Strengthening Connections: The Power of Social Wellness in Hospice Care

For caregivers supporting loved ones through serious illness, staying connected to friends, family, and community can feel impossible. Yet these connections are exactly what sustain us during difficult times. This Social Wellness Month, Ohio’s Hospice recognizes the vital role relationships play in the caregiving journey—and how they help us continue Celebrating Life’s Stories^® together.

Why Social Wellness Matters More Than Ever

When facing a serious illness, the importance of social connections becomes even more apparent. Research suggests that between 40% and 70% of family caregivers experience symptoms of depression, often linked to feelings of isolation and loneliness. For caregivers who dedicate themselves to supporting loved ones, maintaining social wellness isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for their health and ability to provide care.

Social wellness encompasses more than just having people around. It’s about nurturing quality relationships that provide:

• Emotional support through listening, understanding, and genuine care.
• Practical assistance with daily tasks, transportation, or respite care.
• Informational guidance to help navigate the complexities of care.
• Spiritual comfort through shared beliefs and values.

Supporting Caregivers: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

As a caregiver, you pour your heart into caring for your loved one. But remember—your well-being matters too. Recent data shows there are approximately 53 million family caregivers in the U.S., with 67% struggling to balance work and caregiving responsibilities. At Ohio’s Hospice, we understand that caregivers need their own support network to sustain the demanding yet rewarding work they do.

Simple Ways to Nurture Your Social Wellness

• Stay Connected: Even a brief phone call with a friend or a quick coffee break can replenish your spirit. These small moments of connection help maintain the relationships that sustain you.
• Move Together:  Physical activity doesn’t have to be solitary. A walk with a neighbor, gardening with family members, or even dancing in your living room can boost both physical health and social bonds.
• Accept Help Gracefully:  Allowing others to assist with grocery shopping, meal preparation, or sitting with your loved one gives you precious time to recharge while strengthening community ties.
• Join Others Who Understand:  Support groups—whether meeting in person, online, or by phone—connect you with people who truly comprehend your journey. Research shows that 44% of caregivers of homebound older adults experience social isolation, making these connections vital. Support groups offer practical advice, emotional understanding, and the reminder that you’re not alone.

How Ohio’s Hospice Enhances Social Wellness

Our interdisciplinary care teams recognize that superior care extends beyond medical treatment. We provide comprehensive support that nurtures social connections for both patients and families:

For Patients:

• Encouraging visits from friends and family to create cherished memories.
• Facilitating meaningful conversations that honor each person’s unique story.
• Supporting participation in cherished activities when possible.
• Honoring cultural and spiritual traditions that strengthen community bonds.

For Families and Caregivers:

• Offering respite care to provide caregivers time for self-care and social activities.
• Connecting families with support groups and community resources.
• Providing bereavement support through our Pathways of Hope℠ Grief Counseling Centers.
• Creating opportunities for families to share their experiences and support one another.

Making Every Moment Count

Social wellness in hospice care isn’t about the quantity of interactions—it’s about their quality. A shared laugh, a held hand, a favorite story retold—these moments of connection bring comfort, reduce isolation, and remind us of what matters most. Each interaction becomes part of the ongoing story we’re privileged to celebrate with our patients and families.

Whether you’re a caregiver seeking support, a family member wanting to help, or a community member looking to make a difference, remember that your presence and care create ripples of wellness that extend far beyond what you might imagine.

We’re Here to Help

At Ohio’s Hospice, we’re honored to support the social wellness of everyone we serve. With 1.72 million Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in hospice care in 2022 and 94% of hospice patients reporting well-controlled pain and symptoms, we understand that superior care extends beyond medical treatment. Our care teams work alongside families to create environments where relationships can flourish, even during life’s most challenging times.

To learn more about caregiver support resources or how we can help strengthen your family’s social wellness during hospice care, please call us at 888.449.4121. Together, we can ensure that no one faces this journey alone.