No one can predict death. It can come suddenly, or a person may linger in a near-death state for days, weeks, or even months. This shows that the experience is different for everyone at the end of life. In some older adults, the body weakens at the end of life while the mind stays clear.
However, others may remain physically strong while cognitive function declines. Have you ever wondered what happens when someone is dying? You may want to know how to provide comfort, what to say, or what to do.
What is End of Life?
This is the support and medical care given during the time surrounding death. One may assume that this type of care only happens in the moments before breathing ceases and the heart stops beating, but that is not the case since older people live with one or more chronic illnesses and need significant care for days, weeks, and even months before death.
End of life may look different depending on one’s preference. Others prefer to be home with their loved ones during their death period, while others prefer to be taken to health facilities till, they are no more. People who are dying always need physical comfort, emotional and mental needs, spiritual needs, and practical tasks.
How to Manage Physical Comfort
Regular visits from their nurse and hospice aid team to get pain and other symptoms under control and prevent emergency hospital visits.
How to Manage Mental and Emotional Needs
The dying person may have several fears and concerns. Provide physical contact talk or read to them, even if they cannot respond. If they can talk, give them an ear to what they have to say without worrying about what you will say next. Just being present is the greatest gift you can give to a dying person.
How to Deal with Spiritual Needs
The dying person may want to find meaning in their life, end disagreements with others, or make peace with life circumstances. They may try to find comfort in resolving unsettled issues with friends or family. Family and friends need to reassure their love for their loved ones. Visits from a social worker or a counselor may help.
How to Support Practical Tasks
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 dying person, but they may not know what to do.
A Compassionate and Caring Team
There is no “perfect” death, and it’s always good to do the best you can for your loved one. Still, there might be the deep pain of losing someone close to you. Ameriprime offers remarkable hospice care that guarantees comfort and peace for the patient. Are you in Dallas, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, and surrounding TX communities? Don’t hesitate to contact us at (972) 787-0949) or on the contact form on our website to learn more. Medicare and Medicaid cover our services, and our compassionate staff is on call 24/7.
