There are numerous decisions which need to be made as a loved one declines and their passing become imminent. It is helpful to have considered and prepared ahead of time contingency plans so you are not trying figure everything out while also feeling distressed and overwhelmed.
It is essential that the family complete beforehand the legal paperwork to deal with end of life situations, such as an Advance Directive, Medical Power of Attorney, Will, etc.
Which hospice service you will use is another decision that needs to be made. It's nice to know ahead of time who you prefer and who to call. Care facility workers and support group participants usually are willing to share their experiences and preferences in this regard.
It is also helpful for families to have prepared and thought out how to care for the remains of the loved one and any funeral plans.
My wife was severely disabled for her final 5 years while in memory care, and qualified for hospice services 3 different times. Her condition would deteriorate and entitle her to hospice care for a few months, and then she would recover so her passing was not impending and no longer required hospice. The final time she was on hospice for over a year. It was an up and down situation where she won't eat for a day or two, and then she would recover somewhat.
Without question, my wife received better care and monitoring when hospice was involved. They helped with medications, care, and monitoring - providing me with updates. Hospice workers are an incredible resource to help you and your loved one get through this final, emotional stretch.
My wife passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, which added to my anxiety because I was not able to visit and be with her due to health and visitor restrictions until it was evident she would soon die. Fortunately, I had made my lists and had everything prepared for who I needed to call, both prior to and after she passed. Hospice and the funeral home were extremely helpful and ready as I spent the last couple days with Kristie.
Your stories and experiences regarding hospice and end of life would be appreciated in the comments section below.
Resource Links
- Compassus - End-of-life signs: the final days and hours.
- Quotacy.com - 4 end of life documents you need to have.
- National Institute on Aging - Advanced care planning - getting you affairs in order.
- National Institute on Aging - What are palliative care and hospice care?
- LegalTemplates - 9 end of life documents everyone needs.
- Family Caregiver Alliance - Making end-of-life decisions: what are your important papers?
- Mayo Clinic - Hospice care: comforting the terminally ill.
- Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing - End of life and hospice care.
- WebMD - What to expect when your loved one is dying.
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