Keeping an elder safe and secure is your primary goal at the end of his life.
The often unsettling subject concerning end of life care needs attention for those whose loved ones or patients are getting older and nearing death. Both you and the elder need to determine what actions to take and handle the heavy subject of death. Just remember that throughout the process of dying, the elder needs someone to comfort her in a time that can often be scary and confusing by keeping her surroundings stable and peaceful.
Instructions
1. Determine where to place the elder to gain the most assurance that she will die as comfortably as possible. The most satisfactory of places includes the elder's home, where she can feel calm in her own surroundings. Yet the elder may need more supervision than what can be given at her home, so she may need to be transported to a hospice or nursing home. Just remember that no matter where she stays towards the end of her life that she will need some visits from those she loves, as well as a cozy atmosphere that keeps her at ease.
2. Take care of the elder physically so that he suffers as little as possible towards the end. Keep his prescriptions filled and make sure he gets regular doctors' visits. If the elder stays at his home and you are not a health care professional, you should consider hiring a home health nurse to come and check on the elder and bathe him. Contact doctors if the elder has trouble breathing, can no longer go to the bathroom for over a day, or vomits or coughs up blood multiple times a day. Make sure that he feels comfortable with whomever comes into his home, as you want him to feel safe and secure during his last days.
3. Talk with the elder and keep him company when he feels like it. As HealthInAging.org suggests, people vary in how many people they want to associate with on a day-to-day basis at the end of their lives. If the elder asks to be left alone, give him space. If he seems lonely or upset, give him the comfort and distraction he needs by talking to him about whatever he wants to discuss. Be careful when broaching the subject of death as this may lead the elder to become frightened or angry. Let him bring up the subject to you, instead. When this happens, let the elder discuss his feelings or beliefs. Avoid forcing your spiritual opinions on him. If the elder wishes, allow for a spiritual leader of his choice to visit and discuss whatever is on the elder's mind.
4. Try to remain optimistic throughout the process as you can easily get swept up in grief and negative emotions. Just as the elder may need to discuss death with you, you should feel free to talk about your emotions with another person. Give yourself time to be alone, and remember that you should not feel guilty for doing so.
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