End of life care: what to expect
Published: 05/06/2023
When someone is nearing the end of their life, it is a time of deep emotion, and there can be challenges and uncertainties for them and their families to face. When that is the case, knowing what to expect from end of life homecare can bring huge comfort to family and loved ones.
Here we look at some of the things that you can expect from end of life homecare services.
Compassion
Compassion is an incredibly important part of end of life care, as it provides comfort, empathy and understanding to people facing the end of their life, as well as their families and loved ones. Right At Home provide end of life care services in and around Alton and Bordon and understand the significance of compassion during this sensitive life phase. Our caregivers connect with their clients on a deeply human level, forming close bonds. They are experienced in supporting clients and their families on both a practical and emotional level, as both are crucial during this time. This supportive environment nurtures trust and open communication, alleviating any fears and concerns their client and family might have. The service that Right At Home caregivers provide is very much person-centred, with a tailored approach that meets individual needs, whilst respecting the wishes of the person experiencing the end of their life. This acknowledges their worth with dignity, ensuring that their end of life experience is characterised by compassion, respect, and a deep sense of empathy.
Pain management
Controlling any pain a client might have is vital in ensuring they are as comfortable as possible during the final stages of their life journey. This can involve medication management to ensure it is delivered at the correct times and the proper level. But pain management can also go beyond medication, including other treatments and therapies, such as massage and relaxation techniques which provide additional relief. Pain management can also extend beyond physical, encompassing emotional and social aspects. At Right At Home, our caregivers also provide companionship, with the ultimate focus on enhancing their client's comfort, dignity, and well-being during a sensitive and challenging time.
Specialised care
End of life care is one of the specialist care services that Right At Homes offers, and it is often delivered in conjunction with some of our other services, such as respite care and 24-hour support. Respite care is an excellent support for the family of our clients, as it allows everyone to focus on spending quality time with each other rather than getting involved with the practicalities of daily life. At such a time as end of life activities like cleaning and food preparation can feel overwhelming. So, our caregivers can also help with light housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation. The focus is on achieving a balance between respecting their client's dignity and autonomy whilst delivering a bespoke service that supports quality of life. The bespoke nature of the care provided means it meets each client's individual needs and considers their unique situation. People's circumstances differ, so our caregivers work hard to create a care plan that reflects this.
Quality of life
Whilst there are many practical elements to consider within end of life care, the underlying focus is on maintaining the client's quality of life and creating meaningful experiences. Our caregivers give so much more than the services that they provide. They stay with their clients to the end of their life, offering friendship and companionship to them and their families. Knowing that someone is on hand to help navigate the end of life process can be hugely reassuring to all involved. Right At Home can also improve the quality of life for our client's family by working closely with hospices, GPs and community nurses when needed. They can also direct families to other resources offering bereavement support. Approaching the end of one’s life can be a difficult journey for everyone involved. But knowing that you have experienced caregivers helping you navigate it can make all the difference for yourself, and your loved ones. Spending the final chapter of life in the comfort of home surrounded by the people that care for you, and having your wishes respected in those moments, is wonderful.
If your loved one is nearing the end of their life and you would like to know more about the types of services Right At Home can offer, then call us on 01420 481716. We have the experience to support you and your family through this time.
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