End-of-life care assists persons in their final months or years of life. End-of-life care should assist you in living as comfortably as possible until death and dying with dignity. People who provide your care should ask you about your wishes and preferences and consider them as they plan your care with you. They should also assist your family, caregivers, and other key individuals in your life. You have the right to express your preferences for where you want to be treated and where you want to die. Depending on your requirements and preferences, you can get end-of-life care at home, in a care home, hospice, or a hospital. People nearing the end of their lives have the right to high-quality care, regardless of where they are cared for. Learn what to expect from end-of-life care. What does end-of-life care include?
Who Is Responsible For End-Of-Life Care
Depending on your needs, several social care experts may be involved in your end-of-life care. Hospital doctors and nurses, your primary care physician, community nurses, hospice workers, and counsellors, for example, may all be involved, as may social care personnel, chaplains (of all faiths or none), physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or complementary therapists. If you receive care at home or in a nursing home, your primary care physician is responsible for your treatment. Community nurses frequently visit you at home, and family and friends may also be involved in your care.
What exactly is palliative care
Palliative care makes you as comfortable as possible if you have an illness that cannot be treated by treating your pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. It also includes mental, social, and spiritual support for you and your family or caregivers. This is known as a holistic approach because it treats you as a “whole” person, rather than just your sickness or symptoms.
- When you initially learn that you have a life-limiting (terminal) illness, palliative treatment is provided. You may be able to receive palliative care while also receiving other treatments for your condition.
- End-of-life care is a type of palliative care that you receive while you are nearing the end of your life.
Who Is Responsible For Palliative Care
As part of their duties, many healthcare workers provide palliative care. Consider the care you receive from your doctor or community nurses. Some people require specialized palliative care. Palliative medicine experts can offer this, specialist palliative care nurses, specialist occupational therapists or physiotherapists. Palliative care teams, which are made up of several healthcare specialists, can coordinate the treatment of persons suffering from an incurable illnesses. As specialists, they also provide palliative care advice to other physicians.
When Does End-Of-Life Care Start
End-of-life care should begin as soon as you require it and may continue for a few days, months, or even more than a year. End-of-life care can help people in a variety of scenarios. Some of them could die within the following few hours or days. Others receive end-of-life care over a period of months. You have to follow the stages of hospice care. People are said to be nearing the end of their lives when they are expected to die within the next 12 months, though this is not always easy to predict. This includes persons who are about to die as well as those who:
Having an incurable advanced condition such as cancer, dementia, or motor neurone disease are often fragile and have co-existing diseases that indicate they will die within the next 12 months and have pre-existing problems if they are in danger of dying as a result of a sudden deterioration in their condition having a potentially fatal acute condition as a result of a sudden catastrophic occurrence, such as an accident or stroke. The National Institute for Health and Treatment Excellence (NICE) has issued recommendations for caring for dying persons in their final days. This guide addresses how to manage common symptoms and treat the dying person, their relatives, and caregivers with dignity and respect.
How Can I Learn More About End-Of-Life Care Services In My Area
If you are nearing the end of your life or caring for someone who is, and want to learn more about the care and support available, talk to your doctor or phone the number provided by your healthcare providers.
Their work includes assisting you in determining which services are available in your area. You can inquire about any type of assistance; for example, they may be aware of specific night-time services. You can also look for palliative care services in your area.
Making Preparations In Advance
The end-of-life care guide also addresses legal considerations to help you prepare ahead for your future care. Making a lasting power of attorney allows the person or people of your choice to decide about your care if you can no longer do so. You can read more about who pays for hospice care at home in another post. Contact Oasis hospice to get care like hospice at home. You can contact us at 708-564-4838.
