Dealing with death is incredibly difficult for most people. The fact that it is unavoidable does not make it any easier to deal with. It is completely natural to feel a great deal of sadness when you or your loved one is faced with this situation. However, planning ahead when it comes to end-of-life care will help you make the right choices when the time comes.
End-of-life care options
End-of-life care is a term used to describe the special support given to a patient before they pass away. The goal of end-of-life care is to focus on a patient’s comfort and quality of life. Healthcare professionals who provide this type of care may not be able to stop the cause of a patient’s pain, but they will do everything in their power to suppress it.
There are several decisions that need to be made when planning for end-of-life care. These decisions include determining the goals of the care plan, determining where a person will be spending their final days, and selecting palliative care options to ease their suffering. When considering different end-of-life care options, think about you or your loved one’s preferences when it comes to where they’d like to spend their last days. You must also be mindful the patient’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs before choosing a care option.
When deciding on a location, evaluate how much care is needed and compare it to the support that family and friends can provide. Be sure to include the patient’s doctors, home health aides, social workers, counselors, or any specialists in this decision-making.
Home care
One of the most common options for end-of-life care is home care. The option of home care allows you or your loved one to spend any remaining time in your home or the home of a family member. One major benefit of home care is that family members and friends are free to visit whenever they please.
In this scenario, family members and friends are able to assume the role of caregiver, but it is sometimes necessary to hire a home nurse for additional help or support. It is very important to follow a doctor’s care plan to ensure that the patient is as comfortable as possible.
Inpatient care
Inpatient care is an alternative care option for individuals that require round-the-clock care. This type of care can be provided by a hospital, nursing home, or dedicated inpatient hospice facility. A major benefit of inpatient care is that there will always be a knowledgable medical staff available to assist the patient.
When patients have spent a lot of time in a particular care facility, they tend to establish close relationships with the staff. This makes the experience feel more personalized for the patient and their family.
Hospice care
Hospice is a specific type of end-of-life care that provides support and care for a dying person. Patients of hospice care generally have less than 6 months left to live. The goal of this type of care is to help patients find peace, comfort, and dignity during their last days. Hospice care can be provided in homes, hospice centers, hospitals, or other skilled long-term care facilities.
Healthcare professionals and trained volunteers help to provide medical, psychological, and spiritual support for the patient. Many hospice programs also offer support services for the patient’s family. A hospice team’s main goal is to manage pain so the individual can remain as alert and comfortable as possible.
Deciding which end-of-life care options are best for you or your loved one can be challenging. Luckily, there are many ways that you can prepare for these trying times before they happen.
