Hospice patients are not always able to participate in some long-term-care social activities. But they should be encouraged to become involved when they can. Social interactions can improve their sense of belonging, distract them from being depressed, and bolster their independence. Sometimes they can watch from the sidelines while still expressing their opinions and creativity.
As a hospice volunteer in Detroit nursing homes for many years, I found it very rewarding being a catalyst for my terminally ill residents’ involvement at festive gatherings. Richard, my hospice patient in his eighties, seemed depressed some days. I suspected he would respond that way, so I came prepared with ideas to change his mind. After a great deal of motivating conversation, I finally convinced him to allow me to give him a wheelchair ride to a theatrical performance in the blue room where he had previously enjoyed watching children perform at the nursing home. This is what followed:
http://hospiceandnursinghomes.blogspot.com/2014/10/hospice-long-term-care-social-activities.html
Frances Shani Parker
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