There are things that can be put in place as someone moves towards the end of their life. Many people may only have a limited understanding of what 'the end' means. Knowing what to expect can help take some of the fear and anxiety away. Being prepared can help a person feel more in control.
People are able to make decisions about how they want to be cared for at the end of life. Decisions may already be documented by the dying person in an Advance Care Directive or Advance Care Plan. Some people prepare a document while others communicate their wishes to their family as death approaches.
People are encouraged to participate where possible in discussions or decisions about care, treatments, medications and any other issues. Are treatments and medications still helping? Is it time to stop some treatments that are no longer adding to comfort?
Some people prefer to take charge of their situation and initiate these conversations. It is always an option to say yes to options that are offered and no to others. It may be easier to write down things about the decisions that are to be made.
As people approach the end of their life many things change and new issues arise. There may be a new symptom or an existing one may get worse. They may also be less able to do the things that they did before. Knowing what to expect can help planning for care as death approaches.
Resources
- The brochure from Palliative Care Australia Asking questions can help is a guide to some of the things that could be discussed with palliative care providers.
- The Ottawa Personal Decision Guide from the Ottowa Health Research Institute is one tool that may help you work out what decisions need to be made.
- The Handbook for Mortals looks at issues of spirituality, religion and relationships. This information may provide helpful insight, and perhaps food for thought
Related CareSearch pages
Planning for the future
Changes at the time of death
Caring at the end
This page was created on 26 May 2009 and is due for review in May 2011
Last updated 11 June 2009