Easing the End of Life Journey

Providing end-of-life care for a loved one can be a very emotional time. Care may be necessary for weeks, days, or months leading up to a person’s death. The goal of any care is to make a person’s passing as peaceful as possible by managing pain, recognizing mental and spiritual needs, and honoring the wishes of the dying. It is also vital to provide support to family and friend caregivers. 

The death experience is different for every individual. Some people are alert and aware of what is going on and their surroundings. They want their loved ones gathered around for final goodbyes and reassurance. Some people prefer to be alone during their final days, not wanting others “to see me like this.” They prefer to be remembered as the vibrant person they once were. There are those who want to pass in their homes, in familiar surroundings, with the lifetime of memories they have accumulated. While others want or need to be in an inpatient hospice setting, or medical facility to swiftly receive treatments.

Everyone grieves differently and the process can start well before a loved one passes, especially if the person you care about is suffering from dementia or a lingering serious illness. Having hospice assistance in the home, a residential care setting or a hospice inpatient center lessens the burden on the family by taking away some of the duties of helping to dress and feed and give medication. Help with keeping the home clean and tidy, doing laundry, buying groceries or running errands can be a great relief as well, taking “one more chore” off the list for family and friends. 

The more tasks that can be delegated to caregiving professionals, the more time family and friends have to be present and fully engaged with their loved ones. Telling stories, looking through old photo albums, or just sitting quietly is a far more fulfilling way to spend those final days. Support also allows friend and family caregivers to get rest that’s so important. 

You can ensure the highest possible quality of life for every end-of-life moment by planning for the care that will support your loved one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort. 

Avila Home Care partners with Gilchrist to best support your loved one’s end-of-life journey- visit their website where you can find out What is Hospice Care and Where Can it be Provided? | Gilchrist (gilchristcares.org). And stay tuned for Avila’s second October blog, which will share details about end-of-life care from Avila and Gilchrist.

We’d love to connect with you, and find out more about your family’s needs- please call us today at 410-826-6100 for a free in-home assessment by one of Avila’s Registered Nurses.

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