End of Life Care

This is a very stressful time for you and your family but, rest assured we are trained, experienced and here to help you and your family with assistance through the entire process.

End of life is a natural part of our life cycle, yet it is typically the least understood and receives the least training; subsequently, providing care at the end of life can present an uncomfortable experience to you, as the primary caregiver and your family.

An increasing number of people are choosing to die in the comfort of their own home. Many of the terminally ill have arranged hospice care services, but not all. Whether your loved one is on hospice services or not, Senior Homecare by Angels can help you and your family, as we understand the end-of-life process to best assist you and your loved one with the dignity and respect they deserve.

 

Role of our caregiver 

If your loved one is nearing the end of life, we familiarize ourselves with their goals and wishes so we can help support them at home.  

Professional Boundaries – The death experience is a very unique and personal time for you and family. We are sensitive, supportive and able to assist your loved one with dignity and respect through the process.  

End-of life care is tailored to meet your specific needs. No matter the situation, we always respect professional boundaries. We offer primary care services, stand by assistance and seek direction from you and loved one and/or his or her family to provide the best care fit under these dire circumstances.

We are excellent listener and focused on your loved ones needs, and are trained to anticipate the needs of the family also and look after as much or as little as you would like us to. 

 

Your loved one’s experience 

As an illness progresses, your loved one may experience a full range of physical and emotional changes, such as increasing fear, anxiety, irritability and sadness. He or she may experience feelings of helplessness – powerlessness if you will, a sense of being out of control, or believe and feel like he or she is a burden.

Mood swings are common and can range from denial to acceptance to hopelessness in a single day.

Additionally, withdrawal, changes in physical appearance and distraction are also common. As your loved one moves closer to the end, he or she may likely become increasingly tired and sleep much of the time. Dying is a uniquely personal experience and these processes occur in no particular order.

Sometimes they occur alone, but often they overlap. Physically and mentally, the body is beginning to shut down, while socially and emotionally the individual may show signs of withdrawal.

We understand the common signs, symptoms and changes that indicate end of life is fast approaching, and use practical methods to help support your loved one through this process.  

Physical Changes such as:

• Sleeping Patterns
• Appetite
• Swallowing
• Breathing
• Skin
• Bowel and Bladder
• Body Temperature
• Pain
• Fatigue
• Agitation/restlessness
• Confusion/Disorientation
• Responsiveness
• Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Changes

Why do these changes occur?

Spirituality is the inner essence of who we are. It’s often described as an inner connectedness or personal relationship with God, nature or a higher power and generally answers the question “why am I here?” Changes in emotional and spiritual behaviors are common at the end of life, as people tend to reflect back on their life and purpose. If they have lived a full, productive life, they may have few regrets and are prepared for death. If however, they have unfulfilled goals, dreams or broken relationships, they may suffer emotionally and struggle with dying.

The following are common emotional/spiritual changes that occur near the end of life.

• Depression or Withdrawal
• Dream-like Experiences
• Spiritual

 

Dementia care 

Providing end-of-life care to those with dementia poses certain challenges. Due to the nature of their disease, they may not be able to communicate their needs effectively or identify the cause of their suffering. This can be a particularly difficult time for the family members, as they are not able to reminisce or share stories or participate in other activities that usually bring comfort and closure.

We know this is a very stressful time for the family, and it is sometimes difficult to know how to help your loved one.  

Senior Homecare by Angels is here to provide you with primary care or strictly an assistant role.  We understand the physical changes that take place during this time and all of our caregivers are trained and experienced with all aspects of End of life.