Caring for a loved one is not an endeavor that should be undertaken alone. To offer the best to their loved ones and still stay strong and healthy, family caregivers need to be surrounded by compassionate, responsive assistance from the professionals who work with them. And these professionals must be willing to listen and respond to their needs. This teleconference presents a unique opportunity to voice family needs and experiences and to hear practical suggestions from some of the best experts in the field on how to improve communication and support. Caregivers begin mourning while still helping their loved ones live their final days to the fullest.
Grief absorbs immense energy.
And the hospice philosophy embodies the concept of continued support for the bereaved after the death. It is fitting that the Hospice Foundation of America has chosen to focus on family needs and professional responses. We must all recognize and celebrate the crucial role of family caregivers in our society and empower professionals to respond with increased awareness, compassion, and support.