One of the challenges faced by many people with a terminal diagnosis is social isolation. Even if family or friends take the time to check in, there may still be a lack of daily social interaction.

Social isolation is a problem for multiple reasons. For those with dementia, it can hasten deterioration. Even when this is not a factor, however, a lack of social connection is a quality of life issue. We all need someone to chat with, bounce thoughts and ideas off of, laugh with, and feel heard by.
Hospice can improve quality of life for patients who have terminal conditions in many ways, one of which is to provide some social outlets. Here are some of the key ways that hospice offers social support.
- Volunteers. Volunteers play a key role in filling the social needs of patients at hospice. They can spend time conversing, watching TV, listening to music, working on arts or crafts, or playing games with patients. If patients prefer to do their own thing and simply have someone else present with them, volunteers can do that too, engaging in parallel activities. Knowing that volunteers are unpaid may be reassuring to some patients. It tells them that the person spending time with them really wants to be there, and is getting something out of the interaction too. This knowledge may help the patient to feel at ease and thoroughly enjoy their time with the volunteer.
- Counselors and chaplains. Hospice employs grief counselors and chaplains. Like volunteers, these professionals can listen to the patient and share their own perspectives. But unlike volunteers, they are trained to help patients work through the emotional and spiritual challenges they are faced with when they have a terminal diagnosis. Since they are paid, counselors’ and chaplains’ relationships with the patient are different from that of a volunteer, but just as valuable since they are meeting different needs.
- More time with loved ones. A third way that hospice care helps patients to meet their social needs is indirect. Along with providing volunteers and professionals to interact with patients, hospice care helps to free up some of the patient’s caregivers’ time and energy. It also allows the patient to spend more time at home instead of going back and forth to appointments. The result is that it is possible for the hospice patient to spend more quality time with friends and family. For many patients and their loved ones during the final months of life, few things are more important.
Get Compassionate Hospice Care in Texas
Now you know some of the ways that hospice can help meet the social needs of patients, improving quality of life and physical and mental wellness. Homage Hospice is based in McKinney, TX, and provides hospice services throughout Dallas County, Collin County and Tarrant County. To find out how we can help you and your loved ones, please give us a call at (469) 625-0705 to schedule your hospice consultation.

