Oasis Hospice and Palliative Care Services are more than just monitoring medicines and driving to doctor’s appointments. Your loved one’s emotional health is as important as his or her physical condition.

Self-Esteem

Most people take great pride in their independence. When they lose that independence because of illness or disability, self-esteem often suffers. The person you care for may feel worthless, or feel she’s a burden to you.

Your attitude can have a positive effect on the other person’s self-esteem.

• Encourage independence.
• Give praise for effort and for things she does herself.
• Allow her to make as many decisions as possible.
• Let her choose what to wear when to have lunch, where to shop for groceries.
• Reminisce. Display childhood and family photos.
• Encourage her to talk about the past. Invite her to tell family stories, talk about former accomplishments and old friends.
• Provide ways for her to feel needed.
• If suitable, encourage her to care for a pet or a plant. Let her address envelopes or cut coupons to help with household chores.
• Treat her with dignity and respect.
• Don’t forget that you’re talking to an adult, even if the person needs a great deal of care from you. No adult wants to be treated like a child.

Emotional Spiritual Care is inclusive of personal support and psychological first aid strategies and activities. It utilizes psychological, spiritual and theological resources to aid persons in psychological and/or spiritual distress while taking careful account of cultural and faith diversity.

Emotional Spiritual Care can include:

• Psychological First Aid
• Personal Support
• The intentional creation of safe and calm spaces to aid in the emotional and spiritual processing of the event
• Listening to affected people’s story
• Grief & Loss of support
• Religious rituals on request
• Memorial services
• Funeral services