How can family members care for someone without sacrificing their own health and energy?

• Set limits and prioritize what truly needs to be done

• Make time daily for small breaks—even a short walk or quiet moment helps

• Stay connected with friends or family to avoid isolation

• Get enough rest, eat well, and stay hydrated

• Schedule time for yourself—your needs matter too

• Don’t hesitate to accept help when it’s offered

💬 Remember: Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s necessary for being there for your loved one.

How do families know when it’s time to bring in home health or hospice care?

Home Health May Help When:

• Your loved one has been discharged from the hospital, is recovering from illness or injury, or needs support with medications or therapy

• They’ve had recent falls, multiple ER visits, or are struggling with daily tasks
  
  
  Hospice May Help When:

• A doctor has said they have a life-limiting illness and the focus is shifting toward comfort

• They have increasing pain, frequent hospital stays, or are rapidly declining

• You as a family are overwhelmed or unsure what to do next

📞 Tip: You can call a home health or hospice provider directly for a no-obligation consultation. You don’t need a referral to ask questions.

What can family members do to help make the home safer and prevent falls?

• Remove clutter and tripping hazards like loose rugs and cords

• Install grab bars in bathrooms and secure railings on stairs

• Use nightlights and ensure good lighting throughout the home

• Provide non-slip socks or shoes with good grip

• Keep essentials like the phone or TV remote within easy reach

• Encourage regular movement or light exercise, and use walkers or canes as needed

✅ Tip: A home health agency can send a therapist to evaluate fall risks and offer personalized safety suggestions.

How can loved ones caring for someone at home protect their own health and well-being?

• Set boundaries—know your limits and speak up when you're stretched

• Take short, regular breaks and plan time off with help from others

• Practice small self-care habits—stretching, journaling, even a quiet cup of coffee

• Eat balanced meals, drink water, and prioritize sleep

• Connect with others—talking with people who understand helps more than you may think

• Watch for signs of burnout: exhaustion, irritability, or losing interest in your own life

🧡 Tip: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Recharging helps you show up fully for the one you care about.

What happens when a loved one begins hospice care at home?

• A nurse visits to assess your loved one’s needs and help set up care

• A team is assembled: nurse, aide, social worker, chaplain, and more—focused on comfort

• Medications, medical supplies, and equipment (like a hospital bed) are delivered quickly

• Regular visits are scheduled, and nurses are on-call 24/7 if anything changes

• Emotional and spiritual support is available for the whole family

• Care is focused on dignity, peace, and honoring your loved one’s wishes

🕊️ Hospice is not about giving up—it’s about making each moment meaningful, together.

How can families support their loved one’s nutrition and hydration during recovery or illness?

• Offer small, regular meals that are easy to chew and digest

• Keep water or favorite drinks within reach—hydration is as important as meals

• Watch for changes in appetite, weight loss, or signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fatigue)

• Use simple meal prep solutions like smoothies, meal delivery, or soft finger foods

• Ask a nurse or home health provider for advice on nutrition or swallowing issues

• Make mealtimes social—eating together can improve appetite and mood

🍽️ Tip: Even when they’re not hungry, a gentle reminder or small treat can help keep nutrition on track.