How Can End of Life Care Help Your Loved One?

Being diagnosed with a terminal illness can be difficult to come to terms with, for patients as well as their families. In most cases it is a family member that ends up taking on the majority of the responsibility in providing the necessary assistance and support required in these types of situations. Quality end of life care can be extremely helpful for pain management, and addressing emotional and spiritual needs during such a confusing and distressing time.

What is terminal illness?

A terminal illness is one that is incurable, which causes many people to lose hope upon hearing such a discouraging diagnosis. Although there may not be hope for full recovery, there is still hope for acceptance, closure, and living out one’s final days in the best way possible.

What is Palliative Care?

End of life care is often referred to as palliative care. Palliative care is designed to bring comfort and peace to families in a time of confusion and suffering. The goal is to help terminally ill patients spend time with loved ones, fulfill end of life goals, and to relieve painful symptoms of the disease.

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people that are facing a life-limiting illness for which there is currently no cure. These days, with medical and technological advancements, it is possible for people to live months and even years with a terminal illness.

Palliative care can help make that final period much less stressful and painful for everyone involved. These services can even be administered in the comfort of home by a professional home care agency like Promyse Home Care. 

Promyse Home Care is an excellent resource for those requiring assistance in the Kitchener – Waterloo – Cambridge area. Experienced and professional caregivers can assist with a wide range of tasks and services that can help ease the burden and improve the quality of daily life. 

End of Life Care Services

There is an assortment of palliative care services available, depending on health care needs and patient preferences.

Some of the services that can be attained are:

  • Symptom relief and pain management
  • Monitoring health concerns and status
  • Personal care
  • Home support
  • Ongoing communication with family members
  • Coordination with other health care professionals
  • Home medical supplies and equipment
  • Physical, emotional, and spiritual support

Symptom Relief and Pain Management

This may be the greatest benefit of end of life care for both the patient and family. Terminally ill patients can continue living for months after a diagnosis, why live out the remaining days in pain and discomfort?

Promyse home caregivers can help with:

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Pain management
  • Loss of appetite
  • Respiratory problems
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • And more…

Monitoring Health

Upon initial contact a free consultation will be done to get a better picture of what is required and what services would be most beneficial. A personalized care plan can then be created and reviewed regularly to make sure it continues to be effective.

Personal Care

A variety of personal care services are available to help with everyday living. Registered nurses and professional caregivers can assist with:

  • Bathing
  • Toileting
  • Oral care
  • Skin care

Diet

Many people that have been diagnosed with a terminal illness experience physical decline that makes it difficult to carry out daily tasks like maintaining hygiene and self-care. Caregivers can be a huge help with these intimate tasks that are performed with compassion and discretion.

Home Support

Similar to personal care, home support is offered for individuals with deteriorated strength and mobility. Caregivers can help with:

  • Light housekeeping
  • Meal planning and prep
  • Errands
  • Laundry
  • Home safety
  • Medications

Keeping the house clean and tidy often fall by the wayside upon the diagnosis of terminal illness. Maintaining cleanliness and safety can help lift the spirits and prevent further injury. 

Communication with Family Members

Family members that wish to be involved will have the opportunity to discuss their fears, concerns, and wishes. Gaining education about the illness can help provide an explanation and reduce confusion. This helps with the healing process and living through a difficult situation.

Coordination with Other Health Care Professionals

Communicating with other doctors and health care professionals involved in the case will provide a clearer overall picture and make sure there are no conflicting treatments. Ensuring everyone is on the same page reduces confusion and improves care efficiency.

Home Medical Supplies and Equipment

Palliative care services can be carried out in the comfort of home. In some cases, extra medical supplies will be needed and Promyse care can help organize necessary equipment from a reputable and affordable source.

Ongoing Support

Promyse caregivers and nurses will provide continual support for patients and their loved ones. Physical support can be offered through pain management, personal care, and home support. Emotional support will be available at all times for patients, as well as their families. Spiritual support is also offered for anyone that desires it as many people turn to spiritual assistance in times like these.

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