The Importance of Social Wellness

Ohio’s Hospice recognizes that social wellness is an important part of the lives of our patients and families. By developing meaningful relationships and interacting with others throughout our lives, we nurture relationships with others and give and receive social support during the good times and the difficult times. In hospice care, social wellness can improve a patient’s quality of life and help family members.

When facing a life-limiting illness or injury, common feelings for patients and loved ones include sadness, anxiety, fear, anger, and stress. These emotions come from new grief and the unknowns of hospice. Social wellness and support help to encourage patients and families.

Positive social habits help build support systems and help you stay healthier mentally and physically. Social support can take many forms, including:

• Emotional support, such as ensuring another person feels cared for.
• Physical support, such as housekeeping or financial assistance.
• Informational support, such as providing information to someone to help them.

In hospice care, additional social wellness can also include caring for a loved one with a life-limiting illness. The expert care teams at Ohio’s Hospice offer clinical support to patients and families, as well as emotional and spiritual support through the end of life.

Ways to improve your social health include:

• Make connections with others. Family, friends, neighbors, or romantic partners can influence our well-being and reduce stress.
• Take care of yourself while caring for others. Many of us will end up being a caregiver at some point in our lives. Stress can take a toll on your health, so it is important to find ways to care for your health, too.
• Get active together. Where you live, work, or go to school can impact how much you move. Being active with others in your community can positively impact your health and create new opportunities to connect.
• Shape your family’s health habits. If you’re a parent, your everyday behavior plays a big part in shaping your child’s behavior too. With your help, kids can learn to develop healthy eating and physical activity habits to last throughout their lives.
• Build strong, healthy relationships. They can impact your mental and physical well-being, and make you feel safe, valued, and trusted.