Planning for End of life care is one of the most difficult things a family will ever do. The process can be overwhelming for everyone involved, and it's often hard to know where to start or what questions to ask.
That's why we've created this guide for families who are dealing with end of life care. We'll walk you through what to expect during this time, how to prepare yourself and your loved one, and what can help make it all go as smoothly as possible
Clear Communication
It's important that you and your family are clear about what the doctor is saying. If you don't understand something, ask for clarification.
You can also ask for an explanation in terms that make sense to you and your family members--for example, if someone says "the patient has a bleeding ulcer," ask them to explain what that means and how it might affect his or her care going forward.
When communicating with loved ones about end-of-life care, try not to use medical jargon unless absolutely necessary (and even then, be sure they understand). Instead, focus on using plain language so everyone understands the information being provided by their doctor or nurse practitioner.
Pain and Symptom Management
Pain and symptom management are often a key part of end-of-life care. This can be difficult, but it is important to try to manage pain as best you can.
Pain management may include medications that help relieve symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea, palliative care and alternative therapies such as massage therapy and acupuncture.
It's important for you to know your loved one's preferences about how they want their care managed, so ask your loved one what would make them feel better if they were in pain or having other problems with their health conditions at the end of life (for example: "Would you like me to rub cream on your skin?").
Emotional Support
Emotional support is an important part of end-of-life care and can be provided by family, friends and caregivers. Emotional support may also come from a social worker or chaplain, who is trained to help you understand your feelings and share them with others in the family. If you are interested in talking to someone about your emotions, we can arrange for a psychiatrist to meet with you at no cost.
Care Coordination
If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia, the end-of-life care process can be confusing and overwhelming. You may not know where to turn for help, or how to make decisions about your loved one's care.
This guide will help you understand what is involved in end of life care, and provide useful tips for navigating this challenging period of time.
Conclusion
If your loved one is nearing the end of life, it's important to be prepared. By learning about End of life care and the services available to you, you can ensure that your family member or friend receives the best possible care.
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