For those who have a terminal illness, spiritual and emotional support is just as important as physical support. Many individuals push off planning for end-of-life care. Sickness and death are a natural part of life. Although a difficult subject, it is important to begin discussing these challenging topics so that caretakers are aware of your end-of-life wishes.
If you are struggling with what type of care is best for your loved one, the PA long-term care attorneys at Mette, Evans, & Woodside are here to help. Below, we provide an overview of the types of support offered and the major difference between palliative care and hospice.
Providing Physical Support
When a person is near death, a healthcare provider may be able to provide services to make the patient more comfortable. These support services may include relieving pain, alleviating breathing problems, and managing digestive issues.
Relieving Pain
For patients in extreme pain, morphine may be administered. Morphine does come with serious side effects, such as confusion, drowsiness, and hallucinations. However, it does ease many people’s discomforts, alleviating some anxiety.
Alleviating Breathing Problems
Breathing problems are a common experience at end-of-life, with some people exhibiting Cheyne-Stoke breathing respirations. In Cheyne-Stokes, a person may fluctuate between fast, shallow breathing and slow, deep breaths. In this case, it may be helpful to reposition a person or elevate the individual’s head.
Managing Digestive Issues
Digestive problems also become common when a person is near death. Digestive issues can range from loss of appetite, vomiting, constipation, and even trouble swallowing. There are medications that can be given to manage these symptoms.
If a loved one does lose his or her appetite, it may be beneficial to offer them more frequent, smaller meals each day. In some cases, if a person chooses not to eat, this is a sign that he or she is closer to passing on.
Providing Emotional and Spiritual Support
Individuals nearing the end of life still want to be visited by family and attended to by doctors. It is important to put a dying person at ease, which can be accomplished by providing physical contact, asking for the individual’s input on what would make them more comfortable, and even playing calming music.
Spiritual support should also be provided. This may involve making amends with family members, having visits with a social worker, and arranging for a priest or deacon to administer the Holy Eucharist.
Palliative Care versus Hospice
Although many confuse palliative care and hospice, the two differ in major ways:
Eligibility
While anyone diagnosed with a long-term illness is able to receive palliative care, hospice care is reserved for those who are diagnosed as having six months or less to live.
What it Involves
While both treatments seek to relieve symptoms, provide support to the patient and their family, and coordinate care, the similarities stop there. Palliative care is designed to help a patient make medical and treatment decisions, while hospice is focused on end-of-life decisions. Although life-sustaining treatments are available through palliative care, that is not an option when a person is in hospice.
Where It is Available
Whereas both treatments may be available in-home, palliative care is usually conducted in a hospital or outpatient clinic. Hospice patients may receive care in a hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility, hospice center, or in the comfort of their own home.
Honoring Your Loved One’s Wishes
Although nobody wants to see a family member pass on, it is crucial to honor their wishes. If a loved one specifies in a Living Will that they do not want heroic measures (i.e., being put on a ventilator), then the individual’s Health Care Agent must honor this request. Although this situation is extremely difficult, your loved one’s choice must be honored.
PA Long-Term Care Attorneys Offering You and Your Loved Ones Empathy
At Mette, Evans & Woodside, we believe that knowledge and empathy go hand in hand. Our elder law attorneys will take the time to explain your different options, making sure you are comfortable with whatever path you choose. To schedule your initial consultation, contact us online or by phone at 717-231-5219.