End-of-life care is a term used to describe the support and medical care given during the time surrounding death. This type of care does not happen only in the moments before breathing ceases and the heart stops beating. Elderly people often live with one or more chronic illnesses and need significant care for days, weeks, and even months before death occurs. In some cases, it could even be a year or more.
The end of life may be different for each person. It depends on the person’s preferences, needs, or choices. Some people may want to be at home when they understand they are going to die, while others may prefer to seek treatment in a hospital or facility until the very end. Many patients want to be surrounded by family and friends, but it’s common for some to slip away while their loved ones aren’t in the room. When possible, there are steps you can take to increase the likelihood of a peaceful death for your loved one, follow their end-of-life wishes, and treat them with respect while they are dying.
In general, people who are dying need care in four areas: 1. physical comfort, 2. mental and emotional needs, 3. spiritual/religious needs, and 4. practical tasks. Of course, the family of the dying person needs support as well, with practical tasks and emotional distress.
How can family and friends help primary caregivers?
Family and friends may wish to provide primary caregivers relief while they are focusing on the dying loved one. Keep in mind that the caregiver may not know exactly what is needed and may feel overwhelmed by responding to questions. If the caregiver is open to receiving help, here are some questions you might ask:
- How are you doing? Do you need someone to talk with?
- Would you like to go out for an hour or two? I could stay here while you are away.
- Who has offered to help you? Do you want me to work with them to coordinate our efforts?
- Can I help … maybe walk the dog, answer the phone, go to the drug store or the grocery store, or watch the children (for example) … for you?
Providing comfort and care for someone at the end of life can be physically and emotionally exhausting. If you are a primary caregiver, ask for help when you need it and accept help when it’s offered. Don’t hesitate to suggest a specific task to someone who offers to help. Friends and family are usually eager to do something for you and the person who is dying, but they may not know what to do.
In the end, there may be no “perfect” death so just do the best you can for your loved one. The deep pain of losing someone close to you may be softened a little by knowing that, when you were needed, you did what you could.
Pillar – Your extended family
Looking for a full-time caregiver specializing in end-of-life care? Contact our team at
Careline: +603-29359960 ext 02
WhatsApp: +60 18-220 9030
Website: www.pillarcare.com
