Losing someone unexpectedly hurts but when you have a loved one in hospice care the hurt is indescribable. Reading the article, “when a loved one is terminally ill” gives insight with dealing with death. The writer reminds us just because a person is in hospice doesn’t mean they are going to die that moment. The writer describes it as “time stopping” once the diagnosis has been given, as family members we refuse to believe that this is the end. The article helps give guidance, with the suggestion in how to proceed with dealing with the impending death.
The article talks about dealing with anticipatory grief. It describes the many losses to grieve prior to the person who is terminally ill dies and the family members who will be left behind. …show more content…
It not easy, not always possible but there are issues to consider before they become pressing. For example, does your loved one have a living will, advance directives, health care proxy, a power of attorney or will. This often references as having advance directives, by having any of these documents in place will ensure that the person health wishes and end of life concerns are known. This will ensure the wishes of the terminal ill is carried out. Make sure copies of the advance directive are given to all that is involved with the care of the patient and inform family members of wishes and documents. One important document that needs to be done is a “do not resuscitate order (DNR)” it allows and put notice to healthcare providers not to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or defibrillation. This document is put in place when measures are unlikely to revive a dying person or prolong their life. A discussion needs to happen with family members and healthcare team to determine what type of DNR to put in place. For instance, does the patient want mechanical ventilation, want artificial nutrition, IV fluids or hemodialysis. This is a brief list to make an alternate DNR with clear end of life care instruction. Keep in mind the patient needs reassurance that medical care will still be available to them even with a DNR in place. The patient needs comfort and care this is what
The article talks about dealing with anticipatory grief. It describes the many losses to grieve prior to the person who is terminally ill dies and the family members who will be left behind. …show more content…
It not easy, not always possible but there are issues to consider before they become pressing. For example, does your loved one have a living will, advance directives, health care proxy, a power of attorney or will. This often references as having advance directives, by having any of these documents in place will ensure that the person health wishes and end of life concerns are known. This will ensure the wishes of the terminal ill is carried out. Make sure copies of the advance directive are given to all that is involved with the care of the patient and inform family members of wishes and documents. One important document that needs to be done is a “do not resuscitate order (DNR)” it allows and put notice to healthcare providers not to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or defibrillation. This document is put in place when measures are unlikely to revive a dying person or prolong their life. A discussion needs to happen with family members and healthcare team to determine what type of DNR to put in place. For instance, does the patient want mechanical ventilation, want artificial nutrition, IV fluids or hemodialysis. This is a brief list to make an alternate DNR with clear end of life care instruction. Keep in mind the patient needs reassurance that medical care will still be available to them even with a DNR in place. The patient needs comfort and care this is what