End-of-life care is commonly referred to as palliative care.
This care is usually done by a team of health care professionals, as well as the patient's family.
It focuses on management of physical symptoms and emotional support to both the family and the patient.
This type of care is most often directed by a Hospice team who are specially trained to assist the family and make the patient as comfortable as possible until death occurs.
They are also trained to suggest grief counseling or how to contact services to help the family deal with the loss.
Usually the over riding goal of palliative care is caring for patients, rather than curing an illness, if there has been a terminal diagnosis.
Choosing comfort care does not mean that patients must stop seeking a cure for their condition.
It means that barring a miracle the patent's death is imminent.
As the illness progresses attempts to cure the disease taper off, while palliative care measures increase.
This can be a very spiritual experience for the patient and those who are around him or her.
It is a time for comforting one another with gentle hugs, and lovingly shared stories of the past and reassurance for the future.
As Ira Byock points out in Dying Well - Peace and Possibilities at the End of Life, This is a time for sharing the four most important things:
Just as there is a time to allow the body to close down and release the spirit, there is also an opportunity to release all the hurt feelings and angers that have been holding each of us back from soaring.
While this period of loss is difficult emotionally and physically, you may look back and see how close you became to your loved one and treasure this time.
Comfort care is way to demonstrate respect and compassion for both you and your loved one.
Please know that where ever you are today and what ever you may be going through, I am holding you in my thoughts and prayers.
You are not alone.
This care is usually done by a team of health care professionals, as well as the patient's family.
It focuses on management of physical symptoms and emotional support to both the family and the patient.
This type of care is most often directed by a Hospice team who are specially trained to assist the family and make the patient as comfortable as possible until death occurs.
They are also trained to suggest grief counseling or how to contact services to help the family deal with the loss.
Usually the over riding goal of palliative care is caring for patients, rather than curing an illness, if there has been a terminal diagnosis.
Choosing comfort care does not mean that patients must stop seeking a cure for their condition.
It means that barring a miracle the patent's death is imminent.
As the illness progresses attempts to cure the disease taper off, while palliative care measures increase.
This can be a very spiritual experience for the patient and those who are around him or her.
It is a time for comforting one another with gentle hugs, and lovingly shared stories of the past and reassurance for the future.
As Ira Byock points out in Dying Well - Peace and Possibilities at the End of Life, This is a time for sharing the four most important things:
- I forgive you
- Will you forgive me
- Thank you
- I love you
- Goodbye
Just as there is a time to allow the body to close down and release the spirit, there is also an opportunity to release all the hurt feelings and angers that have been holding each of us back from soaring.
While this period of loss is difficult emotionally and physically, you may look back and see how close you became to your loved one and treasure this time.
Comfort care is way to demonstrate respect and compassion for both you and your loved one.
Please know that where ever you are today and what ever you may be going through, I am holding you in my thoughts and prayers.
You are not alone.