In 1997, Kansas City, cancer sufferer William Bartholme described dying as a lived, experienced, condition, rather than a medical process. It can be said that from the moment we are born, we begin the process of dying. It comes to all of us, yet, as a society, we are chronically unprepared for it. Whether we have been diagnosed with a terminal illness or are supporting a loved one, a hospice book on the dying process might help us get ready for what lies ahead.
The final moments of life are not always as peaceful as they are portrayed on television and in the movies. There are certain signposts that death is near. For example, the person may lose the ability to lose their legs in the last week of life. They lose their appetite and their interest in drinking. One of the most alarming and distressing phenomena is agonal breathing. It is a painful process to witness, and, if that is a likely scenario, it would be useful to know what to expect.
Once the shock has worn off that death is on the horizon, families can begin to prepare themselves for the inevitable. Physical changes will take place that will be influenced by the patient's condition. As a caregiver, you will want to know how the person feels about organ donation and whether or not they wish to be resuscitated should the need arise.
Every person is different in how they handle the last few months and weeks of life. Some people are calm and composed while others are terrified. Some people take it as it comes while others want to maintain every last moment of control.
The same is true of family members and close friends. As well as the immediate care issues, there will be a massive range of emotions for everyone to process. Guilt is a common feeling associated with impending bereavement, as is anger.
Two emotionally-charged topics that need to be resolved are organ donation and how much medical intervention is acceptable if the need arises. Having both of these decisions documented will save misunderstandings and make life much easier later on when the need arises. Make sure all interested parties are duly informed.
Some people prefer to spend their last days in the comfort of their own homes. Others may require intensive medical care in addition to palliative care. It is useful in both cases to explain the legalities of each situation. In some places, the police are required to attend; this can frighten the relatives if they are not expecting it.
Physical changes in the last few days of life are partially dependent upon the terminal condition. Having an excellent book that explains the general process can be a big benefit to someone about to lose someone close to them.
The final moments of life are not always as peaceful as they are portrayed on television and in the movies. There are certain signposts that death is near. For example, the person may lose the ability to lose their legs in the last week of life. They lose their appetite and their interest in drinking. One of the most alarming and distressing phenomena is agonal breathing. It is a painful process to witness, and, if that is a likely scenario, it would be useful to know what to expect.
Once the shock has worn off that death is on the horizon, families can begin to prepare themselves for the inevitable. Physical changes will take place that will be influenced by the patient's condition. As a caregiver, you will want to know how the person feels about organ donation and whether or not they wish to be resuscitated should the need arise.
Every person is different in how they handle the last few months and weeks of life. Some people are calm and composed while others are terrified. Some people take it as it comes while others want to maintain every last moment of control.
The same is true of family members and close friends. As well as the immediate care issues, there will be a massive range of emotions for everyone to process. Guilt is a common feeling associated with impending bereavement, as is anger.
Two emotionally-charged topics that need to be resolved are organ donation and how much medical intervention is acceptable if the need arises. Having both of these decisions documented will save misunderstandings and make life much easier later on when the need arises. Make sure all interested parties are duly informed.
Some people prefer to spend their last days in the comfort of their own homes. Others may require intensive medical care in addition to palliative care. It is useful in both cases to explain the legalities of each situation. In some places, the police are required to attend; this can frighten the relatives if they are not expecting it.
Physical changes in the last few days of life are partially dependent upon the terminal condition. Having an excellent book that explains the general process can be a big benefit to someone about to lose someone close to them.
About the Author:
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