For Caregivers
Caring for someone you love is a gift, but it can be overwhelming…
When someone you love is living with a serious illness, you may take on many roles — advocate, nurse, scheduler, listener, driver, and protector. It can be deeply meaningful and rewarding, but it is often emotionally and physically exhausting. It involves making challenging decisions and navigating complicated healthcare systems. The care team at Hospice and Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard (HPCMV) supports not only the patient, but you, the caregiver, as well. You do not have to do this alone.
How Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard Supports Caregivers
Your well-being matters. We provide guidance, education, and hands-on support so you can feel confident in the care you are giving, and have space to simply be a spouse, child, partner, or friend again.
Our caregiver support, based on your preferences, includes:
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- Education on medication, symptoms, and what to expect
- Regular communication with nurses and the care team
- Emotional support from social workers and grief counselors
- Spiritual support for all beliefs and traditions
- Plan Respite care to give you needed time to rest
- Volunteer companionship for the patient or household support
- 24/7 phone support for urgent questions
- Resources and referrals for community assistance
We walk beside you with empathy, guidance, and practical help — every step of the way.
What to Expect as A Caregiver
It’s common to feel unsure, overwhelmed, or afraid of “getting it wrong.” Our team provides tools, education, and reassurance that help you build confidence to provide compassionate care.
We help you understand:
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- How patient symptoms may change over time
- Signs of discomfort and how to respond
- When to call the care team
- How to use equipment safely
- What may occur as the patient nears the end of life
- How to care for yourself and maintain your emotional balance under the stress of caregiving
There is no handbook for loving someone through serious illness — but there is a team ready to help.
Taking Care of Yourself Is Not Selfish, It’s Essential
Caregivers often put their own needs aside. But rest, nourishment, and emotional support allow you to care with more patience, clarity, and compassion. It is okay to ask for help. It is okay to feel tired. It is okay to take breaks. Even the strongest caregivers need support. We are here so you can breathe, regroup, and continue to show up with love.
Emotional & Grief Support
Caregiving carries joy, fear, love, and loss — sometimes all in the same day. Our grief and bereavement team offers:
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- Guidance on navigating decisions, conversations, and transitions
- Anticipatory grief support prior to a loved one’s death
- 13 months of grief counseling following the death of a patient
- Counseling for close relatives of a hospice patient including children and teens
- Community-based remembrance event for patient families & caregivers
Financially Accessible Care for All
Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, Mass Health, many private insurance plans, and veterans’ benefits. This coverage typically includes medications, nursing visits, doctor’s visits, medical equipment, supplies, and support services. Currently, HPCMV Palliative Care is made accessible to those receiving our services thanks to community philanthropy.
We believe everyone deserves compassionate care. If insurance or financial concerns are preventing you from calling, please reach out — we are here to help.
You Are Doing Something Extraordinary
Your presence, your care, and your love make an immeasurable difference in your loved one’s life. We are here to support you with compassion, respect, and practical help.
Next Steps for Caregivers
If you would like to learn more about how hospice or palliative care can support your family, please call our office at: 508-693-0189
Our Services
Hospice Care
Expert care for people facing serious illness and their family, focused on comfort, dignity & quality of life, rather than cure.
Palliative Care
Specialized serivces for those living with serious illness who are not yet eligible or ready for Medicare Hospice services.
Grief Counseling
Grief & bereavement support for people of all ages who have experienced the death of someone significant to them.
FAQ
Can I call any time?
Yes. Our team is available 24/7 for urgent concerns and necessary support. An answering service will pick up when you call outside our office hours, but an on-call nurse is always available for urgent needs.
What if I don’t know what to do?
You’re not expected to know everything — that’s why HPCMV’s team is here. We will guide you through all the unknowns, challenging decisions, and difficult changes that occur while navigating the end of life with your family or loved one.
Do you provide resources to help me take a break?
Yes, hospice aides and volunteer services are available to give you a break from the daily demands of full-time caregiving. Our social workers can help arrange other resources to help reduce the responsibilities of live-in caregivers and discuss plans for respite inpatient care, if necessary.
How do I talk with my family about hospice or end-of-life wishes?
Our social workers can help facilitate family conversations with care and clarity. We are specially trained to support you through making challenging decisions, and navigating other difficult conversations.