Online Class: End of Life Care

The planning process includes everything, like where the patient will receive care, who will care for the patient, what types of treatment they desire and for how long, who will make decisions if they are unable to, what will happen to their assets, who will have custody of their children, and so much more. Since so many questions are left unanswered, the process is even more difficult and yet it is still so important to begin answering all of these questions as soon as possible.

During the patient's illness, the plan will need to be adjusted, but with good communication amongst all of the involved parties--along with teamwork and honesty--everyone can effectively work together with the patient to ensure that the last months of the patient's life are as positive as possible.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Advocacy for Elderly Patients

Caring for Seniors

Aging and Long Term Care 101

Course Motivation

When a person realizes that they are coming to the end of their life, they will experience a wide range of emotions and feelings. Just as caretakers will find it hard to deal with the situation's reality, patients will find it even more difficult. The patient, family members and friends will experience all of these feelings and emotions in different ways, at different times. It is important to consider that everyone is different, and therefore will handle things differently. Same goes for how the patient and family members will cope. Some will cry, while others will confide in a friend. What is important is that coping does take place, even if it's not recognizable.

Worry and Anxiety

Disbelief & Denial

People will also be in disbelief and cannot believe that this is happening to themselves or their loved one. They feel that maybe there has been some sort of mistake or that things can get better. Some people will deny that they are ill or don't believe that it has happened to them.

Bargaining

Sometimes when a person is diagnosed with a terminal illness, or when they simply face the end of life, they and family members as well, may bargain. Whomever they speak to spiritually, they may try to bargain in hopes that if they are healed, they will keep a promise they have made in return.  A family member will also bargain in hopes that their loved one will be healed.

Bitterness & Resentment

When we realize that we cannot bargain, we may start to feel resentful towards things such as God, the patient, or even ourselves. This is because we feel as though we have been abandoned and feelings of being alone make us resent whomever we may choose to "blame."

Guilt

Patients may at times feel guilty. Perhaps they wish they have done something differently as they begin to reflect on the past. Loved ones can also feel guilty during and after their loved one is gone. They too may reflect on how they should have, could have, or did treat their loved one.

Depression

The patient may have feelings of depression once the reality of their fate has set in. Many loved ones, friends, and caretakers will also experience this during and after their loved one is gone.

Impatience

Learning Ways to Cope

Expressing & Acknowledging

It is important that you explore the emotions that you are feeling, express them by sharing them, and acknowledge why you are feeling a certain way. Whether you work through them with a close group of friends, family members, a counselor, or a support group, it is up to you. When emotions linger without being expressed, they will be buried and more  healthy emotions, such as acceptance and healing, cannot occur. If you are the patient or the family member, this must be done to move on.

Caring for Yourself

Coping with the situation cannot occur if you do not properly care for yourself. When patients and family members face end of life care many things will exhaust them physically, mentally, and spiritually. That is why it is important to take care of yourself in all these areas. For example, proper rest, food consumption, finding the right support, and so on, are necessary for everyone.

Confiding

When coping, it is important to find the individual in which you feel most comfortable confiding in. Perhaps it is your sister, a spiritual advisor, a best friend, etc. No matter whom it is, find them and communicate with them what you feel often. This applies to both the patient and their family members.

Crying & Laughing

Although crying in this case will be caused from confusion, anger, and sadness, always remember that it is good to cry, and it is alright to do so. While some will sob in private, others will need a shoulder to lean on. Crying will help you to cope with the situation. It helps to release emotions which are necessary. Laughing is also ok and will be good for you! Never be afraid to laugh as you reminisce and share stories. It is good for both the patient and family members.

Speak From the Heart

Most of all, if you're loved one is still here, whether or not you think they can hear you, always speak what is within your heart. Chances are they can hear what you are saying even if you think they cannot. It is important to tell your loved one what you are feeling.