- Respect your parent’s wishes for end-of-life care and understand any financial implications associated with it.
- Consider palliative, hospice, home health, and long-term care services to provide comfort and improve quality of life.
- Make your parents’ environment comfortable with plenty of rest, relaxation, physical activities, and hobbies.
- Provide spiritual support services for an additional outlet of expression and connection to make them feel supported.
It is never easy to think about the end-of-life care you may need to give your parents, but knowing what options and resources are essential. This blog post will provide an overview of end-of-life care considerations and resources so you can be better prepared to make the best decisions for your parents.
The General Considerations
When considering end-of-life care for your parents, you should remember a few general things. Here are the following considerations to guide you:
Understand the Wishes of Your Parents
Respect what your parents have expressed about their wishes for end-of-life care. If they have given clear direction, you should do everything possible to respect those wishes. For instance, if they have indicated they want to be kept comfortable at home until the end of their life, you should work with other healthcare professionals and family members to make that happen.
The Condition of Your Home
If they decide to stay home until the end, you will need to ensure their environment is comfortable and conducive to rest, relaxation, physical activities, and hobbies. Your home should also be safe by installing carpets to make it more slip-resistant and any other modifications needed. You should also add the necessary medical devices and equipment, such as a hospital bed, walker, wheelchair, etc.
Consider Your Financial Situation
It’s important to understand the financial implications of end-of-life care. Talk to your parents or other family members about their insurance coverage and any long-term care policies they may have. Additionally, you should find out if any government or private programs can help pay for necessary services and/or medications.
The Options Available
End-of-life care encompasses many different services and options depending on the particular needs of each case. Generally speaking, end-of-life care includes the following:
Palliative Care
This focuses on managing pain and symptoms rather than actively treating the underlying condition. The goal is to provide comfort and improve the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses who may have limited life expectancy.
Hospice Care
This type of care comforts people in the final phases of a terminal illness, usually when curative treatment isn’t possible. Hospice care services include hospice nursing, social workers, chaplains, hospice aides, and volunteers. These professionals can help provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support for patients and their families.
Home Health Care Services
These services bring necessary medical care into the home, such as nursing care, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Home health aides can assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals.
Long-Term Care Facilities
These facilities provide care for those who need more extensive support. They offer a range of services, including nursing and rehabilitative care. Patients with chronic or terminal illnesses may find that they need the extra support provided by these facilities.
Other Resources
In addition to the options mentioned above, there are a variety of other resources you may need to look into depending on your parent’s situation. These include respite care for caregivers, hospice charities, state, and national support groups, financial assistance programs, and more.
How to Make Your Parent’s Life Comfortable
If your loved one chooses to stay home until the end, there are many ways to make their remaining days as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Here are a few tips:
- Make them as comfortable as possible with plenty of pillows and blankets
- Set up a schedule that is conducive to rest and relaxation
- Provide regular opportunities for socialization
- Create an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding
- Allow plenty of time for rest and reflection
- Try to keep the environment as stress-free as possible
You can also try doing these with them:
Physical Activities
If your parent can still participate in physical activities, it’s important to do so. This can help improve their quality of life and reduce pain. Walking, swimming, or doing simple exercises are all great ways to keep your parent active and engaged.
Hobbies
Encourage hobbies that they can still enjoy despite their health restrictions. For instance, if painting is your parent’s favorite activity, try to find ways for them to continue it. This can give them a sense of purpose and provide an opportunity for self-expression.
Spiritual Support
Finally, you should look into spiritual support services such as pastoral counseling and faith-based organizations. These services can help your loved one feel connected and provide an outlet for expression.
End-of-life care can be difficult, but you must be prepared with the right information. Knowing the available options and resources will help you make the best decisions for your parents and ensure their remaining days are comfortable, meaningful, and loving.
