When it comes to the end of life care, it can be a difficult process to manage a loved one actively dying from a life-threatening illness. It is a process that involves input not only from the patient but also from his/her physician, caregiver, and family members, the latter especially applicable in situations where the patient can no longer make decisions for himself/herself.
First of all, it is important to determine what the patient’s values and preferences are, which tend to be influenced by life’s experiences with the death of loved ones in the past as well as religious beliefs and apply them to the approach of the end of life care. Next, identify that the patient is actively dying prior to moving forward towards palliative care, which focuses on preventive and relieving suffering as well as supporting the best possible quality of life for patients and their families facing serious illness.
There will come a point where a decision should be made as to when enough is enough prior to letting the patient go in peace.
It can be a difficult time for a family to go through a dying event and there will come a point where a decision should be made as to when enough is enough prior to letting the patient go in peace. Many services are available to help families going through this transition, including hospice care, which also delivers bereavement support for the family. If you have any further questions on this topic, please contact our office.
