Hospice Care Preparing Family Members and Caregivers to Reduce Anxiety in Home Palliative Care

Abstract

Caring for a loved one at the end of life can be an emotionally intense experience, and sometimes the situation may become overwhelmingly difficult to bear. Confronting the complexities and facing the reality of impending loss often leads to distress and anxiety among family members and caregivers. Nevertheless, it reflects profound love, goodwill, and gratitude toward the person who is respected and cherished. This article focuses on alleviating the anxiety experienced by family members and caregivers by preparing them to understand palliative care for terminally ill patients—helping them grasp the philosophy and approach of palliative care, not as a withdrawal of treatment, but as a means of preserving human dignity, alleviating pain and discomfort, and enhancing the patient’s quality of life as much as possible during the final stage of life. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that death occurs naturally and that the patient passes away peacefully and with warmth.