Get Involved:
Support Family, Friends & Neighbors

How can I support someone caring for a dying loved one?

Caregiving is more than a full-time job. It encompasses every aspect of day-to-day life in addition to the responsibility of providing care for a very ill loved one.

Whatever role you have in a caregiver's life, there is something you can do to support him or her:

• Give the caregiver a break – an hour to catch a nap, an opportunity to visit with their friends, or time enough for a shopping trip.
• Offer to do some household chores, run an errand or make a meal.
• If you are an employer, offer some flexible options such as telecommuting or job sharing.
• If you are a family member, lead a family meeting to discuss ways to share responsibilities.

How can I spread the word about Community Hospice care?

• Get informed about the issues and opportunities surrounding end-of-life care.
• Learn more about advance directives and tell friends and family to visit the Community Hospice website to do the same.
• Arrange for someone from our Speakers Bureau to give a presentation to your church, place of employment or other organization.
• Let your employer know about Community Hospice care and what they can do to help employees get our support.
• Before a crisis comes, talk to friends, family and coworkers about the benefits of involving Community Hospice early.
• Let others know that Medicare and other methods can cover the cost of Community Hospice care, and that our care is available to everyone, regardless of an ability to pay.
• Request our free information packet or other printed information to distribute to groups in which you participate or share with friends or family members. See Additional Resources for a full listing of available literature.

How can I encourage others to complete their advance directives?

Learn more about the importance of advance directives, then talk to your friends and family. Let them know where to find information or provide them with their own copies of the Five Wishes living will.

How can I encourage others to seek bereavement support?

Community Hospice's grief and bereavement support services are for everyone, not just those who have had a loved one in our care. Contact Community Hospice to request our booklet, Understanding Grief, Loss and Bereavement and share this web site with others so they learn more about the topic and the special bereavement programs offered through Community Hospice.

What can I do to advocate for legislative reform?

End-of-life care is an issue that affects everyone's quality of life. Advocate for quality, compassionate care by contacting your state and national legislators. If you've experienced Community Hospice care in your family:

• Share with them what hospice care has meant to your life and the life of your loved one.
• Let them know how important it is that this type of care continues to be available to everyone who needs it.
• Encourage them to ensure that sufficient funding for hospice care (through Medicare at the federal level and Medicaid at the state level) continues to be provided.

Find contact information for your U.S. and Florida senators and congresspersons at:

• www.senate.gov
• www.house.gov
• www.flsenate.gov
• www.myfloridahouse.gov

How can I arrange for a Community Hospice speaker at my workplace, place of worship or other organization or event?

Community Hospice offers a free Community Hospice Ambassador speaker for local civic, business or social organizations. Presenters include our employees, as well as volunteers and board members. They can give your group a brief presentation or a more detailed program. Topics include: A Community Hospice Overview, Death & Dying, Caring for the Caregiver, Becoming a Community Hospice Volunteer, and What You Need to Know About Advance Directives.

To request a Community Hospice speaker, simply fill out and submit our online Speakers Bureau Form or e-mail us.

back to top

Call 904.268.5200 for general information or 904.596.6500 for referral and admissions information.
©2008 Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. All rights reserved.