus on comfort, hospice ensures that patients can enjoy gatherings, gift exchanges, and special meals with their loved ones. As Cleeshai Milam, RN Case Manager, puts it, “We work closely with patients to understand their symptoms and provide the right support. Our goal is to help them find relief so they can truly engage with their family during the holidays.” This comprehensive approach not only addresses physical needs but also enhances the emotional well-being of both patients and their families during this special time of year.
5. Hospice Volunteers
Volunteer Manager
Let’s face it: holiday shopping and meal prep can pile up fast, even during the best of times. When a loved one is facing a serious illness, those tasks can feel insurmountable.
We want to help. Hospice of the Piedmont has a dedicated pool of trained volunteers ready to step in and spend a few hours with patients. “This extra support allows caregivers to take a breather and tackle their to-do lists without feeling guilty,” explains HOP Volunteer Manager Mandy Henkler. “It’s all about giving caregivers the chance to recharge while knowing their loved ones are in good hands.”
6. Avoiding the Emergency Room
No one wants an unexpected trip to the hospital emergency room during the holidays. With many primary care doctor offices closed for extended periods during this season, if your loved one has an unexpected health concern and can’t get to their doctor, you may have no choice but to go to the emergency room.
Your Hospice of the Piedmont care team provides an extra layer of support and expertise during the holidays. Whether answering questions over the phone or making house calls, we’re focused on ensuring that families have access to care when they need it most, without the stress of ambulances or emergency rooms.
7. Spiritual Support
During the holiday season, many patients and caregivers may find it challenging to attend church or synagogue for special services. Whether it’s a comforting prayer, a moment of reflection, or celebrating a favorite holiday ritual, our interfaith chaplains are here to help keep those meaningful practices alive.
As Kendall Cooke, one of our chaplains, puts it, “It’s all about meeting people where they are and ensuring that their spiritual needs are honored, especially during the holidays.” This support not only nurtures the spirit but also helps families navigate the emotional complexities that can arise during this time.
8. Memory-Making Activities
Art Therapist
When we think about the holidays, it’s often the cherished decorations and ornaments that hold our fondest memories. Those hand-crafted pieces made by loved ones can bring a wave of nostalgia each year as we unbox them, reminding us of special moments shared.
At Hospice of the Piedmont, our Art by the Bedside program offers patients the opportunity to create their own art projects. As HOP Art Therapist Darlene Green shares, “Engaging in these artistic activities can spark joy and connection for patients, while the new creations themselves can serve as a beautiful legacy for their families for years to come.”
9. Quality Family Time
“At the end of the day, what truly matters is the time spent together,” says HOP President and CEO Nancy Littlefield.
“Hospice care allows patients to enjoy meaningful moments with their families, perhaps a bit freer from caregiving burden. This means loved ones might have more time to reconnect, share, and create memories and have an opportunity to make every moment count,” she says.
Connect With Us This Holiday Season
As we embrace the holiday season, we want to remind everyone in our community of the vital role hospice care can play in supporting patients and families this time of year. By understanding the benefits of hospice, families can enjoy this special time together, creating lasting memories while receiving the support they need.
If you or a loved one could benefit from hospice services this holiday season, please reach out to us at Hospice of the Piedmont. We’re here to help you navigate this journey and ensure that everyone in our community can truly savor the magic of the holidays.
