.png)
The end of life is a deeply personal and emotional journey for the person facing it, but also for their family, friends, and caregivers. When an individual is nearing the end of their life, caregivers take on a variety of roles, from providing medical services, to offering comfort, compassion, and support. To that end, caregivers can take many forms, including family members, medical staff, clergy, financial advisors, and those helping to coordinate funeral arrangements. It is important for the individual nearing end of life that these caregivers work together to not only ease the pain and sadness of their final days, but to also help family and friends memorialize their loved one when the time comes.
Here is a closer look at how caregivers can work together effectively to provide the best possible care during this crucial time.
What is considered end of life?
While there is no tried and true definition, when determining someone is reaching the "end of life" a few different factors are taken into account, such as diagnosis, prognosis, symptoms, and hospice eligibility. It is important to note that different institutions may have varying definitions of end of life; for example to qualify for hospice care, the hospice doctor and regular doctor must certify that the patient has a life expectancy of 6 months or less. It is estimated there are currently twenty-million people worldwide who need some form of end-of-life care.
What is end-of-life care?
End-of-life care is the term used to describe the support and medical care given during the time surrounding someone’s death. As people live longer, this care may extend to longer periods of time, not just for the final days or moments before the patient passes away. This type of care may also differ based on the person’s circumstances or preferences.
Some people may prefer to spend their final days at home surrounded by loved ones, while others may seek medical help at a hospital or hospice facility. Therefore, the types of caregivers that are guiding the person through their end of life journey may vary and will often overlap with each other.
Families may hire medical personnel to live in-home with the dying to administer medical services; the dying may seek clergy for prayers and words of peace; loved ones may meet with funeral directors to begin prearrangement of a funeral or other commemoration; and a lawyer will often be called to discuss financial matters and prepare or finalize a will.
Whoever is involved in helping the dying, the most important thing is that they all put the patient’s needs first.
The importance of open communication among caregivers
Given the sensitive nature of supporting someone nearing death, along with the many logistical factors involved in easing the transition and preparing for the end of life, it is vital that all caregivers share open and honest communication. This includes sharing information about the individuals’ needs, preferences, and changes in their condition, along with working together to align on care strategies and emotional support for both the dying and their family.
While it may not be realistic to meet in-person due to time and distance restraints, it can be helpful to have at least one Zoom or in-person get together to create a foundation for support and a roadmap for care. From there, effective communication via emails, phone calls, or texts can ensure everyone continues to be on the same page, are able to address concerns as they arise, and can course correct as needed.
When life’s journey ends
“In the beginning of life, when we are infants, we need others to survive. And at the end of life, we need others to survive. But here’s the secret, in between, we need others as well.” — Morrie Schwartz
This quote highlights the importance of having people to count on at every stage of life – beginning, middle, and end. When it comes to those final days, and caregivers become even more vital in an individual’s life, open and transparent communication becomes vital as well. By working together with respect, emotional support, and coordination, caregivers can provide a comforting, spiritual, and dignified experience for the dying and their loved ones.
Learn more about how those in end-of-life care can better partner with hospice care agencies and other caregivers at our upcoming industry event, Funeral IQ, on Sept. 20. Get additional information on the can’t-miss conference and register here.