While the holidays are a time for many families to celebrate together, some might be spending their last with a loved one.

For those who have a loved one in hospice care or nearing the end of life, there are several ways you can make them comfortable and share a special holiday together. Admissions Coordinator Nurse Dan Scheuermann with St. Croix Hospice in Panora says utilizing your hospice team as much as possible is beneficial for the holidays, “We have to travel and sometimes our loved ones that are ailing can’t make those trips. Sometimes making those trips require extra support on both ends. Sometimes they’re out of your territory for hospice so being able to coordinate with a hospice in another area to care for that person while they’re traveling, all of those things are good options. The hospice team can always increase their visits and assist in ways that maybe you didn’t expect them to be able to so it’s just a matter of asking.”

Some recommended ways to spend the holidays with someone in an assisted living facility include decorating their room, cooking their favorite holiday dish, or attending a religious service with them of their preference. If your loved one is in home hospice care, it’s important to avoid overstimulation as they might not be able to keep up with the pace of regular celebrations. Make sure that events don’t interfere with a person’s space, equipment, or care; and do your best to honor their favorite traditions.