When a loved one is nearing the end of life, it can be difficult for everyone involved. One of the best things you can do to make this time easier is to create a comfortable and supportive environment in your home. This means ensuring the physical space is conducive to rest and providing emotional support. If you are caring for a loved one at home, some considerations can enhance ease.
Tips for Efficient End of Life Care at Home
Create a Calm and Peaceful Environment
To make a restful space for your loved one, choose a quiet room away from noise and activities. Next, you may play soft music or white noise to help create a calming atmosphere, especially if they have problems with sleeping. Keep their room clean and tidy to avoid infections and make them feel better about their surroundings. But most importantly, be present with your loved one and tell them you love them.
Ensure Comfort
Choose a comfortable mattress that is supportive but not too firm. Extra pillows can be added to support their head, neck, and back. A recliner or armchair can be helpful if they prefer to sit up. A bed rail or hoist can also help you get in and out of bed. The room should be well-ventilated and cool. Also, be sure to change their bedding frequently to keep them dry and comfortable. Massage their hands and feet to help relieve pain and stiffness. Offer them pain medication or other comfort measures as needed.
Provide Adequate Fluids and Snacks
It is important to stay hydrated and nourished during end of life care at home. Small snacks throughout the day, such as yoghurt, applesauce, or soup, as permitted medically, can also help keep them nourished. If they are having trouble swallowing, try offering them fluids and snacks in a cup with a straw or a spoon. Be patient and understanding, as this is a difficult time for you and your loved one.
Ensure Adequate Pain Management
It is important to work with your loved one’s doctor to find the right pain medication for them. Moreover, you must be aware of the reason behind their pain; for example, is it due to bed sores, or is it due to a recent injury? For immediate relief, a heating pad can help to relieve muscle pain, while a cold pack can help to relieve nerve pain. Massage can help relieve pain and stiffness, but you must learn how to do it.
Prepare for the End
While difficult, open discussions about the end of life are essential. These conversations help your loved one come to terms with their situation and allow them to express their desires for their final moments if they can. This further brings a sense of peace, comfort, and control to both you and your loved one.
How Can We Help?
It is important to remember that listening, understanding, and giving them love and care is the most important thing. However, if you are unable to provide end of life care at home due to work or other obligations, we can help.
At Honeybee Homecare, we provide end of life care in Warwickshire, to help people live their final days in comfort and dignity in their own homes. Our services include personal care, companionship, symptom management, emotional support, etc. We work with our clients and their families in Warwickshire, to create a care plan that meets their needs, as we understand that end of life care is a very personal and emotional experience. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!