It is hard when a loved one gets to the point where the end of his life is near. For many patients and family, they want to take this time to focus on spending time together while they still can. While it is emotionally draining for many, it can also be wonderfully fulfilling and present wonderful opportunities to connect in new ways, especially with assistance from end of life care providers.
When is it Time for End of Life Care?
End of Life Care, also called Palliative Care or Hospice Care, is a very personal decision between the person who is ill and their family members. Because of that, there are no rules on what time during a person’s illness or health that this step should be taken. It usually entails stopping any treatments to slow the decline or try to cure the disease and instead spending the final days, weeks, or months providing comfort and peace to the ailing person.
That said, there are some key signs to watch for if you think end of life care might be your next caretaking step for your loved one.
- Your loved one has said he no longer wants to receive treatment for his condition, such as cancer.
- Your loved one has had to make multiple emergency trips to the ER in the past year because of his condition.
- Your loved one’s condition keeps causing him to have hospital stays to try to get him back on the right course, but the condition keeps deteriorating.
- Your loved one just wants to remain at home.
Five Ways to Provide Emotional Comfort for Your Loved One
Emotions can be very strong as the end nears for both your ailing loved one and yourself. Supporting your loved one emotionally can be one of the best things you can do for him as he processes years of emotions and emotions centering around his end of days.
Here are five key ways you can support his emotions:
- Allow him to talk about his fears. He may be scared of what happens after he dies to both himself and the family he leaves behind. Don’t shush him or ask him to stop talking about it. Listen and don’t argue.
- Provide company as much as you can. This might mean getting some help at your home with other housekeeping chores like cleaning and cooking or picking up the kids from school. He will appreciate you being by his side even if you’re simply both watching a favorite old movie. When he’s coherent, spend time reminiscing or looking through old photo albums and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask. Let him ask you some questions as well.
- Don’t burden him with your feelings of sadness if possible. When feeling overwhelmed with emotions, talk to friends or family about your fears and emotions, but try to keep those emotions away from your conversations with your loved one.
- Don’t talk about him like he’s not there. If someone else is in the room, whether it’s his end-of-life care provider or another family member, make sure to include him in all conversations, even if he isn’t responding.
- Honor his wishes. Do your best to provide him with what he wants at this time.
The emotions surrounding end of life care can be strong and draining. Get help from professionals trained in end of life care so you can provide the best support possible while getting the help you need.
If you or an aging loved one are considering End of Life Care in Arvada, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529
At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.
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