What to Expect Emotionally When a Loved One Enters Hospice

Supporting a loved one transitioning to hospice might feel like an emotional rollercoaster. One moment, you may be overwhelmed with grief or guilt; the next, a sense of relief or anxiety could take over. At Shiloh Hospice, we understand. These conflicting emotions are natural during such a tumultuous period. Taking the time to understand them can bring you greater clarity and peace as you navigate this deeply personal journey.

Common Emotional Responses to Beginning Hospice Care

1. Anticipatory Grief

Why it happens: This grief begins before the loss happens. It involves mourning the inevitable and the anticipated absence. 

• What you may experience:
  • Sadness for the loss of your loved one’s presence.
  • Pain of unfulfilled plans or dreams for the future. 
• How to cope:
  • Allow yourself to feel the loss and acknowledge your grief.
  • Seek support from hospice counselors who can provide a safe, compassionate outlet for discussing your emotions. 

2. Guilt and Self-Doubt

Why it happens: Many caregivers grapple with the heavy decision of placing a loved one into hospice care. Questions like “Did I make the right choice?” may linger. 

• What you may experience:
  • Feeling as though you’ve failed or abandoned your loved one. 
• How to cope:
  • Choose to reframe your perspective. After all, hospice isn’t giving up; it’s prioritizing your loved one’s comfort and dignity. 
  • Enlist the guidance of hospice care teams who can reassure you. 

3. Relief and Conflict

Why it happens: Relief often accompanies the knowledge that your loved one is receiving expert care. However, this relief can conflict with feelings of guilt. 

• What you may experience:
  • A sense of shame for feeling at peace. 
  • Unease at being relieved from responsibilities like caregiving. 
• How to cope:
  • Remember that relief doesn’t diminish the love or care you have for your loved one. It’s not wrong to feel gratitude for their improved comfort and care. 

4. Anxiety and Uncertainty

Why it happens: Facing the unknowns of hospice care can provoke anxiety.  

• What you may experience:
  • Fear of the unknown. 
  • Nervousness about being able to emotionally or practically handle what’s next. 
• How to cope:
  • Focus on the guidance provided by hospice professionals, who are experts at ensuring your loved one’s final days are as meaningful and peaceful as possible. 
  • Focus on the present rather than the future. 

Varied Impact on Family Members 

It’s important to recognize that the transition of a loved one to hospice care can affect individuals differently depending on their roles and relationships within the family. 

• Primary caregivers often feel a mix of exhaustion and relief. 
• Spouses may feel lost as they prepare for life without their partner. 
• Adult children who become decision-makers may experience decision fatigue. 

Recognizing these roles and giving grace to each other in the process can also help make the transition smoother.

Supporting Yourself and Your Loved One

As you navigate hospice transitions, consider ways to ensure emotional well-being, such as:

• Giving yourself permission to grieve. Emotional expression is a healthy and normal response. 
• Seeking support through counseling services provided by hospice professionals or in community or faith-based support groups. 
• Focusing on meaningful moments. Engage in legacy-building activities, like creating memory books or sharing life stories, and spend quality time together free of distractions. 

Compassionate Care for Life’s Hardest Transitions

A wide range of emotions is natural during hospice transitions. With empathy, expertise and support, hospice care can provide solace for you and your loved one in meaningful ways. 

At Shiloh Hospice, we’re proud to serve families with compassionate care that goes beyond addressing physical pain. Our dedicated team offers holistic care, including emotional and spiritual support, to provide peace and dignity. If you’re starting to walk this path, contact us today to learn how we can support your family during this time.