Receiving the news that you or someone you care about has only a few months or weeks to live is one of the worst things that can happen to anybody. Death comes to us all, but we often put it out of our minds until faced with its impending reality. If you are caring for someone who is going through the end stages of life, it is useful to find a hospice book on the dying process to guide you through the many issues, practical, legal, medical, and emotional, with which you are suddenly faced.
Sometimes, families get several months' notice that someone is terminally ill. In other circumstances, there is insufficient time to adjust to the idea. You play the hand you're dealt. In the end, no matter how well prepared you think you are, when the moment arrives, there will still be shock waves. In the meantime, the time interval is an opportunity to sort out the distribution of property, discuss practical matters and sort through the myriad emotions.
Once the shock has worn off that death is on the horizon, families can begin to prepare themselves for the inevitable. Physical changes will take place that will be influenced by the patient's condition. As a caregiver, you will want to know how the person feels about organ donation and whether or not they wish to be resuscitated should the need arise.
Everyone deals with impending death differently. Some individuals can resign themselves to the prospect and adjust quickly. Others will go out screaming and kicking every step of the way.
While the person doing the dying will have a lot to think about, so will the other friends and family. Try to steer people toward settling festering disputes and encourage forgiveness all around. This is partly for the peace of mind of the aspiring deceased, but also to ease the grieving process for those left behind.
It is important to discuss with the individual concerned what their wishes are with regard to organ donation. It will be easier on everyone concerned if there are clear-cut instructions. The same can be said about end-of-life care and resuscitation. They may not want to be kept alive artificially. The doctor and the patient can sign a document called a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) if this is the person's wishes.
Then there is the question of where the death will occur. If their medical condition allows, many people like to spend their last moments in the privacy of their own home. If they are spending their last days at home, it is useful for the caregiver to know what the legalities are with regard to attendance by the police. This can be a shock, and shocked and bereaved caregivers can feel somehow to blame for the situation if it is not explained previously.
How can you tell when death is imminent. To some extent, this will depend on the nature of the terminal illness. The brain will conserve its last scraps of energy to maintain its own function, so less life-sustaining functions will start to fall by the wayside. They may, for example, lose the use of their legs very close to the end of their life. The moment of death may be preceded by some disturbing moments, such as agonal breathing. It is not always as peaceful and romantic as it is sometimes portrayed. These are just some of the reasons why it is a good idea to find a good reference manual to cover the practical, religious, legal, medical and emotional issues that you are going to face in your role as a psychopomp.
Sometimes, families get several months' notice that someone is terminally ill. In other circumstances, there is insufficient time to adjust to the idea. You play the hand you're dealt. In the end, no matter how well prepared you think you are, when the moment arrives, there will still be shock waves. In the meantime, the time interval is an opportunity to sort out the distribution of property, discuss practical matters and sort through the myriad emotions.
Once the shock has worn off that death is on the horizon, families can begin to prepare themselves for the inevitable. Physical changes will take place that will be influenced by the patient's condition. As a caregiver, you will want to know how the person feels about organ donation and whether or not they wish to be resuscitated should the need arise.
Everyone deals with impending death differently. Some individuals can resign themselves to the prospect and adjust quickly. Others will go out screaming and kicking every step of the way.
While the person doing the dying will have a lot to think about, so will the other friends and family. Try to steer people toward settling festering disputes and encourage forgiveness all around. This is partly for the peace of mind of the aspiring deceased, but also to ease the grieving process for those left behind.
It is important to discuss with the individual concerned what their wishes are with regard to organ donation. It will be easier on everyone concerned if there are clear-cut instructions. The same can be said about end-of-life care and resuscitation. They may not want to be kept alive artificially. The doctor and the patient can sign a document called a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) if this is the person's wishes.
Then there is the question of where the death will occur. If their medical condition allows, many people like to spend their last moments in the privacy of their own home. If they are spending their last days at home, it is useful for the caregiver to know what the legalities are with regard to attendance by the police. This can be a shock, and shocked and bereaved caregivers can feel somehow to blame for the situation if it is not explained previously.
How can you tell when death is imminent. To some extent, this will depend on the nature of the terminal illness. The brain will conserve its last scraps of energy to maintain its own function, so less life-sustaining functions will start to fall by the wayside. They may, for example, lose the use of their legs very close to the end of their life. The moment of death may be preceded by some disturbing moments, such as agonal breathing. It is not always as peaceful and romantic as it is sometimes portrayed. These are just some of the reasons why it is a good idea to find a good reference manual to cover the practical, religious, legal, medical and emotional issues that you are going to face in your role as a psychopomp.
About the Author:
If you are wondering where to find a hospice book on the dying process, consider using search engines for desired results. Get further info about this author by going to http://ninaangelamckissock.com.
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