Healthcare service is incomplete for older adults if not combined with end-of-life care. This specific form of care is meant to provide old people with the ultimate care and comfort close in the last phase of their lives. Besides, the care is modified based on the individual’s needs. For example, older adults in the final stage of their life mostly need full-time care. In such cases, end-of-life care can be prescribed and adjusted according to the needs of the elderly patient.
The most significant integration of end-of-life care was probably palliative care. Palliative care focuses on pain relief and comfort, management of symptoms like nausea, breathlessness, and fatigue, among others, and providing a smooth living environment. Comfort and wellness here do not refer to relieving the disease but rather managing the disease and limiting suffering.
The following are ways in which end-of-life care provides comfort to older people, respect for their dignity, and helps them live a smooth and happy life:
Ways Through Which End-of-Life Care Supports Elders
End-of-life care is involved in various ways that support elders. Through this particular care form, the elderly are given pain management skills, including medicine and other non-pharmacologic approaches, emotional care, holistic care, and a peaceful atmosphere, even in the comfort of their home. Ultimately, the end goal of terminal palliative care is an all-around climate of peace. Let us read on to know some ways through which the care at the end of life is helpful for the elderly:
Emotional Support
Most end-of-life care requires emotional support. Home health care end-of-life support gives seniors emotional and psychological support. In older people’s advanced stages, anxiety, depression, fear, and grief are some of the common attributes that emerge. Counseling services are helpful at such times, and they assist these elderly in working out their feelings and coming to peace. Apart from this, emotional support is also extended to the family members and family carers to help them manage their emotions at such a distressing time.
Respect for Bodily Autonomy
End-of-life care respects the patient’s decision and ensures that the patient gets to decide how they want to receive treatment, what kind of care they want, and whether or not they allow any form of intervention.
Often, end-of-life care creates a living will to renew the person’s decision on medical treatment, life support, and all that comes with it. End-of-life care also re-establishes an elderly person’s autonomy and body sovereignty. The old patient may not walk and finish their tasks, but they could still decide what works best.
Peaceful Environment
The palliative care approach prioritizes the holistic quality of end-of-life services by creating a peaceful environment. For an older adult, this environment is crucial in safeguarding dignity. This element includes reducing medical instrumentation and processes, which can otherwise impact the patient’s comfort level with unpalatability and psychological harm. Furthermore, it is conceivable that home-based end-of-life care for elderly patients would allow them to spend their final days with loved ones and the warm environment of the home with peace and emotional fulfillment.
Spiritual Care
Many older adults seek religious and spiritual care during the last phase of their lives. End-of-life care service providers often include spiritual care providers such as priests and other faith leaders. These individuals offer comfort and religious and spiritual security and help elderly adults process their emotions. This type of care allows older people to feel at ease and reduces the chances of fear, anxiety, and discomfort.
Support for Loved Ones
Besides fostering a peaceful environment for the elderly patient, end-of-life care prioritizes supporting family members. Palliative care provides resources and support to family members, helping them through the emotional and logistical challenges of having elderly patients. More often than not, bereavement support and counseling services are offered to family members before and after the passing of their senior loved ones.
Ethical Considerations
End-of-life care prioritizes the dignity and respect of older adults. Thus, maintaining the patient’s dignity involves ensuring they receive compassion, humanity, understanding, and care. Caregivers work to avoid unnecessary interventions that might prolong suffering and always aim to uphold the patient’s wishes and needs. Ethical issues such as changes in treatment plans or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments are handled with great sensitivity, care, and understanding.
Cognitive Support
Cognitive support is another essential aspect of end-of-life care. With patients suffering from neuro-cognitive ailments such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s, the ability to make decisions or express their desires becomes unstable. Palliative caregivers are adept at providing support for cognitive issues, establishing a system of care, and forming a close-knit relationship that allows them to understand the needs of every individual. Furthermore, caregivers use non-verbal communication techniques to comfort individuals struggling with confusion or cognitive decline.
Family Involvement
Open communication and family involvement are essential factors under end-of-life hospice or home health care. Healthcare providers must build an open channel of communication with their patients and loved ones to understand the patient’s wishes, needs, and goals. More often than not, family involvement with palliative care focuses on forming an ecosystem of comfort, love, and dignity.
Love and Respect
Be it hospice care or home health care, end-of-life care prioritizes upholding respect, kindness, dignity, and love for elderly patients. Senior individuals may not be able to advocate for their needs and requirements, and thus, it becomes essential for caregivers to do so for them. By fostering love, kindness, respect, understanding, and emotional intimacy, caregivers can administer quality care that genuinely prioritizes the needs and wants of older adults.